Making Quedlinburg, a World Heritage City, more accessible for people.
In the picturesque town of Quedlinburg, located in the Harz region of Germany, progress and challenges coexist in a vibrant tapestry. This historic town, known for its medieval architecture, has been making strides in accessibility for disabled individuals, while also showcasing its rich cultural heritage.
Since 2014, the Mayor of Quedlinburg has been conducting annual tours to address accessibility issues, with Barbara Kühn, a wheelchair user, leading the way. During these tours, Barbara and her caregiver navigate through holes, cross ruts, and uneven cobblestones, highlighting the difficulties faced by wheelchair users in Quedlinburg.
Barbara's participation in these tours aims to draw attention to these obstacles and push for change. Klaus Stegmann, another wheelchair user involved in the working group 'Barrier-free World Heritage City Quedlinburg', finds that while progress has been made, it has been slow.
In a positive development, Quedlinburg has been addressing barriers to accessibility caused by curbs and cobblestones since 2025. Planned measures include infrastructure projects such as bridge renovation that consider historic preservation while enhancing usability. A ramp is to be installed temporarily in a part of the old town to address a noted accessibility issue.
The castle museum in Quedlinburg plans to complete the ancestral gallery of the abbesses, using women of today as models. Meanwhile, an exhibition in Quedlinburg showcases the work of Theodor Lux Feininger, a renowned German artist.
Quedlinburg also celebrates its cultural heritage through other means. For instance, it recently received a lost Klopstock letter on the 300th anniversary of the poet. The abandoned spa center Bad Suderode in the Harz is also planning a new future, according to plans by the city of Quedlinburg.
However, accessibility is not just a local concern. In neighbouring cities like Magdeburg, Halle, and Dessau, deaf people can find barrier-free cultural offers. For visually impaired people, the new law for more accessibility is an important step, but not enough, as key points are still left out.
Samantha Mantel, the equal opportunities officer, documents the accessibility issues noted during the tour and sends a protocol to the responsible departments for solutions. Barbara Kühn expresses hope that the tours will make a difference and that she would like to check the progress again at the twelfth barrier-free round in Quedlinburg.
The journey towards a more accessible Quedlinburg continues, with 100 obstacles removed over the past eleven years. Yet, there remains much work to be done. The town, with its rich history and vibrant community, is a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of inclusivity.
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