- 1
-
Belgium
Share information and ask questions about accessible travel in Belgium.
Organizers:
- Organized by
-
1815 Mémorial of Napoleon’s final defeat in Waterloo, Belgium
1815 Mémorial of Napoleon’s final defeat in Waterloo, Belgium
The 200+ steps to the top of the mound with the lion statue to commemorate Napoleon’s defeat over two hundred years ago will probably not be of interest to wheelchair users or those who have difficulty climbing stairs, but the new museum for the 200th anniversary of this event is accessible and recommended.
The site can be reached by a local bus that can accommodate wheelchairs, or by car. The parking lot has several disabled parking spots.
The museum is located below ground level and there is a long cobblestone slope to reach the entrance, which is accessible to most, although a little bumpy.
The museum has audio guides in several languages, including French, English and German. The interactive touch screens anad displays appeal to both adults and children and take the visitor through the history leading up to 1815. One of the displays using a telescope requires the visitor to stand, but otherwise interaction can be done from a sitting position, with many of the touch screens at several different heights. The fantastic 15 minute 3D panarama movie of the battle is viewed standing, but can accommodate wheelchair users and there are couple of seats for those who would like to sit. The museum has an elevator, slopes and a large seperate accessible toilet. The gift shop has large aisles and is easy to navigate.
Unfortunately, once outside of the museum there are only stairs to the top of the mound with the lion statue on top. The symmetry of the mound, which sticks boldly out of the relatively flat Belgium countryside, can be seen from the paved path at ground level.
- 1 Reply
Thanks for the information!
Even though the stairs are not accessible, it still sounds like there is a lot to enjoy and learn!
Log in to reply.