Międzyzdroje and Świnoujście
The trip to Międzyzdroje and Świnoujście is a sentimental journey back to my youth when these towns were the destination for my camping vacations. I was eager to see the changes in these towns after almost 30 years. These seaside resorts not only impress with their beautiful landscapes but also offer more and more facilities for people with disabilities using wheelchairs.
The accommodation options for people with disabilities in wheelchairs proved to be more abundant in Międzyzdroje, where I found a hotel that fully met my requirements and was within my budget.
Międzyzdroje - Friendly for the Disabled?
Tourist Attractions
Moving around the most popular tourist areas of Międzyzdroje, such as the pier and the Promenade of Stars, is very easy. Sidewalks and promenades are even, and curbs are often lowered, making it much easier to navigate in a wheelchair. The pier is also accessible due to its concrete and level surface.
Beach Access
The town offers three official beach access points adapted for people with disabilities. However, the friendly surface ends just after descending from the dune line, which significantly complicates getting closer to the water. An exception is entrance F, from which a wooden walkway leads to a beach restaurant, allowing proximity to the sea.
Museums and Parks
Although I couldn't verify all the facilities due to time constraints, Międzyzdroje offers several attractions accessible to people with disabilities, such as the Museum of Wolin National Park, the Oceanarium, and the Baltic Miniature Park. The picturesque seaside promenade running along the dunes is fully accessible for wheelchair users.
Świnoujście - A City Accessible to Everyone?
Promenades
Świnoujście offers three different promenades that are ideal for wheelchair walks. The dune promenade is perfect for those who want to admire the sea, the Health Promenade offers peace and quiet, while the Historical Promenade buzzes with life due to crowds and street performers. All these paths are even and well-equipped. While walking along the promenades, you may come across fountains and other interesting attractions.
Beach Access
Świnoujście stands out for its numerous long and accessible beach access points for wheelchair users. The best of them is located on Aleja Interferii, at the intersection of the Historical Promenade and the newly constructed Forest Promenade, which stretches through park areas.
Parking and Transportation
Along the Historical Promenade, there are several parking spaces for people with disabilities. Unfortunately, all tourist trains that allow for quick and efficient guided tours of Świnoujście are not adapted for transporting wheelchair users, which is very disappointing.
Summary
I consider the trip to Międzyzdroje and Świnoujście to be very successful. I saw the LNG terminal and drove through the underwater tunnel to the island of Usedom. I also had the opportunity to take a free car ferry. Thanks to the sunny weather, I was able to visit places that I remember perfectly from my youth. However, much has changed since then.
Overall, these towns are beautifying and modernizing, but in developing their tourist base, they lose some of their charm. The pursuit of profit sometimes takes on a caricatured character. This is clearly visible on the pier in Międzyzdroje, where almost the entire length is lined with restaurant tents, leaving little more than a meter for pedestrians.
The trip to Międzyzdroje and Świnoujście is an excellent choice for wheelchair users who want to spend their holidays by the Polish sea. These towns are continuously developing their infrastructure to be more friendly for the disabled. Although there is still much to be done, the changes are heading in the right direction. As a result, more and more people can enjoy tourist attractions and the beauty of the Polish coastline.
When planning a trip, it is worth paying attention to the available facilities and booking accommodation in advance, as well as checking tourist attractions to ensure a comfortable journey full of unforgettable experiences.
