Like many European cities, Berlin has some way to go before it becomes totally accessible for people with disabilities. For instance, many restaurants have their bathrooms down a steep flight of stairs. That said, the city is making a concerted effort to improve the situation. Airports and major train stations all have appropriate facilities, including special parking. The public transport network is already fairly well equipped with ‘kneeling’ buses and trams outfitted for wheelchairs. Elevators are being systematically installed in the U-Bahn stations that lack them.

The city government has also started the initiative Berlin barrierfrei, which awards yellow placards for display, designating private businesses, public institutions and other facilities barrier-free. The useful website www.mobidat.net has information in several languages on keeping people with disabilities mobile in Berlin. Its searchable database has more than 21,000 facilities qualifying as suitable for wheelchairs.