A stroll through Waldbreitbach: The 3-kilometer-long “Kleine Wäller Wied-Runde” has been certified as an accessible hiking trail. With its numerous sights throughout the town and along the Wied River, the loop trail offers several attractions even within just a few kilometers. It is paved and runs entirely on level ground, making it easy to walk, especially since several benches and cafés provide opportunities to take a break.
About 10 million people with disabilities live in Germany. They travel significantly less than the average person. Often, the lack of accessible options and reliable information is the cause. Against this backdrop, the German Seminar for Tourism and the association “Tourism for All” launched a project as early as 2011 to develop the nationwide “Travel for All” certification system. For the first time, information essential to guests is being collected by trained surveyors and documented according to clear quality criteria.
In Waldbreitbach, the following features received positive ratings: the accessible parking lot, the step-free access to the grounds, a minimum width of 90 cm for all passageways, a bus stop near the starting point, an accessible public restroom, and the fact that service dogs are welcome. The path is at least 100 cm wide and has a maximum gradient of 8%. There are sufficient seating areas, and the path is consistently and continuously signposted.
All areas meet the quality criteria for the “Travel for All – Accessibility Verified” designation, with the addition of “partially accessible for people with mobility impairments.” In December and January, the loop trail also passes through the Waldbreitbach Christmas Village with all its nativity scenes and holiday lights.
Direct link to the hiking trail:
 Andreas Pacek.JPG)