Although Dresden's cobbled old town can mean a bumpy ride for wheelchair users, most disabled travellers should be able to enjoy this city as much as anyone. Germany's current campaign 'Tourism without Barriers' encourages accessible accommodation and transport, and even boasts personal guides who can communicate in sign language.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND
Air
At Dresden Airport all levels are accessible by lift, including underground S-Bahn station. There are accessible toilets and telephones in the building and non-ambulant visitors can expect to be carried by trained staff to and from the plane using an aisle chair.
Road and Rail
Many buses and trams are of the 'low-floored' variety, and by 2010 Dresden plans to have this feature on the whole fleet.
Rail travellers must call 01805 512 512 to book assistance at stations, and it is sometimes possible for the disabled person or their assistant to travel free of charge or at a reduced rate. As well as booking, it is important to follow routine and announce to the platform manager in good time that you will need assistance; in Germany I have been pointedly ignored by staff (and have subsequently seen my train depart without me) for not doing this.
Taxis
Several taxi companies in the city run wheelchair accessible vehicles. Rates are on a par with standard cars and you must call +49 (0) 351 211 211 one day in advance to book.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance can be purchased from Age Concern (tel: 0845 601 2234; web: www.ageconcern.org.uk), who have no upper age limit, and Free Spirit (tel: 0845 230 5000; web: www.free-spirit.com), who cater for people with pre-existing medical conditions. Most insurance companies will insure disabled travellers, but it is essential that they are made aware of your disability.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Both www.germany-tourism.de and www.dresden.de carry information (in English) for disabled visitors, and specific queries can be posed to the Dresden Tourist Office.
An information booklet "Dresden - für Gäste mit Handicap" ("Dresden - for Disabled Visitors") can be obtained by calling +49 (0) 351 4919 2100 or emailing prospekt@dresden-tourist.de, but is only available in German.
Natko (National Tourism Coordination Agency for All People) is the central organising body on the subject, although again, its website - www.natko.de - is in German only.