Accessibility Information

Navigating Amsterdam with disabilities

General Accessibility in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is an old city with many historic buildings, which can present accessibility challenges. However, significant efforts are continually being made to improve accessibility for visitors with disabilities. Many sidewalks have ramps, and newer public transport is often accessible.

  • Accessible Amsterdam Resources: Websites like iamsterdam.com (Accessibility section) and accessibletravel.nl offer specific information on accessible attractions, accommodations, and transport.
  • Wheelchair Rental: Various medical supply companies offer wheelchair rental services for visitors. It's advisable to book in advance. Examples include Star Shops (+31 20 682 0707) or check with Accessible Travel Netherlands.
  • Accessible Public Toilets: Look for the International Symbol of Access (wheelchair symbol). Accessible public toilets can be found in major train stations, some department stores, museums, and larger public venues. The HogeNood app can also help locate nearby toilets.
  • Wheelchair Taxis: Several companies operate wheelchair-accessible taxis (WAVs). Booking in advance is essential. Examples include Taxi Electric, Staxi (+31 20 705 8888), or through Accessible Travel Netherlands.
  • Accessible Canal Cruises: Some canal cruise companies offer boats with wheelchair lifts or accessible entry. It's crucial to contact them in advance to confirm availability and book an accessible tour. Blue Boat Company and Stromma are known to have accessible options.

Museum Accessibility

Accessibility varies significantly between museums due to the age and design of the buildings. Always check the official website of each museum for the most detailed and up-to-date accessibility information before your visit.

Anne Frank House

  • Accessibility Status: Due to the historic nature and narrow staircases of the Secret Annex, the main part of the museum (the hiding place itself) is unfortunately not accessible for wheelchair users or those with significant mobility impairments.
  • Virtual Tour: A comprehensive virtual tour of the Secret Annex is available both in the museum (in a dedicated space) and online, allowing visitors who cannot access the Annex to experience it.
  • Modern Museum Section: The modern part of the museum, which includes the entrance area, café, museum shop, and temporary exhibition spaces, is generally accessible with elevators and accessible toilets.
  • Assistance: Staff are available to assist visitors with various needs. Contact the museum in advance for specific requirements.
  • Audio Guides: Available in multiple languages.
  • Official Website (Accessibility): annefrank.org/en/museum/practical-information/accessibility/

Rijksmuseum

  • Entrance: The main entrance (Atrium) is wheelchair-accessible.
  • Elevators & Lifts: Available throughout the museum to access all floors and galleries.
  • Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters: A limited number of wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge (reservation recommended). Personal mobility scooters are generally permitted.
  • Guide Dogs & Assistance Animals: Permitted throughout the museum.
  • Multimedia Tour: The Rijksmuseum app offers tours, and some content may be adapted for visitors with visual or hearing impairments. Check availability.
  • Tactile Experiences: The museum sometimes offers special tours or tactile reproductions for visually impaired visitors. Inquire in advance.
  • Accessible Toilets: Available on various floors.
  • Official Website (Accessibility): rijksmuseum.nl/en/visit/accessibility

Van Gogh Museum

  • Full Accessibility: The museum is generally considered very accessible for wheelchair users and visitors with other disabilities.
  • Elevators & Lifts: Available to all floors.
  • Wheelchair Rental: Free to borrow (limited supply, reservation recommended).
  • Audio Guides: Available, and some tours may be adapted. The museum also offers a "Feeling Van Gogh" program for blind and partially sighted visitors.
  • Sign Language Tours: May be available with advance booking for groups.
  • Tactile Reproductions: The "Feeling Van Gogh" program includes tactile reproductions of paintings.
  • Accessible Toilets: Available.
  • Official Website (Accessibility): vangoghmuseum.nl/en/visit/accessibility

For other museums, please always consult their individual websites for specific accessibility information.

Transportation Accessibility

Public Transport (GVB)

  • Trams: Many newer trams are low-floor and accessible, indicated by a wheelchair symbol. However, not all tram stops have elevated platforms for level boarding. Check the GVB app or website for accessible routes.
  • Accessible Tram Lines: Lines such as 1, 2, 5, 7, 13, 14, 17, 19, 24, and 26 are generally served by accessible trams, but it's good to verify.
  • Buses: All city buses (GVB) have low-floor access and a retractable ramp. The driver can assist if needed.
  • Metro: All metro stations have elevators, and all metro trains are accessible.
  • Ferries: The free GVB ferries from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Amsterdam Noord are generally wheelchair accessible.
  • Assistance: For specific journey planning or assistance, contact GVB customer service or use their app.
  • GVB Website (Accessibility): gvb.nl/en/accessibility provides detailed information.

Trains (NS - Dutch Railways)

  • Station Accessibility: Major stations like Amsterdam Centraal have elevators, ramps, and accessible facilities. Information about specific station accessibility can be found on the NS website.
  • Train Accessibility: Most intercity and sprinter trains have accessible entrances (often marked with a wheelchair symbol), designated spaces for wheelchairs, and accessible toilets.
  • NS Travel Assistance: NS offers travel assistance for boarding and alighting trains. This service should be booked in advance (ideally 24 hours, but at least 1 hour before travel via phone or online).
  • Booking Assistance: Call +31 30 235 7822 or visit ns.nl/en/.../travel-assistance.html

Accommodation & Other Resources

Accessible Hotels

Many hotels in Amsterdam offer accessible rooms, but it's crucial to book well in advance and specify your exact needs. Some examples often cited for good accessibility (verify current status):

  • Hotel Pulitzer Amsterdam
  • Conservatorium Hotel
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station
  • Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre
  • Conscious Hotels (various locations, focus on sustainability and some have accessible rooms)

Websites like Booking.com or Expedia often have filters for accessible accommodations.

Additional Resources

  • I Amsterdam Visitor Centres: Staff can provide some accessibility information for attractions and events.
  • Accessible Travel Netherlands: A specialized travel agency that can help arrange accessible holidays, including accommodation, transport, and tours: accessibletravelnl.com
  • Sage Traveling: Offers information on accessible travel in European cities, including Amsterdam.
  • Disabled Parking: If driving, look for designated disabled parking spots (European Blue Badge may be recognized, but check local regulations).

Remember that accessibility needs vary widely; when in doubt, always contact venues, transport providers, or accommodation directly before your visit to ensure they can accommodate your specific requirements and to get the most current information.