The world is full of strange and fascinating places, from eerie landscapes to bizarre museums. For wheelchair users, accessibility can often be a challenge, but many of these odd destinations have enough access to make a visit worthwhile. Some locations are fully wheelchair accessible, while others have partial access that still allows visitors to experience their unique features. This guide explores the wheelchair accessibility of each site, including accessible pathways, viewpoints, and any barriers to consider.
1. The Catacombs of Paris (France)
Beneath the streets of Paris lies a labyrinth lined with human bones, a haunting underground resting place for more than six million people. The Catacombs are partially wheelchair accessible through an entrance at Place Denfert-Rochereau, which includes an elevator to bypass the steep stairs. However, only a portion of the tunnels can be explored, as much of the underground area has uneven floors and steps. Accessible restrooms are available near the entrance, making this eerie attraction somewhat accommodating for wheelchair users.
2. Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia)
The world’s largest salt flat is a stunning, otherworldly landscape that turns into a perfect mirror when covered with rainwater. While the terrain itself is naturally rough, some tour operators provide adapted 4×4 vehicles with lifts to allow wheelchair users to experience the endless horizon. However, getting out onto the flats can be challenging, as there are no paved paths or formal wheelchair facilities. Restrooms are extremely limited, and the salt-crusted ground can be difficult to navigate, but with the right tour, visitors can still enjoy this surreal environment.
3. Winchester Mystery House (California, USA)
This sprawling mansion, designed to confuse spirits, is filled with stairways to nowhere, hidden doors, and bizarre architecture. Fortunately, a wheelchair-accessible tour is available, allowing visitors to explore much of the house, though some areas remain off-limits due to narrow passages and staircases. The property includes accessible restrooms, ramps, and an elevator, making it one of the most wheelchair-friendly haunted houses in the world.
4. Capuchin Crypt (Rome, Italy)
Lined with the bones of over 3,700 monks, this crypt is one of the strangest religious sites in Europe. While the crypt itself has steps, ramps have been installed to provide wheelchair users access to the main chambers, where skulls and skeletons decorate the walls in intricate patterns. Accessible restrooms are available, though some areas of the crypt may require assistance due to uneven flooring.
5. The Door to Hell (Turkmenistan)
A massive burning crater in the Karakum Desert, the “Door to Hell” has been flaming for decades after a natural gas field was accidentally set alight. While the crater itself is surrounded by rough terrain, it is visible from a distance, and some adapted tour vehicles can bring visitors close enough to witness the fire. There are no accessible amenities, and visitors should plan for an off-road journey with limited facilities.
6. Bubblegum Alley (California, USA)
In San Luis Obispo, an entire alleyway is covered with chewed gum, creating a colorful yet bizarre sight. Fortunately, the alley is fully wheelchair accessible with a smooth, paved path. There are no major barriers, though the close quarters might be a little sticky if you’re not careful! Accessible restrooms are available in nearby establishments.
7. Museum of Bad Art (Massachusetts, USA)
Dedicated to hilariously awful artwork, this museum celebrates creative failures with an ever-growing collection. Located in a fully wheelchair-accessible building in Boston, the museum has ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms, making it easy for visitors of all abilities to appreciate the cringe-worthy masterpieces.
8. The Island of Dolls (Mexico)
Covered in hanging, decaying dolls, this eerie island near Mexico City is said to be haunted. While the island itself is not wheelchair accessible due to its rough terrain, some boat tours offer adapted vessels that allow visitors to get close enough to see the creepy dolls from the water. There are no accessible restrooms on the island, so plan accordingly.
9. Spotted Lake (Canada)
During summer, this lake dries up to reveal mineral-rich pools that form natural polka dots. While walking around the lake is not possible for wheelchair users, there are accessible viewpoints from the road and designated viewing areas that offer great photo opportunities. There are no accessible restrooms or visitor facilities, so it’s best to plan a short visit.
10. The Karni Mata Temple (India)
Also known as the “Rat Temple,” this Hindu temple is home to thousands of sacred rodents that freely roam the grounds. The temple has steps, but the main courtyard, where most of the rats gather, is wheelchair accessible. However, visitors should be aware that rats may climb onto their chairs! Accessible restrooms are not widely available in the area.
11. Christ of the Abyss (Italy/Florida, USA)
This underwater statue of Jesus is visible in clear waters off the coast of Italy and Florida. While scuba diving isn’t an option for most wheelchair users, some adapted boat tours provide accessible viewing decks, allowing visitors to see the statue from above. There are accessible docks and boat ramps in both locations, but restroom accessibility varies by tour operator.
12. The Mutter Museum (Pennsylvania, USA)
A medical museum filled with preserved human anomalies, skull collections, and conjoined twin skeletons, the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia is both fascinating and eerie. The entire museum is wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms available.
13. Hashima Island (Japan)
This abandoned coal-mining island, featured in Skyfall, is a ghost town of crumbling buildings. While the island itself is not wheelchair accessible, some tour boats have accessible seating and ramps, allowing visitors to view the island up close from the water. There are no accessible restrooms on the island itself.
14. The Hand of the Desert (Chile)
A massive hand sculpture rising from the Atacama Desert, this surreal artwork is reachable via a smooth highway. Visitors can drive right up to the base, making it fully accessible. However, there are no restrooms or other facilities nearby.
15. The Dog Collar Museum (England)
Located at Leeds Castle, this quirky museum showcases centuries of dog collar history. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with smooth pathways, ramps, and accessible restrooms.
16. Skeleton Coast (Namibia)
This desolate stretch of coastline in Namibia is filled with shipwrecks, whale bones, and eerie fog banks, making it one of the most mysterious places on Earth. While hiking on the beach is not feasible for wheelchair users, accessible safari tours with adapted vehicles provide a way to experience the haunting landscape. Some lodges in the area also offer accessible accommodations, though facilities are limited. There are no formal accessible restrooms along the Skeleton Coast itself, so planning ahead is essential.
17. The World’s Largest Ball of Twine (Kansas, USA)
In Cawker City, Kansas, a giant ball of twine continues to grow as visitors contribute to it. Fortunately, this quirky roadside attraction is fully wheelchair accessible, with smooth paved paths leading right up to the twine. Nearby, accessible parking and restrooms are available, making it one of the easiest oddities to visit.
18. The Crooked Forest (Poland)
A grove of pine trees that grow in unnatural, bent shapes has puzzled scientists for years. While the trails leading into the forest are rough, an accessible paved road provides a good vantage point for wheelchair users to view the trees. However, there are no accessible restrooms or formal visitor facilities in the area.
19. Sedlec Ossuary (Czech Republic)
Also known as the “Bone Church,” this small chapel is decorated with human bones, including chandeliers made of skulls. While the main entrance has steps, ramps have been installed to make much of the chapel accessible to wheelchair users. Some areas may require assistance due to uneven flooring, but visitors can still take in the eerie beauty of the ossuary. Nearby, accessible restrooms are available.
20. The Museum of Broken Relationships (Croatia)
Located in Zagreb, this museum is dedicated to objects left behind after failed relationships, each with a story attached. The entire museum is wheelchair accessible, featuring ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. The emotional and often humorous exhibits make it one of the most unique museums in the world.
21. Fly Geyser (Nevada, USA)
This vibrantly colored, steaming geyser was accidentally created by humans and has continued to grow over time. While there are no paved paths leading to the geyser itself, guided tours offer accessible transport to viewing areas. However, restrooms and other facilities in the area are limited, making it important to plan ahead.
22. The Paper House (Massachusetts, USA)
A house made entirely of newspaper—including its furniture—stands as a testament to creativity and durability. Fortunately, this small but fascinating attraction is fully wheelchair accessible. While the site lacks accessible restrooms, the paths around the house are smooth and easy to navigate.
23. The Uffington White Horse (England)
Carved into a hillside over 3,000 years ago, this massive chalk figure remains an enduring mystery. While wheelchair users may not be able to access the horse directly due to rough terrain, several accessible viewpoints nearby offer excellent views. Accessible parking is available, but restrooms in the area may not be fully accessible.
24. The Abandoned City of Pripyat (Ukraine)
Once home to Chernobyl workers, this ghost city has remained frozen in time since the 1986 nuclear disaster. While the streets of Pripyat are littered with debris, some guided tours provide accessible van transport to key locations. However, rough terrain and crumbling infrastructure make full exploration difficult. Additionally, there are no accessible restrooms within the exclusion zone.
25. Lake Natron (Tanzania)
This blood-red lake, known for turning animals into stone-like figures due to its high mineral content, is one of the strangest natural wonders on Earth. While getting close to the lake is difficult for wheelchair users, adapted safari vehicles provide excellent viewpoints. Some lodges in the region offer accessible accommodations, but paved paths and formal facilities are scarce.
