Lübeck’s UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises three areas. You get the feeling that Lübeck is a single treasure. Also in terms of assistance dogs. More on this later.
We were only able to test a section ourselves. This was not only because we were very tired of the pavement and had underestimated the size and height differences, but also because of the icy cold wind, which was particularly hard on assistance dog Mascha, and tired brakes on the wheelchair.
We were first drawn to the Gängeviertel in the south-western part of the old town. On a guided tour, we wanted to find out more about the turbulent history of the quarter and immerse ourselves in the old, then very difficult life in the corridors. The quarter was saved from demolition by the citizens of Lübeck. Conclusion: If you are in Lübeck, you should take a tour like this. Let your assistance dog do all the toileting beforehand, as there is hardly any dog-friendly green space in the corridors. If you want to take part with a guide dog, you should explain to the guide what width and height the dog needs to pass you.
There are always alternatives in the enchanted labyrinth. Wheelchair users, be sure to check the brakes and plan for the fact that you will need pushing assistance. My wheelchair has a strong traction device, but the incline was sometimes extreme and then you had to turn around very sharp bends into very narrow gears… Wheelchair users with assistance dogs don’t fit through many short corridors at the same time, i.e. the assistance dog then waits briefly, you roll in and let the dog run behind your wheelchair or call it through when you arrive in the courtyard. Twice the guide sent us on an alternative route (he also looks for you if you get lost) because there were steps or the passage was too narrow for the wheelchair. This may all sound very strenuous. But it was really worth it.
Of course, we couldn’t manage the seven churches, but we did visit at least one in the old town.
You can’t visit Lübeck in two days. But the European Hanseatic Museum deserves a visit even if you are short of time. Greatest self-image for assistance dogs. Not a single member of staff said anything. It was the most normal thing in the world to go to the museum with an assistance dog. It was clear to see that there had already been a lot of education about the access campaign in Lübeck. The museum has a stair elevator for wheelchairs up to the Burgkloster and from there to the Gängeviertel. However, it is not suitable for wheelchairs or assistance dogs. However, the museum staff were very helpful. Many thanks again.
The history of the Hanseatic League is presented in an entertaining way in the museum. You can immerse yourself in times long past and understand how far the Hanseatic League still reaches into our own time. The museum is barrier-free.
We also tested the Café Niederegger and the store below. Here, too, the assistance dog was no problem. Very well-informed staff explained to other dog owners why the assistance dog was allowed in, but not the family dog.
The “Assistance dog-friendly municipality” campaign was made possible by funding from Aktion Mensch.
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