Vienna, 2025 Access City Award winner: Vienna has been voted the most accessible city in Europe.
Why did Vienna win: Vienna earned the prestigious accolade after the city was recognized for its continued progress in becoming a more inclusive and accessible place.
Facilities for the physically disabled: For example, over 95% of bus and tram stops and all U-Bahn stations in Vienna are accessible, noted the judges.
Innovative projects: The city's accessibility projects, such as barrier-free swimming pools, smart traffic lights, and initiatives promoting integration in housing.
Nuremberg, Germany: Vienna was among four finalists competing for the 2025 award.
Cartagena, Spain: In third place was Cartagena, chosen for its efforts to making tourism and cultural life more accessible for persons with disabilities.
Borås, Sweden: Borås in Sweden earned a special mention for its forward thinking in built environment and transport.
Award criteria: The award criteria assess both implemented and planned measures in areas such as built environment, public spaces, transportation, and information and communication.
What is the Access City Award about: Organized by the European Commission and the European Disability Forum, the Access City Award was established in 2010.
What is an accessible city: A city is accessible when persons with disabilities can, for instance, enjoy public spaces, like parks and playgrounds.