Accessible day trips in Flanders and Brussels · Located at the foot of the Atomium, Mini-Europe...
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Accessible day trips in Flanders and Brussels Last amended: January 2012 Accessible Travel Info Point – Tourism Flanders Grasmarkt 61, 1000 Brussels +32 70 23 30 50 - +32 70 23 30 51 www.accessinfo.be - post@accessinfo.be 1
Transcript of Accessible day trips in Flanders and Brussels · Located at the foot of the Atomium, Mini-Europe...
Accessible day trips
in Flanders and Brussels
Last amended: January 2012
Accessible Travel Info Point – Tourism Flanders Grasmarkt 61, 1000 Brussels
+32 70 23 30 50 - +32 70 23 30 51 www.accessinfo.be - [email protected]
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Introduction This information pack gives an overview of the possibilities regarding accessible day trips in Flanders and Brussels. People with physical disabilities often need adjustments to make their visit to a museum or attraction run more smoothly. Most of the information in this pack is therefore primarily aimed at people with a physical disability. But we do include initiatives that offer extra facilities for other types of impairment as well. Not all the sites that call themselves accessible are included in this pack. Our information is always based on objective expert research, i.e. on the positive experiences of visitors with a disability. Some journeys have also been tested by our staff. Whether or not something is accessible, varies greatly from one person to the next. Every disability or impairment is different. We recommend that you always get in touch with the places mentioned in advance so as to get a concrete idea of what to expect. This information is in no way comprehensive but it’s a start. You can always contact us for additional information, or send us your tips and experiences.
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Table of contents Brussels p4 West Flanders p8 Bruges p8 Coast p12 Westhoek and other p15 Flemish-Brabant p18 Leuven p18 Other p20 Antwerp p23 Antwerp p23 Mechelen p26 Other p27 East Flanders p29 Ghent p29 Dendermonde p30 Eeklo p31 Oudenaarde p32 Other p33 Limburg p35 Hasselt p35 Genk p36 Other p37
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Brussels
1. Museums and sites - Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) Hofberg 2, 1000 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2 545 01 30 Fax: +32 (0)2 545 01 78 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mim.be All floors are accessible by a lift, from where the exhibition spaces can be easily visited. There is an accessible toilet. The museum also has an easily accessible restaurant that you can go to without visiting the museum. Wheelchairs are available and guide dogs are allowed. The museum organises workshops, tours and concerts for people with a visual or hearing impairment and for visitors with a learning disability. Tel.: +32 (0)2 545 01 53 or e-mail: [email protected] - Magritte Museum Koningsplein 2, 1000 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 508 32 11 Fax: +32 (0)2 508 32 32 Website: www.musee-magritte-museum.be The Magritte Museum organises adapted guided tours for deaf and hearing-impaired visitors and people with a visual impairment. Individual deaf visitors can join a guided tour with a deaf guide once a month. The tour is organised on the second Saturday of each month. For a group visit in sign language, you should book through [email protected]. If you have a hearing aid then you can also book the Guide-U system. This system, with a headphone and microphone, is connected to your hearing aid. Ask about it when you book. Visually-impaired visitors should certainly give the Equinox programme a try. With relief drawings, music, poetry, all kinds of objects, 3D productions and audio description you can discover the wonderful world of Magritte. - Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History Jubelpark 3, 1000 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2 737 78 09 or +32 (0)2 737 78 33 Fax: +32 (0)2 737 78 02 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.klm-mra.be Most rooms are accessible; the 1st floor of the aeroplane hall is not accessible, nor is the Archway Gallery (with exception of the Napoleonic section). The adapted toilets are accessible with help. Wheelchairs are available. Guided tours are also organised for people with a visual or hearing impairment. You do, however, need to reserve one month in advance.
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- Autoworld Jubelpark 11, 1000 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2 736 41 65 Fax: +32 (0)2 736 51 36 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.autoworld.be More than 250 vehicles of various origin recount the history of automobile and illustrate the spectacular development of vehicles over more than a century. Fairly accessible, but help is needed to take the lift. There is an adapted toilet, but you need to ask a member of staff for the key. - Mini-Europe Bruparck, Eeuwfeestenlaan 20, 1020 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2 478 05 50 and +32 (0)2 474 13 13 Fax: +32 (0)2 478 26 75 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.minieurope.eu Located at the foot of the Atomium, Mini-Europe allows visitors a chance to see perfect replicas of the best monuments and sites of Europe Reserved parking is provided at the second entrance to Bruparck (Athletenlaan – at the rear of the King Baudouin Stadium). In The Village there is a route provided for visitors in wheelchairs. This route runs past the rear of the playground and gives easy access to the square at The Village and the entrance to Mini-Europe. Mini-Europe, Oceade and Kinepolis (theatres 8, 9, 13 and Imax) are equipped to welcome visitors in wheelchairs. - Cinquentenaire Museum Jubelpark 10, 1000 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2 741 72 11 Fax: +32 (0)2 733 77 35 Website: www.kmkg-mrah.be In the Cinquantenaire Museum,you can see national archaeological artefacts from prehistory to the age of the Merovingians, as well as finds from Egypt, the Near East, Iran and Classical Antiquity. Accessible via a side entrance, all floors can be visited with the lift. An adapted toilet is available, as are wheelchairs. The café is also accessible independently of the museum (hot meals are served). Guided tours are being organised for people with a visual impairment. However, reservation is required at least one month in advance. Guide dogs are allowed. - Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium Museumstraat 5, 1000 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 32 11 Fax: +32 (0)2 508 32 32 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.fine-arts-museum.be Easily accessible, all floors can be visited via the lift. Adapted toilets and a café. Guided tours are being organised for people with a physical, cognitive, visual or auditory impairment. There is also a special programme for individuals and groups of children, young people and adults with economic, social or cultural difficulties who are looking for a better social and cultural integration. Contact the education service for the guided tours on +32 (0)2 508 33 33
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- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences Vautierstraat 29, 1000 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2 627 42 38 Fax: +32 (0)2 646 44 66 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.natuurwetenschappen.be In the Museum of Natural Sciences there are 2 adapted parking spaces. You can reach the entrance door via a ramp (the outside door does not open automatically, but the parking attendant can help you). The museum has two wheelchairs that you can reserve. All floors are accessible by lift so that the exhibition areas can be visited easily. In the Gallery of Dinosaurs and in the Evolution gallery there are two smaller balconies that are not wheelchair accessible. The Dino Café and the Museum Shop are also easily accessible and can be reached without visiting the museum. There are several adapted toilets: in the dino gallery (level -2), in the minerals room (level -1) and in the insect and shell room. One toilet area is equipped for use with a hoist (dino gallery, level -2). The Education service offers workshops for people with a cognitive, visual or auditory limitation. The PaleoLAB is accessible for wheelchairs. Questions about accessibility: [email protected] or call: +32 (0)2 627 41 98.
2. Miscellaneous - www.stedenandersbekeken.be gives information about the accessibility of Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, Sint-Truiden and Hasselt. Brochures about Lier and Leuven are also available. In these cities walking routes that passed by various sites and museums have been clearly defined. More information: VFG St-Jansstraat 32-38, 1000 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2 515 02 61 Fax: +32 (0)2 511 50 76 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.vfg.be - “Brussels on Wheels” (Brussel op Wieltjes) consists of 3 routes: Grand Place, Sablon and Marollen. They are accessible for people with a manual wheelchair who are accompanied by a helper. Provision is made for accessibility for people with a cognitive limitation. You can download the available tours from www.indivo.be. For more information, contact Indivo. Vzw Indivo Naaldstraat 23, 1070 Anderlecht Tel.: +32 (0)2 521 15 36 GSM: +32 (0)475 26 78 32 E-mail: [email protected]
- The website www.brusselvoorallen.be (“Brussels for all”) contains information about the accessibility of transport, leisure facilities, hotels,
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restaurants, cafes, museums, attractions, etc, for wheelchair users, people who have difficulty walking and people with a visual or hearing disability. Everything was checked on site. The information is available in French, Dutch and English. Contact person: Miguel Gerez A. Renoirstraat 5/4, 1140 Evere Tel.: +32 (0)2 705 03 48 GSM: 0477 31 86 07 E-mail: [email protected] - The centre of Brussels through the eyes of the blind and visually impaired These 'fun and culinary' theme walks were specially prepared for the blind and visually impaired. You can touch, listen, smell, etc. and also taste different specialities from Brussels. The guide tells the story from the viewpoint of the 'poor man in Brussels' and what he ate and experienced throughout the centuries, and the influence of the clergy and noblemen on him. Historic events hidden in our language, street names, house facades and the very fabric of the city are also explained. This interactive walk with two guides in Dutch, French or English is 3 km (2 miles) and takes a maximum of 3 hours. Available upon request only. Reservations by post or fax via: VisitBrussels asbl/vzw Stadhuis, Grote Markt, 1000 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2 548 04 47 Fax: +32 (0)2 514 45 38 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.visitbrussels.be - Brussels museums must be heard An elite group of famous Flemings, Walloons, residents of Brussels and world citizens comment on their favourite locations or objects that you can visit in one of the 35 participating museums. You can load their personal comments beforehand and save them on your mp3 player at home, in order subsequently to listen to them at the museum. (www.museumtalks.be). - Use-It Wheelchair Map Brussels doesn't have a very good reputation when it comes to wheelchairs, but the youth travel service Use-It have come up with an original concept. They designed a city map of Brussels specifically for young wheelchair users. The map really is tailored to their needs and fits on their lap so they can keep their hands free to operate their wheelchairs. This successful service gives you those special insider tips provided by wheelchair users from Brussels who know what young people are interested in. Tip: bring an extra cushion to soften the ride on those typical cobblestones!
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West Flanders
Bruges
1. Museums and sites - Sint-Salvators Cathedral Steenstraat, 8000 Bruges E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sintsalvator.be Entrance via the side, easily accessible. - Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk) Mariastraat, 8000 Bruges Tel: +32 (0)50 33 19 17 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.onthaalkerk-brugge.be Easy access. Some wheelchair users may need assistance for a 10% incline inside the church. - Memling in Sint Jan Museum (former St John Hospital) Mariastraat 38, 8000 Bruges Tel.: +32 (0)50 44 87 11 Fax: +32 (0)50 44 87 78 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.museabrugge.be The St. John’s Hospital (now Memling in Sint-Jan - Hospital Museum) is one of the oldest preserved hospital buildings in Europe. The museum gives a moving impression of what life was like in a medieval hospital ward. The hospital chapel is a virtual monument to the artistic genius of Hans Memling. This 15th-century artist created many of his greatest works for the St John’s Hospital, including his famous St. Ursula Shrine. Museum and toilet are accessible with help, entrance via lift. There are raised markings on the lift buttons for people with a visual impairment. - Groeninge Museum Dijver 12, 8000 Bruges Tel.: +32 (0)50 44 87 11 Fax: +32 (0)50 44 87 78 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.museabrugge.be The permanent collection shows a rich and fascinating array of artworks from the southern Netherlands (Belgium) over a period of six centuries Accessible with help via a 6% incline; one room is inaccessible. The toilet is accessible with help. - Museum of Archaeology Mariastraat 36a, 8000 Bruges Tel.: +32 (0)50 44 87 11
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Fax: +32 (0)50 44 87 78 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.museabrugge.be This museum confronts aspects of life from prehistory, the Roman period and the Middle Ages (both Early and Late) with elements of 21st-century living. Under the motto of 'feel the past under your feet,' you will discover the history of the city through a series of 'do' and 'search' tasks. The ground floor is accessible with help. Guide dogs are allowed if arranged in advance. - Guido Gezelle Museum Rolweg 64, 8000 Bruges Tel.: +32 (0)50 44 87 11 Fax: +32 (0)50 44 87 78 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.museabrugge.be Discover more about the work of the famous Flemish writer, Guido Gezelle, in the house where he was born. In addition to a glimpse into his life and work, explore temporary presentations about the art of the written word. The museum is easily accessible. - Holy Blood Basilica (Heilig-Bloedbasiliek) Burg 10, 8000 Bruges The entrance to the ground floor chapel is narrow, but accessible with a manual wheelchair. Inside accessible with help (steps to be negotiated). The upper chapel containing the valuable relics is not accessible. - The Belfry, the Market, the Oud St.-Jan site, Minnewater and the Beguinage are also worth a visit. Bear in mind that a large part of the mediaeval city of Bruges is paved with cobbles. - Beisbroek Observatory vzw Zeeweg 96, 8200 Bruges Tel: +32 (0)50 39 05 66 Fax: +32 (0)50 39 32 44 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.beisbroek.be A platform lift takes you to the planetarium where you can enjoy the magnificent star-spangled sky. You can see how the sun apparently seems to move throughout the year, the ever-changing faces of the moon and the dancing of the planets between the shiny stars that goes on forever. The telescopes in the observatory are not accessible for wheelchairs, however, the images which can be seen through the telescopes can be projected on the planetarium dome so that everybody can enjoy them. With an ear loop system, people with a hearing impairment can also follow the comments and music of the presentations comfortably. If you have a visual impairment, you can request the services of a member of staff who will explain everything in detail. There is also an easily accessible toilet.
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2. Miscellaneous - The website www.toegankelijkbrugge.be gives more information on the accessibility of restaurants, sites, shops, etc. in Bruges. The site is available in English, Dutch, French, German and Spanish (but keep in mind that the website dates from 2002-2003). The brochure “Accessibility Guide Bruges 2002” can be requested from the following address: Kartuizerinnenstraat 6, 8000 Bruges More info: Tel.: +32 (0)50 32 77 95 E-mail: [email protected] - www.stedenandersbekeken.be gives information about the accessibility of Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, Sint-Truiden and Hasselt. Brochures about Lier and Leuven are also available. In these cities walking routes that passed by various sites and museums have been clearly defined. The information on the website is available in Dutch and French only. More information: VFG St-Jansstraat 32-38, 1000 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2 515 02 61 Fax: +32 (0)2 511 50 76 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.vfg.be
3. Restaurants According to the organisation Steden Anders Bekeken, the following restaurants in Bruges are accessible: - Maria Van Bourgondië Guido Gezelleplein 1, 8000 Bruges Tel: +32 (0)50 33 20 66 Website: www.mariavanbourgondie.be The restaurant and toilet are accessible with assistance (toilet is 148 cm wide). - Verdi Vlamingstraat 5, 8000 Bruges Tel: +32 (0)50 34 42 43 Website: www.verdibrugge.com The restaurant and toilet are accessible with assistance (toilet is 148 cm long). - Café De Republiek Sint-Jacobsstraat 36, 8000 Bruges Tel: +32 (0)50 34 02 29 Website: www.derepubliek.be This Grand Café also serves meals. The café and terrace are accessible and the toilet is also specially adapted. The following restaurant was also recommended as being accessible: - Restaurant De Bretoen Ezelstraat 4, 8000 Bruges
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Tel.: +32 (0)50 34 54 25 Fax: +32 (0)50 67 36 58 The restaurant is easily accessible and has an adapted toilet.
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Coast
1. Museums and sites - Fort Napoleon Vuurtorenweg, 8400 Ostend Tel.: +32 (0)59 32 00 48 or +32 (0)59 33 21 60 (restaurant) Fax: +32 (0)59 32 00 56 or +32 (0)59 33 21 80 (restaurant) E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] Website: www.fortnapoleon.be Most wheelchair users will need help though to reach the entrance. Most of the fort is accessible with the exception of the roof of the museum area and the roof terrace of the bistro and restaurant. A computer is provided that gives wheelchair users information about those sections on the roof of the fort which are not accessible to them. There is an adapted toilet. - Raversijde Domain Nieuwpoortsesteenweg 636, 8400 Ostend Tel.: +32 (0)59 70 22 85 Fax: +32 (0)59 51 45 03 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.west-vlaanderen.be/raversijde The park has three museums: Walraversijde with its archaeological site is easily accessible for wheelchair users, while the Prince Charles Memorial is only partially accessible and the Atlantikwall is not accessible. You can however watch a film about the Atlantikwall at the Prince Charles Memorial. The park itself is accessible via hard surface paths. Cafeteria-Restaurant 'Walrave' is situated at approximately 100 meter from the visitors’ centre, near the car park on the main road and easily accessible for wheelchair users. Tel.: +32 (0)59 30 62. Fax: +32 (0)59 30 62 43. Website: www.walrave.com, E-mail: [email protected] - Mu.ZEE (Museum for Modern Art-by-the-Sea ) Romestraat 11, 8400 Ostend Tel.: +32 (0)59 50 81 18 Fax: +32 (0)59 50 56 26 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.muzee.be The Mu.ZEE is a museum specialized in Belgian art from 1830 on. All rooms in the museum are accessible; on the ground floor there are a few sloping surfaces. There is also an accessible lift. There is an adapted toilet. Guided tours are organised for people with a learning disability. - National Fisheries Museum (Nationaal Visserijmuseum) Pastoor Schmitzstraat 5, 8670 Oostduinkerke Tel.: +32 (0)58 51 24 68 Fax: +32 (0)58 51 08 17 E-mail: [email protected]
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Website: www.visserijmuseum.be In the National Fisheries Museum you stroll through the history of the Flemish sea and coastal fishing industry. The museum is completely accessible and has a lift for wheelchair users and an adapted toilet. The inn ‘De Peerdevisscher’, in the inner square, is accessible with help (1 small step). The adapted toilet behind the inn is accessible via the entrance to Vrijheidsstraat. Guide dogs for the blind are authorised and special tours are organised for groups upon request. The museum has audio guides that can be used for groups (by arrangement) or individual visitors. - Recreational Park Grasduinen Situated in Zandstraat (at house number 101, car park adjacent to house number 103) 8450 Bredene The recreational park Grasduinen is a green zone for sports and playing. Several mountain bike trails and a cycle and hiking path cross the park, and you will also find several sports fields, a fit-o-meter, a large pond, park toys and sanitary facilities. The shower and the toilet are accessible for people with a disability (open every day in July and August between 9am and 6pm). You may need a push occasionally on the footpaths which have been paved with shells. All facilities are free for everyone. More information is available from the Tourist Board in Bredene. Tel +32 (0)59 56 19 70, Fax +32 (0)59 56 19 69, [email protected], www.uitinbredene.be
2. Miscellaneous - Every year for the past six years now the City Advisory Board for People with a Disability (Stedelijke Adviesraad voor Personen met een Handicap) has published a brochure called “Toegankelijk Nieuwpoort” (available in Dutch). It lists all the public services, parking places, restaurants & hotels (with adapted toilet) and businesses that are accessible for wheelchair users. The brochure includes information about the ‘Sun, Sea… Carefree’ assistance project, the four beach wheelchairs, Tiralo sea wheelchairs and wheelchair bikes, and the accessible municipal swimming baths with a pool wheelchair and a pool lift. A relief sign for the blind and visually impaired has recently been put up on the promenade near the square Loodswezenplein. The sign maps out the estuary of the river Ijzer, the neighbouring natural reserve, the pilework, the wave breakers, lighthouses, beach and sea with raised elements that can be felt. The brochure is available free of charge in the tourist offices of the city of Nieuwpoort (Marktplein 7, 8620 Nieuwpoort. Tel.: +32 (0)58 22 44 44, Fax: +32 (0)58 22 44 28, e-mail: [email protected]), and can also be consulted on the website www.nieuwpoort.be. Click on the wheelchair icon at the top of the screen. Toegankelijk Nieuwpoort (Advisory) Tel.: +32 (0)58 23 95 70 SMS messages: +32 (0)473 36 02 41 E-mail: [email protected]
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- You will find further information about the accessibility of the beaches and seaside resorts in the brochure ‘Accessibility of the Flemish Beaches and Coast Municipalities’ from the Accessible Travel information kiosk. You can consult the information on our website www.accessinfo.be or request a copy from us. - Westkans vzw investigated the accessibility of many restaurants and cafés along the coast. Detailed results of this survey can be found at www.toevla.be (Dutch only). You can check whether a restaurant or café is accessible for you or not. If you have no time to lose and you want to enjoy a cosy terrace, check out the summary table on www.westkans.be/nl/RECALIJST.asp or www.accessinfo.be (section Travel information and links, Belgium). - Westkans vzw also tried no less than 360 km (225 miles) of the cycle network along the coast and you can see the results of their experience on www.iedereenfietst.be (Dutch only) and check whether the cycle routes meet your requirements: without gravel or cobblestones, rest areas with benches or accessible toilets, without slopes, etc. The information is actually very interesting for all cyclists, not only people with hand bikes, wheelchair bikes, tandems or bicycle trailers. The organisation Westkans also suggests 10 easy circular cycling routes.
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Westhoek and others
1. Museums and sites - The IJzer Tower IJzerdijk 49, 8600 Diksmuide Tel.: +32 (0)51 50 02 86 Fax: +32 (0)51 50 22 58 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ijzertoren.org The IJzer Tower includes a museum dedicated to World War I and II and is easily accessible. Ramps are provided where necessary, there are adapted toilets, an accessible cafe, a braille model with braille text and audio explanation, etc. A lift leads to the most important floors. The most fascinating attraction is the virtual museum. You can walk through the whole museum at your own pace on the computer, and see the floors that aren't accessible with the lift. Groups can look at the virtual museum on a big screen. The personnel are also on hand to help. - Broel Museum Broelkaai 6, 8500 Kortrijk Tel.: +32 (0)56 27 77 80 Fax: +32 (0)56 27 77 89 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.broelmuseum.be The Broel Museum is an art museum located in Kortrijk. People with a disability will find a doorbell at their height near the main entrance to the museum. Museum staff will accompany you to the side entrance which is easily accessible for people with wheelchairs. The museum has a lift to the first floor. There is an adapted toilet. You can combine this visit with a walk along the nearby Guido Gezellepad. - National Flax Museum (Nationaal Vlasmuseum) Etienne Sabbelaan 4, 8500 Kortrijk Tel.: +32 (0)56 21 01 38 Fax: +32 (0)56 20 04 83 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.vlasmuseum.be The Flax Museum introduces you to the world of flax: how it started and evolved along the banks of the Leie river. The museum explains how flax is processed and shows the main finished products such as lace, linen and damask. Easily accessible, including the first floor (lift). Bistro De Vlasblomme is accessible. Specially adapted toilet is available. - In Flanders Fields museum Lakenhallen, Grote Markt 34, 8900 Ypres Tel.: +32 (0)57 23 92 20 Fax: +32 (0)57 23 92 75 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.inflandersfields.be
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In Flanders Field Museum tells it about the every day life of soldiers during World War I. The museum has been renovated and will open again in June 2012. - Sint-Maartens Cathedral Grote Markt 34, 8900 Ypres Complete access via a special side entrance. - De Bergen Visitors’ Centre Reningelststraat 11, 8950 Heuvelland (Kemmel) Tel.: +32 (0)57 45 04 55 Fax: +32 (0)57 44 89 99 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.heuvelland.be There is a small low step at the entrance door, inside easily accessible. There is an adapted toilet. Guided tours for people with a visual impairment are possible if arranged in advance. - Museum of brushes Baron de Pélichystraat 3, 8870 Izegem Tel.: +32 (0)51 31 64 46 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.musea.izegem.be Special guided tours are organised for the blind and visually impaired where touching objects plays a central role. Booking in advance is essential. - Museum of shoes Wijngaardstraat 9, 8870 Izegem Tel.: +32 (0)51 31 65 43 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.musea.izegem.be Special guided tours are organised for the blind and visually impaired where touching plays a central role. Booking in advance is essential. - Ferdinand Verbiest Visitors Centre Markt 1, 8740 Pittem Tel: 051 46 03 51 Fax: 051 46 03 58 E-mail : [email protected] Website: www.pittem.be The life of Ferdinand Verbiest, who was born in Pittem, is presented in a creative, modern way in this visitors centre. Verbiest was a missionary who went to China in the 17th century to work as a mathematician and astronomer at the court of the Chinese emperor. It was there that he invented the thermometer and the first vehicle with a motor. At the centre, you will not only learn about this famous Jesuit priest but also about the other tourist attractions of the town of Pittem and the Brugse Ommeland region near Bruges. The museum is open on weekdays and entry is free. It's also open on weekends during the high season. The centre, including the toilet, the reception and the many interactive elements and multimedia are fully accessible.
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2. Miscellaneous - VVV Lo-Reninge Markt 17a, 8647 Lo-Reninge Tel.: +32 (0)58 28 91 66 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.lauka.be Various tours/walks are organised, some of which are also accessible for wheelchair users. These range from city and nature walks, to visits to sites and even horse-riding and canoeing. - De Palingbeek Provincial Domain Palingbeekstraat / Vaartstraat, 8902 Zillebeke-Ieper Contact: Johan Mahieu Tel.: +32 (0)50 40 32 57 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.west-vlaanderen.be/kwaliteit/Leefomgeving/bezoekerscentra/palingbeek/Pages/default.aspx (Dutch only) Extensive area for walking with extensive flora and fauna. The paths are easily accessible. Restaurant De Palingbeek is perfectly accessible and has an adapted toilet. - Het Sterrebos Provincial Domain Sterrebosdreef / Moorseelsesteenweg, Rumbeke (Roeselare) Contact: Johan Mahieu Tel.: +32 (0)50 40 32 57 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.tov.be/instelling.aspx?id=180746 (Dutch only) Walking in the park and alongside the castle pond is possible. The paths are easily accessible, and there is an accessible toilet. - De Gavers Provincial Domain Meerstraat / Stasegemsesteenweg / Eikenstraat, 8530 Harelbeke Contact: Johan Mahieu Tel.: +32 (0)50 40 32 57 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.harelbeke.be/node/918 Easily accessible footpaths. There is an accessible café.
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Flemish-Brabant
Leuven
1. Museums and sites - M Leuven Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 28, 3001 Leuven Tel: +32 (0)16 27 29 29 Fax: +32 (0)16 50 30 11 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mleuven.be The museum is accessible for wheelchairs and has 3 wheelchairs available for visitors. You should book these in advance. Do you have a visual impairment? Then you can discover the museum with the adapte'Empire of Senses' tour (‘Rijk-der-Zinnen’-rondleiding). The theme, peor method of approaching the works of art changes every two months. You can find the dates of the 'Empire of Senses' tours on the website. Booking
d rspective
is ssential.
Crypt of Treasury of Saint Peter
e - St. Peters Church– Grote Markt, 3000 Leuven Tel: +32 (0)16 22 69 06 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.visitleuven.be Wheelchairs entrance at the side, but a bit tight with a standard wheelchair.
at / Rechtestraat, 3000 Leuven
- Beguinage and Beguinage Church Schapenstraat and KerkstraTel In & Uit: 016 20 30 20 E-mail : [email protected] Website: www.visitleuven.be Accessible, but cobbles all over make for a bumpy walk or ride.
ntoniuskapel) – Crypt of Father Damien en
- St. Anthony Chapel (Sint-APater Damiaanplein, 3000 LeuvTel.: +32 (0)16 20 08 11 E-mail : [email protected] Website: www.visitleuven.be Direct access to the crypt via a side entrance of the Ramberg. In the church, you can use a stair lift to visit the tomb of Father Damian in the crypt. You must give otification in advance.
uven
n - Botanical Gardens Kapucijnenvoer 30, 3000 LeTel.: +32 (0)16 29 44 88 E-mail : [email protected] Website: www.visitleuven.be Easily accessible, there is an accessible toilet.
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- University Library Ladeuzeplein 21, 3000 Leuven
leuven.beTel.: +32 (0)16 32 46 60 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bib.kuleuven.be Accessible via entrance on right-hand side of the building.
l Centre euven
- ‘Romaanse Poort’ CulturaBrusselsestraat 63, 3000 LTel.: +32 (0)16 23 84 27 Fax: +32 (0)16 29 12 15 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.30cc.be Easily accessible especially via spacious lifts. There is an accessible toilet. Guide ogs allowed.
2. Miscellaneous
d
- www.stedenandersbekeken.be gives information about the accessibility of Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, Sint-Truiden and Hasselt. Brochures about Lier anLeuven are also available. In these cities walking routes that pass
d ed by various
and museums have been clearly defined. More information:
Brussels
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sites VFG St-Jansstraat 32-38, 1000Tel.: +32 (0)2 515 02 61 Fax: +32 (0)2 511 5E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.vfg.be
here are accessible toilets on the Grote Markt next to the police station.
3. Restaurants
T
he following restaurants in Leuven are accessible and have an accessible toilet:
Leuven
T - Brasserie Improvisio Brusselsestraat 63b, 3000 Tel.: +32 (0)16 20 76 46 Fax: +32 (0)16 20 48 96 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.improvisio.net
ven el.: +32 (0)16 22 33 72
ven
- Memling Taverne Diestsestraat 38, 3000 LeuT - De Blauwe Maan Mechelsestraat 22, 3000 LeuTel: +32 (0)16 29 97 47 Fax: +32 (0)16 29 97 48
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E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.deblauwemaan.be
01 Heverlee
- De Voltaire J. Vandenbemptlaan 69, 30Tel.: +32 (0)16 20 44 43E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.voltaire.be
TUKcafé) uven
00
- ’t Stuk Kunstencentrum (SNaamsestraat 96, 3000 LeTel.: +32 (0)16 32 03E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.stuk.be
Other
1. Museums and sites
120 Tremelo
- Damiaan Museum Pater Damiaanstraat 37, 3Tel.: +32 (0)16 53 05 19 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.damiaanvandaag.be Quite accessible, but assistance may be needed on the rather steep slopes in tmuseum. The
he re is an adapted toilet, but no space for wheelchairs next to the
in ical or learning
gement only 300 metres away in Huize De Veuster (call: +32 (0)16/53 65 5).
molen Herisem) emberg
toilet itself. People with a visual impairment have the opportunity to hold or touch certaobjects. Special assistance is provided for people with physdisabilities. The guides have experience with the disabled. The museum doesn't have a restaurant but special catering is available by arran9 - Herisem Paper Mill (PapierFabriekstraat 20, 1652 AlsTel.: +32 (0)2 381 07 70 Fax: +32 (0)2 381 08 08 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.herisem.be The museum is in large part easily accessible.
ica Tervuren
- Royal Museum for Central AfrLeuvensesteenweg 13, 3080Tel.: +32 (0)2 769 52 11 Fax: +32 (0)2 769 56 38 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.africamuseum.be The Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA) is an ethnographical and natural history museum in Tervuren, just outside Brussels, Belgium. It was first built to
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King Leopold II's Congo Free State for the 1897 World Exhibition. It focuses mainly on Congo, Belgium's former colony. Not all rooms are accessible; because of the sometimes steep slopes and heavy doors, assistance is recommended. There is an adapted toilet and an accessible café. Wheelchair users can call at the large gate on the Leuvensesteenweg main road. The museum has 5 wheelchairs but booking is advised. The museum will be closed for renovation as from end of 2012. It will re-open in 2015. - Sportimonium Bloso-domein, Trianondreef 19, 1981 Hofstade-Zemst Tel: +32 (0)15 61 82 22 Fax: +32(0)15 61 82 21 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sportimonium.be This sports museum is fully accessible for wheelchair users. Traditional sports in the traditional sports garden and those in the sports lab can be played by wheelchair users. The 'Measuring Up to Athletes' activity is less suitable for people with a wheelchair. ‘Sportimonium – Behind the Scenes' is an invitation for people with a visual impairment to visit the museum together with their family, friends, companion or in a group. A permanent exhibition includes sensory boxes and audio installations to help you understand the history of sports. The first stage is the black-box, a room in total darkness where you are introduced to touching the first object. Everyone is invited to follow the entire tour, including visitors without an impairment so they can learn more about the world of the blind and visually impaired. After visiting the exhibition, you can try the showdown which is a game of table tennis by touch. A number of traditional games and traditional sports are accessible for people with a visual impairment, and this is also the case for the 'Measuring Up to Athletes' activity. Upon request, visitors with a mental disability can receive a specially adapted educational package. Visitors can reach Sportimonium which is located in the Bloso Park via the entrance at Trianondreef 19.
2. Miscellaneous - Dijleland Tourism has developed a package for wheelchair users and the visually impaired. In the morning you can choose from a visit to the Royal Museum for Central Africa, Hof van Melijn, the Witlof Museum, the Forest Museum or the Local History Museum De Botermolen. After lunch you can choose between two bus tours in the region. Dijleland Tourism Aarschotsesteenweg 212, 3010 Leuven Tel: +32 (0)2 16 31 18 61 Fax: +32 (0)2 16 29 85 59 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.dijleland.be
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- Provincial Domain Het Vinne Ossenwegstraat 70, 3440 Zoutleeuw Tel: +32 (0)11 78 18 19 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.vlaamsbrabant.be In the provincial domain Het Vinne you can follow a sensory experience path along a stream called the Sint-Odulphiusbeek, and you'll use your senses to enjoy the natural beauty of this location. The bike rental firm has some special bikes for people with a disability: a wheelchair bike, a duo-bike, tandems and bicycles with a low step. An accessible cycle route starts in the park. It is recommended that you book the bikes by e-mail or by calling the phone number indicated above. A Wombat all-terrain wheelchair is available for the walks around the lake. The visitors centre has relief maps available for the blind and visually impaired to give them an impression of the different biotopes and the natural water balance in Het Vinne. You can also visit the herb garden, which is accessible for wheelchair users, and borrow a Daisy player.
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Antwerp
Antwerp
1. Museums and sites - Antwerp Zoo Koningin Astridplein 26, 2018 Antwerp Tel.: +32 (0)3 202 45 40 Fax: +32 (0)3 231 00 18 Website: www.zooantwerpen.be Easily accessible. There is a special obstacle-free wheelchair path. Four accessible toilets. Wheelchairs are available (reservation in advance). The restaurants Paon Royal, Flamingo and Stokstaartje are also accessible. In addition, there are also special programmes and guided tours organised for people with a visual, hearing or learning disability. More info: +32 (0)70 23 33 54. Guide dogs allowed. - Royal Museum of Fine Arts Leopold De Waelplaats, 2000 Antwerp Tel.: +32 (0)3 238 78 09 Fax: +32 (0)3 248 08 10 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.kmska.be The Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp is currently closed for renovation works until 2017. Unfortunately you cannot visit this splendid museum building located in the south of Antwerp. However, the museum's collection remains nearby and accessible. The major works of art can be admired at various locations in and around Antwerp. The collection of old masters can be found in the brand new MAS museum. The works of art from the 19th and 20th century can be seen in the Queen Fabiola Room. The building is accessible for those with a physical disability; there is one accessible toilet and one wheelchair available. Tours for the blind and visually impaired are also organised. - Town Hall Grote Markt 1, 2000 Antwerp Tel.: +32 (0)3 220 13 33 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.antwerpen.be Only group visits with a guide are possible; reserve via the Antwerp tourist board and congress, Tel: +32 (0)3 232 01 03, Fax: +(32) 03 203 95 91, website: www.visitantwerpen.be, e-mail: [email protected]. The tourist office at 13 Grote Markt is also accessible. There are also adapted toilets at 15 Grote Markt and in the City Shop, 11 Grote Markt. - Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Cathedral Groenplaats 21, 2000 Antwerp
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Tel.: +32 (0)3 213 99 51 Fax: +32 (0)3 231 86 17 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.dekathedraal.be Accessible with help. There is a floor plan with braille inscriptions. Guided tours for people with a visual and learning disability are possible if arranged in advance. - Diamond Museum Koningin Astridplein 19-23, 2018 Antwerp Tel.: +32 (0)3 202 48 90 Fax: +32 (0)3 202 48 98 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.diamantmuseum.be The museum closed it doors for renovations in 2012. A new opening has not yet been confirmed. The museum is accessible, has a lift and an adapted toilet. A wheelchair is available which must be booked in advance. - Mas | Museum aan de Stroom Hanzestedeplaats 1, 2000 Antwerp Tel: +32 (0)3 338 44 00 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mas.be The main themes of the MAS Museum are Metropolis, Power, Life and Death, and Antwerp's long history as a major international port. The museum is committed to informing the public using new media and has placed QR codes on (groups of) most objects that link to website information in four languages: English, French, German and Spanish The museum is accessible by lift and assistance is provided. Every floor of the boulevard is accessible with the lift, except the roof panorama. An accessible toilet and wheelchairs are available. Guide dogs are allowed. - www.stedenandersbekeken.be gives information about the accessibility of Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, Sint-Truiden and Hasselt. Brochures about Lier and Leuven are also available. In these cities walking routes that passed by various sites and museums have been clearly defined. More information: VFG St-Jansstraat 32-38, 1000 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2 515 02 61 Fax: +32 (0)2 511 50 76 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.vfg.be
2. Restaurants - Den Bolhoed Sudermanstraat 3, 2000 Antwerp Tel.: +32 (0)3 231 45 35 GSM: +32 (0)475 23 50 02 Tavern/restaurant without doorstep, with wide corridors and an adapted toilet.
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- Désiré de Lille Scherpenheuvelstraat 18, 2000 Antwerp Tel.: +32 (0)3 233 62 26 Fax: +32 (0)3 233 62 20 Website: www.desiredelille.be Spacious tavern with wide corridors and an accessible toilet. - Taverne Shopping Centre GB Groenplaats 2000, Antwerp Spacious lift and accessible toilet. - Terrace Café Hilton Groenplaats 32, 2000 Antwerp Tel.: +32 (0)3 204 12 12 Restaurant of the Hilton hotel in Antwerp. Sufficient space and the tables are suitable for wheelchair users. Sufficient space next to, in front of and diagonally in front of the toilet (raised and extended) in the Lobby Lounge. There are 2 safety rails
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Mechelen
1. Museums and sites - Toy Museum Nekkerspoelstraat 21, 2800 Mechelen Tel.: +32 (0)15 55 70 75 Fax: +32 (0)15 55 20 85 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.speelgoedmuseum.be Fully accessible for wheelchair users. Guide dogs are allowed. Guided tours and workshops are organised for people with a mental impairment. The Toy Museum has a special Toy Library for children with a disability or suffering from chronic illnesses. Specially adapted toys can be borrowed on Saturdays from 10am to 12.30am. - Sint-Rombout’s Cathedral Onder den Toren 12, 2800 Mechelen Tel: +32 (0)70 22 00 08 (Tourisme Office Mechelen) Access via side entrances. The tower is not accessible for wheelchair users but you can take a virtual tour with a multimedia guide. - Planckendael Zoo Leuvensesteenweg 582, 2812 Muizen (Mechelen) Tel.: +32 (0)15 41 49 21 Fax: +32 (0)15 42 29 35 Website: www.planckendael.be Easily accessible. Adapted toilets are available everywhere, except in restaurant De Ooievaar. Ten wheelchairs available (reserve in advance). The restaurants De Ooievaar, Toepaja, De Gazelle restaurants are also accessible. Customised theme tours are organised for people with a visual, hearing and learning disability. There are 16 reserved (paid) parking spaces provided close to the entrance. The new boat that departs from the Coloma bridge adjacent to Mechelen railway station is accessible. Guide dogs are allowed. You can obtain more information from the reservation service: +32 (0)70 23 33 54.
2. Miscellaneous
- De Nekker Provincial Sports and Recreation Centre Nekkerspoel-Borcht, 2800 Mechelen Tel.: +32 (0)15 55 70 05 Fax: +32 (0)15 55 66 10 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.denekker.be Easily accessible via surfaced roads. There are accessible toilets. There are also diver’s floats for wheelchair users as well as volleyball, basketball and handball equipment that can be adapted for wheelchair users.
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Other
1. Museums and sites - Zimmer pavilion Zimmerplein 18B, 2500 Lier Tel.: +32 (0)3 800 03 95 Fax: +32 (0)3 488 75 96 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.zimmertoren.be Easily accessible, has an adapted toilet. On the Zimmer Square next to the Solar System you will find a bronze scale model of the Zimmer Tower in 3 languages and in Braille. - The Grote Markt, the Beguinage and the Zimmer Tower in Lier are also worth a visit. The Zimmer Tower is not accessible however. - Beguinage, Beguinage Church and Beguinage Museum Turnhout Begijnhof 56, 2300 Turnhout Tel.: +32 (0)14 42 12 48 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.tram41.be The museum is accessible with assistance and has an adapted toilet. The beguinage in Turnhout is not accessible for wheelchair users due to the narrow footpaths and poor road surface. - Olmense Zoo Bukenberg 45, 2491 Olmen-Balen Tel.: +32 (0)14 30 98 82 Fax: +32 (0)14 30 23 46 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.olmensezoo.be Easily accessible via surfaced paths. There are two accessible toilets and an accessible restaurant with adapted toilet. Wheelchairs are available. Special guided tours are organised for people with a visual and learning disability.
- Nautical Visitors Centre Hoek 76, 2850 Boom Tel: +32 (0)3 880 76 25 (business hours) E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.nautischrupelstreek.be In the Nautical Visitors Centre of the Rupel Region you can learn about the history of shipbuilding in the Rupel region and how it is related to the brick factories. The centre is constructed around the stone barge Clothilde, the last sailing klipperaak barge. The centre was built to be accessible and has adapted sanitary facilities. To go on board the stone barge Clothilde there is as step which makes this less accessible. - Apiculture Museum Putsesteenweg 131, 2920 Kalmthout Tel en Fax: +32 (0)3 666 61 01
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E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://bijenteeltmuseum.be/ The museum is accessible for wheelchairs and has an adapted toilet. Upon request, a special guided tour is available for the visually impaired.
2. Miscellaneous - Provincial Domein Prinsenpark Kastelse Dijk 5, 2470 Retie Tel.: +32 (0)14 37 91 74 Fax: +32 (0)14 37 34 62 E-mail: [email protected] There is a 2.5 km walk for wheelchair users. The paths are surfaced and there is an accessible toilet.
3. Restaurants - Café ‘t Koningsrek Someone tipped us off that this café has threshold-free accessibility and an adapted toilet. We don’t have any objective details; you had better ask the proprietor based on your specific requirements.
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East Flanders
Ghent
1. Museums and sites - Sint-Baafs Cathedral Sint-Baafsplein, 9000 Ghent (General correspondence and requests for group visits: Hoofdkerkstraat 1, 9000 Ghent). Tel.: +32 (0)9 225 16 26 or +32 (0)9 269 20 54 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.sintbaafskathedraal-gent.be Limited access, but the entrance and the most important sites, such as the ‘Adoration of the Lamb’ painting are easily accessible. There is an adapted toilet in the Ibis Hotel 30 m away. - Sint-Niklaas Church Cataloniëstraat, 9000 Ghent Tel.: +32 (0)9 234 28 69 Website: www.stniklaas.com Good access via ramps. - MIAT - Museum of Industrial Archaeology and Textile Minnemeers 9, 9000 Ghent Tel.: +32 (0)9 269 42 00 Fax: +32 (0)9 233 07 39 E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] Website: www.miat.gent.be The Museum of Industrial Archaeology and Textiles (MIAT) is housed in an old cotton mill and gives a unique picture of the radical technological and industrial changes which our society has undergone over the last 250 years. Small doorstep at the door, but otherwise easily accessible. There are two adapted toilets and an accessible snack bar. A wheelchair is available. - STAM (Ghent City Museum) Bijlokesite , Godshuizenlaan 2, 9000 Ghent Tel: +32 (0)9 267 14 00 Fax: +32 (0)9 267 14 98 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.stamgent.be Whoever wants to know about the Ghent of now and of the past can visit STAM on the fine Bijloke site. A chronological trail brings you from contemporary Ghent in the modern reception building to the early beginnings of the Arteveld city in the former abbey areas. In these settings you can sometimes really imagine
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yourself to be in the past. The numerous objects on exhibition and interactive elements turn the city museum into a ‘vree wijze’ (local expression for ‘very cool’) experience for young and old. A slope next to the cycle racks enables you to reach the entrance easily with a wheelchair. The doors and passageways are wide enough and a spacious lift brings you quickly to all of the halls. The STAMcafé and the toilet are also accessible. For guided tours you can request a sign language interpreter in advance. - S.M.A.K. (Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art) Citadelpark, 9000 Ghent Tel.: +32 (0)9 221 17 03 Fax: +32 (0)9 221 71 09 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.smak.be Easily accessible. Has an adapted toilet (but no support handle) and an accessible café. - Museum of Fine Arts Ghent Nicolaas de Liemaeckerplein 3, 9000 Ghent Tel.: +32 (0)9 240 07 00 Fax: +32 (0)9 240 07 90 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mskgent.be Entrance via a ramp on the right of the steps. The museum is easily accessible with the lift. There is an adapted toilet and an accessible snack bar. - Dr. Guislain Museum Jozef Guislainstraat 43, 9000 Ghent Tel.: +32 (0)9 216 35 95 Fax: +32 (0)9 216 35 35 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.museumdrguislain.be A museum in Belgium’s oldest psychiatric hospital, built in 1857. You will find a permanent collection that illustrates the history of psychiatry and an international collection of outsider art or art brut. Easily accessible. There is an accessible toilet. Guided tours for people with a visual impairment are possible. A sign language interpreter can be arranged. - Ghent-Authentic is a group of enthusiastic tour guides in Ghent. Besides a wide range of private customized tours, Ghent-Authentic also takes care of the practical side (where to park the car, walking distances, opening hours etc.) of your visit. They suggest restaurants, bars, shops, places to visit and make the reservation for you. Ghent-Authentic developed a special tour for wheelchair users. For more information contact Kristel Vereecken Keizer Karelstraat 97/201, 9000 Ghent E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ghent-authentic.be
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Dendermonde
1. Museums and sites - Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Church Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerkplein, 9200 Dendermonde Tel.: +32 (0)52 21 39 56 Fax: +32 (0)52 22 19 40 The church has no doorsteps and is easily accessible. Guided tours for the blind and people with impaired vision are possible. - Beguinage Brusselsestraat, 9200 Dendermonde Tel.: +32 (0)52 21 39 56 Fax: +32 (0)52 22 19 40 The Beguinage itself is accessible with help. The Beguinage museum and the Museum of Folk Art are not accessible.
2. Miscellaneous - There is an extensive day trip in Dendermonde for wheelchair users. Also of interest is the specially adapted Dr. H. Mulbrain path. Information on both is available at the following address: D.v.T., Stadhuis, Grote Markt, 9200 Dendermonde Tel.: +32 (0)52 21 39 56 Fax: +32 (0)52 22 19 40 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.dendermonde.be (Dutch only. Click on ‘Cultuur en toerisme) - The Brusselsestraat, the shopping street in Dendermonde, has been completely resurfaced with facilities for wheelchair users and people with a visual impairment.
Eeklo
1. Museums and sites - Heem Museum Gentsesteenweg 80, 9900 Eeklo Tel.: +32 (0)9 378 12 22 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.eeklo.be The folklore Heem Museum is located in the Provincial Park Het Leen (see further). How did our grandparents and great-grandparents live, work and play? You can find the answers to these questions in the folklore Heem Museum. Learn more about old crafts and discover the craftsmanship of carpenters, wagon-makers, barrel-makers, sculptors, clog-makers, cobblers, butchers and pump-drillers.
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The Heem Museum, the café and the forest info centre are easily accessible. There is an adapted toilet. - Huysmanhoeve Provincial Regional Visitors’ Centre Bus 1, 9900 Eeklo Tel.: +32 (0)9 327 04 47 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.huysmanhoeve.be The Huysmans Farm visitors centre is the ideal base for exploring the Meetjesland region. At this centuries-old farm you can learn about the nature, culture, history, countryside and recreational possibilities in the area. The Huysmans Farm is located just outside the centre of Eeklo and is partially accessible. - St-Vincentius Church Kerkplein, 9900 Eeklo Easily accessible.
2. Miscellaneous - “Het Leen” Provincial Domain Gentsesteenweg 80, 9900 Eeklo Tel.: +32 (0)9 376 74 74 Fax: +32 (0)9 376 74 76 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.hetleen.be The forest information centre is located entirely on the ground floor and houses the permanent exhibition 'Forest – Trees – Wood'. You can follow a multimedia presentation or consult a book from our library. Request the brochure Het Lichtend bospad with walks along concrete footpaths. Het Leen also has an arboretum with a collection of more than 7000 plants. A hard surface trail (dolomite) winds among the plants. The reception pavilion of the arboretum is easily accessible with a wheelchair. Specially adapted toilets are located throughout the park. A spacious car park is available with extra wide parking spaces and a phone bus stop is located near the cafeteria. The cafeteria is also accessible.
Oudenaarde
1. Museums and sites - Archaeology Museum (PAM) Ename Lijnwaadmarkt 20, 9700 Oudenaarde Tel.: +32 (0)55 30 90 40 Fax: +32 (0)55 30 99 01 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.pam-ename.org The museum is easily accessible and has an adapted toilet. A special parking space is located near the entrance of the museum which has a lowered reception
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counter and a lift. The showcases are low and a wheelchair can be provided by the museum. Guide ropes are provided for the blind and visually impaired and you can also touch replicas of valuable objects and listen to special audio guides. Texts in large type are also available. A special educational programme for visitors with a mental disability is also available. Audio guides and subtitling are provided for visitors with a hearing impairment. Guides are also available upon request. - City Hall – Every Room Has a Story to Tell Markt 1, 9700 Oudenaarde Tel.: +32 (0)55 31 72 51 Fax: +32 (0)55 30 92 48 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.oudenaarde.be Oudenaarde is launching a prestigious project: the city is opening a visitors centre on 1 March 2012, on the ground floor of the city hall and adjacent draper's hall. In the meantime, the museum rooms have been partially renovated: the prestigious De Boever – Alligoridès silver collection has been open for visitors again since 1 May 2011 and the tapestries will have a dedicated exhibition area from 1 March 2012. Since the beginning of 2011 when a lift was installed, you have been able to visit all the floors of the city hall. There are several adapted toilets for the disabled. You can visit the city hall in groups (guide upon request) or individually with guides every day (except Monday) at 11am and 3pm.
Other - The Scheldeland car route is a signposted car route across the Scheldeland, the tourist area around the river Scheldt. The Scheldt meanders between Ghent and Antwerp in seductive curves through an attractive landscape of green embankments and unique mud flats and marsh lands. The river Dender flows into the Scheldt in Dendermonde and the river Rupel in Rupelmonde. You can use the many ferries to hop from one river bank to the other. - Circular 1 Schelde and Rupel is approximately 100 km / 60 miles and lets you explore the Scheldeland near Antwerp with its authentic landscape and inhabitants (also called Small Brabant). You can continue your journey towards the Rupel area and visit Breendonk Fort, the Provincial Recreation Centre De Schorre and the cultural city of Mechelen. - Circular 2 Schelde and Durme is also about 100 km / 60 miles and takes you through the East Flanders side of the river Scheldt. Don't forget to stop in Buggenhoutbos, visit the UNESCO city of Dendermonde and get some fresh air at the Donkmeer lake in Berlare. And also remember to taste the many local specialities, in particular eel and beer. This exciting route is perfect for touring several days and suited for everyone. No less than 4 places with accessible accommodation can be found along this route!
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This brochure also includes extra information and useful pictograms for the disabled. You can immediately see where accessible facilities can be found in museums, tourist information centres, cafés and restaurants. You can read the detailed accessibility information on the website www.scheldeland.be. Route available from Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen, Sint-Niklaasstraat 2, 9000 Ghent, Tel +32 (0)9 269 26 00 and on www.tov.be. - You can take the Vlaamse-Ardennenkoets for a ride in a carriage or covered wagon through the Flemish Ardennes landscape. In addition, on set days 30-minute tourist tours are also offered in the cultural centre of Oudenaarde. You can also surprise someone with a gift voucher for a trip in a covered wagon. Since 2009 an adapted covered wagon has been available that is fully accessible for wheelchair users. With their knowledge of the region, De Vlaamse-Ardennenkoets staff will also be delighted to give you tips about the culinary and tourist offerings. For information contact Marc Verbeeck, Reutelstraat 10 9772 Wannegem-Lede, tel: 09 / 383 66 27, mobile: 0497 / 575 580, e-mail: [email protected], website: www.vlaamseardennenkoets.centerall.com - Fancy a day out in a horse-drawn carriage through the beautiful Flemish Ardennes? Wheelchair users can come along too. ‘Koetsen Verdonckt’ (Carriages Verdonckt) offers rides for groups of 16 to 24 people. The carriage is accessible by wheelchair. If you’d rather take the reins yourself you can sign up for an introductory pony-trap course (the wagon has room for a wheelchair). The carriage museum is an absolute must if you want to really immerse yourself in this world, and – you've guessed it – there's access for wheelchair users. More info: Johan Verdonckt Rubberigtsbank 39, 9681 Maarkedal Tel : 055 21 87 17 GSM: 0484 40 43 21 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.koetsen-verdonckt.be.
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Limburg
Hasselt
1. Museums and sites - Japanese Garden Gouverneur Verwilghensingel z/n, 3500 Hasselt Tel.: +32 (0)11 23 52 00 (April 1st – October 31st) or +32 (0)11 23 95 40 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.hasselt.be The largest authentic Japanse garden in Europe. Easily accessible, help might be needed on the somewhat steeper slopes. The stepping stones and the waterfall are not wheelchair accessible, but there is a route around them. There is an adapted toilet. Two wheelchairs are available at the check-out but these have to be booked in advance. - Fashion Museum Gasthuisstraat 11, 3500 Hasselt Tel.: +32 (0)11 23 96 21 Fax: +32 (0)11 22 10 66 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.modemuseumhasselt.be Very good access via ramps and a lift. The adapted toilet is rather small. There is a special programme for people with a cognitive limitation; reservation is necessary. - National Genever Museum Witte Nonnenstraat 19, 3500 Hasselt Tel.: +32 (0)11 23 98 60 Fax: +32 (0)11 21 10 50 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.jenevermuseum.be
In a 19th century agricultural distillery – in the middle of the city of Hasselt - the National Genever Museum tells the story of Belgian genever, from grain to drink. You can follow the production process, among others, in an authentic 19th century distilling facility A limited number of rooms are accessible. There is an adapted toilet. - www.stedenandersbekeken.be gives information about the accessibility of Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, Sint-Truiden and Hasselt. Brochures about Lier and Leuven are also available. In these cities walking routes that passed by various sites and museums have been clearly defined. More information: VFG St-Jansstraat 32-38, 1000 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2 515 02 61 Fax: +32 (0)2 511 50 76
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E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.vfg.be
2. Miscellaneous Cultural Centre ‘Cultuurcentrum Hasselt’ Kunstlaan 5, 3500 Hasselt Tel.: +32 (0)11 22 99 31 Fax: +32 (0)11 24 32 07 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ccha.be Has an accessible café where meals and snacks can be bought. There is also an accessible toilet. The large theatre is also wheelchair accessible; reservation in advance is possible.
Genk
1. Museums and sites Vzw Kattevennen – Europlanetarium (Cosmodrome) Planetariumweg 18/19, 3600 Genk Tel: +32 (0)89 65 55 55 Fax: +32 (0)89 65 55 74 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.cosmodrome.be The Cosmodrome has 110 seats and 6 of these can be removed to provide wheelchair users the opportunity to sit among the audience. A specially adapted toilet is available. An accessible tavern, De Krater, can be reached with the lift from the Kattevennen entrance gate or via the terrace. The extensive library has publications with pictures of star constellations in Braille for the visually impaired. - Open Air Museum Bokrijk Bokrijklaan 1, 3600 Genk Tel: +32 (0)11 26 53 00 Fax: +32 (0)11 26 53 10 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bokrijk.be Bringing the past back to life in an interesting and exciting way is what you will experience during a visit to the Open Air Museum of Bokrijk. It's a permanent re-enactment of daily life in the Flemish countryside more than 100 years ago. A visible past. More than a hundred historic buildings with furnishings were rebuilt meticulously and embedded in a typical green landscape. The Open Air Museum is open from 31 March 2012 to 30 September 2012, every day except Mondays (with the exception of public holidays). The Bokrijk Park is open every day of the year and free of charge.
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It is possible to borrow a wheelchair free-of-charge from the information centre (main entrance of the Open Air Museum). To make sure that one is available, you should contact the Bokrijk information centre in advance on 011/265.315.
2. Miscellaneous - National Park Hoge Kempen Winterslagstraat 87, 3600 Genk Tel: +32 (0)89 32 28 10 Fax: +32 ()089 32 28 19 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.rlkm.be/en/hoge-kempen You can enjoy the beauty of the Hoge Kempen National Park even if you have a disability. The Kattevennen (with folkloristic park) and Pietersheim parks are excellent starting points. You will find all the necessary information for visiting the park and also about the easily accessible attractions and facilities which are really worth a visit. - Domein Kattevennen en Heempark Planetariumweg 18, 3600 Genk Tel: +32 (0)89 65 55 55 Fax: +32 (0)89 65 55 74 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.toegangspoortkattevennen.be The Kattevennen park is one of the 5 gateways to the Hoge Kempen National Park and its walks, a geological garden, a playground, picnic benches, a miniature golf course, an artificial ski slope and a BLOSO sports centre. In the visitors centre you will find an easily accessible toilet. The Cosmodrome is also located in this park (see previous page). Visiting the Heempark is the ideal way to explore the natural beauty of Kattevennen and the Hoge Kempen National Park. It's a natural area with a farmyard, bee hives, instructive garden, Campine bakhoven, a playground and tunnels for amphibians. This is an interesting attraction for all ages. The Heempark building is accessible and has an accessible toilet.
Other
1. Museums and sites - Gallo-Roman Museum Kielenstraat 15, 3700 Tongeren Tel: +32 (0)12 67 03 30 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.galloromeinsmuseum.be In the Gallo-Roman Museum you will discover the many facets of man's history, from prehistoric times to the end of the Roman age. The museum is easily accessible thanks to wide passages, spacious lifts and accessible toilets. Tours can be booked upon request for the blind and visually impaired. They also have many sensory tables that make it possible to feel history.
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- De Wissen Visitors’ Centre Maaspark z/n, 3650 Stokkem Tel.: +32 (0)89 75 21 71 Fax: +32 (0)89 75 21 72 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.dewissen.be The Maas museum and the Basketry museum (Vlechtmuseum) are accessible from the visitors' centre via a lift and ramps. The cafe is also accessible and there is an accessible toilet. - Museums Maaseik Lekkerstraat 5, 3680 Maaseik Tel.: +32 (0)89 56 68 90 Fax: +32 (0)89 56 05 61 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.maaseik.be The Pharmacy Museum and the Regional Archaeological Museum are accessible. They have an adapted, but cramped toilet. Assistance may be required on the slopes. The Baking Museum is not accessible for wheelchair users. Assistant and guide dogs are welcome. - Flemish Mining Museum Koolmijnlaan 201, 3582 Beringen Tel.: +32 (0)11 43 11 17 or +32 (0)11 42 15 52 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.toerismeberingen.be The Mining museum itself is partly accessible (only the ground floors). The visitors’ centre is accessible via a separate entrance and has an adapted toilet. - De Mindere Museum Capucienessenstraat 1-3, 3800 Sint-Truiden Tel.: +32 (0)11 67 29 71 Fax: +32 (0)11 68 47 05 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.demindere.be The De Mindere Museum tells the life of Francis of Assisi, including the story of his disciples, the Friar Minors, in an accessible way: life in the monastery, their vocation and training, the missions, etc. Easily accessible museum with lift and an adapted toilet. The toilet is however quite cramped and you have to be able to negotiate a 76 cm door.
2. Miscellaneous
- Pietersheim Fortress with Moat Neerharenweg 12, 3620 Lanaken Tel: +32 (0)89 71 21 20 en +32 (0)89 77 25 34 (Fortress) Fax: +32 (0)89 73 17 73 en +32 (0)89 77 78 29 E-mail: [email protected] en [email protected] Website: http://www.lanaken.be/Pietersheim
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The Pietersheim park is one of the five gateways to the Hoge Kempen National Park where the recently renovated medieval fortress with moat of Pietersheim is located. This is a silent witness to the famous and turbulent battles of the Lords of Pietersheim. A suspended footpath, which is also accessible for wheelchair users, lets you explore the secrets of the fortress. This journey full of surprises also includes informative modules that tell the story of Pietersheim. The park also has a children's farm and a playground with a few accessible toys. - Voerstreek Visitors’ Centre Pley 13, 3798 ‘s-Gravenvoeren Tel.: +32 (0)4 381 07 36 Fax: +32 (0)4 381 21 59 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bezoekerscentrum.be Cobbles make entrance difficult to access. Otherwise easily accessible, with an adapted toilet. It is rather cramped, there are no handrails and you have to be able to negotiate a 77 cm door.
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