Rotterdam & South Holland

Rotterdam and South Holland have made significant strides in accessibility. Rotterdam, as a modern city rebuilt after World War II, generally offers better accessibility than older Dutch cities. However, some historic areas in South Holland may present challenges. The region has implemented various measures to accommodate travelers with disabilities, but it's advisable to plan ahead and check specific accessibility features of destinations and services.

The Netherlands adheres to EU accessibility standards. Public buildings constructed after 2018 must meet accessibility requirements. Rotterdam has implemented a city-wide program called 'Rotterdam Onbeperkt' (Rotterdam Unlimited) to improve accessibility. However, specific data on the percentage of fully accessible buildings in South Holland is not readily available. Travelers should note that while efforts are ongoing, not all areas may be fully accessible.

Rotterdam's public transport system is largely accessible. All metro stations have elevators, and trams are equipped with low floors and wheelchair spaces. Buses have ramps and designated wheelchair areas. The water taxi service in Rotterdam offers some accessible boats, but advance booking is recommended. For regional travel, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains provide assistance for disabled passengers with 1-hour notice for domestic journeys and 48 hours for international trips.

Many major attractions in Rotterdam and South Holland are accessible. The Euromast observation tower in Rotterdam has wheelchair access to its main deck. The Kinderdijk windmills offer accessible paths and a visitor center. Museums like the Kunsthal and Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam have step-free access. However, some historic sites in cities like Delft or Gouda may have limited accessibility due to their age and protected status.

Rotterdam offers a range of accessible hotels, including major international chains and local establishments. Many hotels provide rooms with roll-in showers and other accessibility features. However, in smaller towns of South Holland, accessible options may be more limited. It's advisable to contact accommodations directly to confirm specific accessibility features. Exact numbers of accessible rooms are not publicly available, so early booking is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.

1. Use the Toegankelijk.nl website to find accessibility information for various locations in the Netherlands. 2. Consider purchasing a European Disability Card, which can provide benefits in participating EU countries. 3. Be aware that cobblestone streets are common in historic areas and can be challenging for wheelchair users. 4. When visiting beaches, check for availability of beach wheelchairs, which some coastal towns provide. 5. Always call ahead to confirm accessibility features, as information online may not always be up to date.