Science Route in Kurzeme and Vidzeme

Can science be accessible? Our A-team – Daira, Reinis, Ritvars and Voldemārs decided to explore this, and together with video operator Dima, went to Ventspils and Cēsis, where the 2 largest science centers are located: Vizium and the Space Exploration Center, both included in the tourism route created by the “Access Routes” project for exploring space, modern technologies, physics, mathematics and other complex subjects – but in an easy and exciting way!

Vizium – a large and modern science center in Ventspils. Here, Voldemārs was able to freely open the center’s doors in a wheelchair and enter the interior. Bags could be left in lockers. The number on the key fob was harder to see, because both were dark in color – here you need to remember that contrast is important everywhere! Buying tickets was convenient, because the service counter is low, which is important for visitors in wheelchairs. Then the team went to see the center itself. Voldemars had difficulty opening the electronic turnstile gate, so Daira helped. Having successfully got inside, the A-team members tried to work with almost all the exhibits on display. Trying to experience an earthquake of several points (on the Richter scale) seemed especially exciting. Everyone was hoping for something more terrifying:) Voldemars could not go everywhere because of the steps and platform, but the low exhibits were also available. At the cashier, you could borrow and use a guide in Braille. Markings and tone contrasts were a bit lacking – they make it easier to notice various obstacles and not get caught or fall. Audio descriptions were also required. Visitors with hearing impairments should note that an induction loop is not installed here. However, the amenities were adapted and equipped with a safety button. There is a café on the 2nd floor of the center, which can be reached by elevator. There is also an exit to the wide viewing platform in the middle of the building with great views of the entire city. In general, it is possible to climb even higher – to the very top of the building, but then you have to use the stairs. But overall – everyone really liked “Vizium” and its attractions.

While in Ventspils, the team decided to visit the Ventspils Museum, which is housed in the Livonian Order Castle. To get inside, the museum employees helped to put a ramp on the edge of the door, so without the help of an assistant, Voldemārs would not have been able to get in, the doors themselves are also quite narrow. And the museum had a vertical lift! So it was a great opportunity to visit all floors – although – not all rooms, because of the steps. The amenities in the museum are adapted, but the toilet in the courtyard will not be easy to get to because of the rough pavement. There is also a similar pavement in the central part of the first floor of the museum. But there is an alternative to move around on the smooth surface that is paved there.

And they also went to the nearby promenade, where they made a bet on a bench where the great Latvian Krišjānis Valdemārs was sitting. The oil cow nearby caught their attention:) A photo was also taken there. Reinis said that you have to be a little careful here, because there is a fairly high probability of falling into the canal, because there is no fence or warning marking at the water’s edge. The pleasure boat “Hercogs Jēkabs” unfortunately disappointed – if you can still get on it, then that’s it, because there are stairs leading down and up, which Voldemārs in a wheelchair cannot overcome.

For lunch on the route in Kurzeme, the A-team chose the Ventspils Olympic Center cafe “Bullīts”, which is located in the basketball hall. You can easily get to the cafe via the ramp, the tables are also comfortable to sit at, and the food is very tasty and filling. The menu was placed quite high and difficult to read. There were facilities for people with disabilities in the hall, but the key to the door had to be asked to the administrator, who was sitting next to the building’s entrance. After eating and waiting for the rain, everyone went to look for a place to stay.

The choice of accommodation fell in favor of the hotel “Raibie logi”. Here, Voldemārs could enter from the backyard. Only the curb of the ramp made it difficult to get on it. The room had an adapted toilet and shower.

After a good night’s sleep, the new adventures took them closer to the stars, visiting the Ventspils Planetarium. There were stairs at the entrance door, so in solidarity with Voldemārs, everyone entered the room from the courtyard. There was no indication of how to enter the building for wheelchair users. The bell button at the door could also have been lower. While waiting for the screening, the friends noticed that the visitors recognized the A-team:) The third floor of the planetarium could be reached by elevator – but its doors closed very quickly. A cartoon about dinosaurs could be watched while sitting in really comfortable seats. The amenities on the third floor were adapted, only crammed with household goods, which made it difficult to access the toilet. On the first floor, amenities are available in a larger space.

On the way back, but still near Ventspils, the team quickly went for a swim in Lake Būšnieku, where there is a beach adapted for wheelchair users, a boardwalk to get into the water with paddle boats, which can be obtained free of charge at the nearby “Briežu dārz” reception, and two changing cabins. The cool water cooled the overheated minds. Nearby there were tactile figures of birds living in the area with an information stand in Braille and QR codes, by scanning which you could hear the sound of the particular bird. The adapted toilet was located on the other side of the road at the “Deer Garden”, only entering it is desirable with an assistant, because you have to drive through the grass and the rope pulled from private property was in the way.

And then on Vidzeme side – in Cēsis – there is a Space Exploration Center. The A-team was also here to explore the vastness of the universe. Parking is available for people with disabilities near the building. The center’s premises have specially equipped and compliant facilities for people with disabilities. The symbols for the facilities could have been more understandable. The building has an elevator that allows people in wheelchairs and parents with strollers to freely and independently get from the first to the third floor. The elevator plays information about the floors, but here too the elevator doors close quickly. Here, however, the service counter in the center’s premises is much too high for a visitor in a wheelchair to freely communicate with the center employee behind the counter and see what is behind it. An audio guide is not available and several QR codes would be recommended. And not all exhibits were accessible to people in wheelchairs. But overall – an exciting visit for the whole team with a lot of new knowledge and impressions.

Three nice days exploring the vastness of science! A lot has been seen, enjoyed, noticed, experienced and recommended. Is science accessible to everyone? Well, as everywhere – there is still something to improve, but – yes!

Visit on the route supported by the Interreg Estonia – Latvia Programme 2021-2027 as part of the “Access Routes” (EE-LV00043) project.

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