Chisinau – September 2025

If one was to Google Chisinau, it is highly likely that images of the Cascade Stairs. Located within the Valea Morilor Park, the structure provides panoramic views of the surrounding lake from its top. As the name implies, the structure is, essentially, a large staircase, not ideal for wheelchair users…

However, akin to the Cascade Complex in Yerevan, if one was to look closely on Satellite view, you would see various footpaths sprouting out of the structure at various heights. The question was, how many could one access?

Now, Valea Morilor Park isn’t the easiest place to access in Chisinau, the most accessible way would be by bus, although this option may take time. It was therefore decided that one would follow trusty Google Maps. It is important to note that some areas that Google identifies as roads are, essentially dirt tracks. Some of these are only accessible by navigating up grass verges.

Once one reaches Valea Morilor Park, broken pavements give way to tarmacked footpaths, perfect rolling conditions for a wheelchair user…

There are two main paths circulating the park; one containing a cycle track whilst the other hugs the edge of the lake. Crossing points are available, however, the majority contain steps meaning that it is necessary to come back on yourself at times. Of course, the latter is much more visually appealing…

Towards one corner of the Valea Morilor Park lies the Cascade Stairs. If one is rolling along the cycle path, its easy to locate the footpath that leads to the bottom level of the structure…

Unfortunately, the footpath that leads further up contains a rather large step at the bottom, too large for Superbunny2 to negotiate. As a result, one set about seeking the ‘back way’ to reach the top of said staircase (without Maps). To achieve this, it is necessary to exit the park near the structure and simply follow the road through a housing estate. Turning left at the top will bring one to a car park and, subsequently, the top of the Cascade Stairs. A ramp then leads down to that famous view…

Tomorrow, one heads slightly outside of Chisinau to one of Moldovas top attractions, the Cricova Winery. Now, there is zero information regarding its accessibility thus far hence this could be interesting…

Although Chisinau can be deceiving in its size, especially in the suburbs, the majority of its notable landmarks (with the exception of the Cascade Stairs) are located minutes from each other meaning one can marvel in a short space of time.

The Triumphal Arch (built in 1840) and Government House sit opposite each other within The Great National Assembly Square. It is worth noting that this is located on one of the main streets running through Chisinau meaning easy wheelchair access…

Located just behind the Triumphal Arch sits Cathedral Park containing the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ’s Nativity and Bell Tower. It is worth noting that steps lead down from the Triumphal Arch, however, with a little navigation, ramps are easy enough to find, even if they blend in.

Now, Google states that there is a wheelchair accessible entrance to the Cathedral, however, one could only see steps. Regardless, these structures still look impressive from the exterior…

A few streets away from The Great National Assembly Square is the Chisinau Central Market, the largest in Moldova. Although steps lead up to a proportion, it is still possible to roll around the majority as a wheelchair user…

(However, a few footpaths are a little narrow!)

Tomorrow, one heads to Valea Morilor Park to explore the notable Cascade Stairs. The question is, can Superbunny2 get onto said structure?

Rolling through the streets of Chisinau very much reminded one of Yerevan, Armenia in terms of accessibility. It is common knowledge that the Moldovan economy is not the strongest and is reflected in the citys infrastructure.

The walk from the hotel into the centre takes around 30 minutes, however, this involves crossing Soviet roads (yes, that old chestnut!). In order for a wheelchair user to negotiate stepped underpasses, it is necessary to detour around a few backstreets. Backstreets in Chisinau equate to either broken pavements or dirt rather than tarmac, not great for Superbunny2! It is much easier to roll with the cars should one encounter this…

However, once one reaches the central area (including Strada Stefan Cel Mare), broken pavements give way to wide avenues, even enough space for a dedicated cycle lane making for perfect rolling conditions…

It is also worth noting that Chisinau possesses an extensive bus/trolleybus network which, for the majority is wheelchair accessible. One would highly recommend using these to your advantage as they reduce the need to navigate the Soviet road system/backstreets. The ramps are a definite improvement on some other countries…

As Moldova is located within Europe, one thought that seeking an accessible hotel in Chisinau would be fairly easy, appears not! Granted, international hotel chains do have a presence in the city, however, many have steps leading to the entrance with a small elevator to the side. As one has learnt, maintenance of such elevators in many Eastern European countries can be flaky. It therefore seemed prudent to seek a hotel with level access which appears rare in Chisinau.

Fortunately, the Courtyard by Marriott is a relatively new development alongside Shopping MallDova containing all you need. Despite this, the hotel only contains one wheelchair accessible room according to reservations. However, said room does have everything one needs including a very spacious wet room with a shower seat. The only downside is that there is little manoeuvring space for a wheelchair…

The plan for tomorrow is to take a roll into the city to the Central Market and marvel at Chisinaus famous landmarks.

Dubbed as Europes least visited country as of 2025, the landlocked country of Moldova sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine is home to stunning landscapes, some of the worlds oldest wine cellars mixed in with Soviet-era architecture.

It’s capital, Chisinau provides direct flights to the UK and is where ones exploration begins. Although Trolleybus #30 runs into the city centre and is wheelchair accessible, it does not operate between the hours of 23:30pm and and 6am. Since ones flight arrived at 12am, it was necessary to seek out a wheelchair accessible taxi, rare in Moldova, let alone Chisinau. Fortunately Taxi48 possess one vehicle for transport within the city limits. Akin to Care390 in Sarajevo, the vehicle isn’t the biggest but serves it’s purpose…

A journey from Chisinau International Airport to the Courtyard by Marriott located in the city centre costs around 200 MDL.

N.B. When one arrived in Chisinau at 1am, the assistance stated that there was no electric wheelchair in the hold and subsequently rushed us out of the airport leading us to believe that London Luton. It was only when one turned on the eSIM halfway to the hotel that Superbunny2s AirTag popped up as being in arrivals. This means that one has to return to said airport tomorrow (Taxi48 have been very understanding) to locate said wheelchair.