Handicapped travel on the lake
All people are welcome aboard our historic boats, regardless of impairment or disability. The traditional build of our vessels can limit us in some ways but we will always do everything possible to accommodate any kind of assistance that is required. We have had some challenging situations in the past and have almost always managed to provide to the needs of all our disabled guests.
If you are travelling with an impairment or disabled person(s) we have some detailed information for you here. Any questions or feedback can be directed to ahoi@schifffahrt-grundlsee.at.
Boarding our boats
Walking aids and zimmer frames are easily taken aboard our Grundlsee vessels. However some of our boats are easier for people with walking difficulties than others.
- The interior of the MS Rudolf can only be reached by a set of short stairs. The upper deck itself is easily accessible without stairs.
- The MS Traun is the most weatherproofed vessel in our fleet due to its large awning, which is easily accessed without any steps.
In the last few years floating jetties have been built next to Seehotel Grundlsee and on the Gößl landing dock. This is a considerable advantage for loading and unloading passengers with walking disabilities as it is always possible to embark directly onto the deck of the boat. Depending on the water level, the gangway may be on a slight incline.
At the Pavillon landing dock there can be a rather large height difference depending on the water level. Therefor this landing dock may not be suitable for people with walking disabilities or wheelchair users.
Space for wheelchairs
The MS Traun offers protection from the elements but only has space for a conventional style wheelchair. Larger electric wheelchairs will normally not be able to pass through the narrow passageway which is unfortunately only 74cm wide. This is an unfortunate pitfall of their older, more traditional design.
On the open deck of the MS Rudolf we have room for 2 – 3 wheelchairs but unfortunately this is without any cover from rain or sun so it may not be suitable on bad weather days. The passageway is wider and allows for electric wheelchairs.
The self-experiment
A class from the Rottenmann Training Centre for Social Professions joined us for a trip on the MS Rudolf in order to conduct an experiment. They wanted to find out how suitable a boating trip with Schifffahrt Grundlsee is for people with disabilities. They brought one guest with crutches, another with a walking frame and one in a wheelchair to test the ease of access for all the landing docks and the MS Rudolf Here is a video with several tips that they made in 2019 regarding their experiment:
Reservation for wheelchair users
If you are dependent on a wheelchair, we recommend a short, non-binding registration, by telephone or e‑mail. This way we can accommodate you the best way possible when you arrive!
Accompanying / assistance dogs
Dogs are always welcome along on the Grundlsee boat trip, this also applies of course to the free transport of companion dogs. Assistance dogs are exempt from the muzzle and leash obligation.
Plätten on Lake Toplitzsee
The large step required to board the “Plätte” boats makes them unfortunately quite unsuitable for wheelchairs. However, if a wheelchair-bound guest would like to temporarily leave the chair behind to join for the tour over Toplitzsee, they are of course most welcome! The boat trip takes about 10 – 15min each way with a 20minute pause at the other end. The big waterfall is visible even from the boat so its always worthwhile to visit!