As a wheelchair user and frequent traveller, I’ve explored some remarkable places throughout Europe in my lifetime. I have gone hot air ballooning over Catalonia, rolled through ancient ruins in Italy with an all-terrain wheelchair and hiked on accessible trails in Estonia, to name a few memorable moments. But of all my European adventures, I have been most in awe of Switzerland’s accessibility. I spent eight days in Switzerland and left thoroughly convinced that it might just be the most wheelchair-accessible destination in the continent.
I use a heavy motorised wheelchair to get around, so travelling can sometimes be challenging when faced with inaccessible transportation, hotels, or attractions. However, Switzerland provided the easiest and smoothest trip I’ve had in years. Not only is accessibility top-of-mind from a structural standpoint in Switzerland, but I didn’t encounter a single unhelpful or unfriendly local; people constantly went out of their way to ensure I was safe and enjoying my trip. Below, I’ve rounded up the best wheelchair-friendly experiences to consider when visiting Switzerland, from accessible restaurants to top hotel options for disabled travellers.
The Best Accessible Things to Do in Switzerland
Rhine Falls
Less than an hour’s drive from Zurich, Rhine Falls makes for a spectacular day trip. It is the largest waterfall in Europe and a must-see for any visitor to Switzerland. Fortunately, there is a wheelchair-accessible observation deck where you can take in the panoramic beauty. The best way to experience the falls, however, is by boat. The tour boats get quite close to Rhine Falls; you may get a little wet, but it’s such a fun experience to be that close to Europe’s most powerful waterfall. For wheelchair users, a lift is available to get down to the pier and then a portable ramp can be used to get on board the boat. The staff were very friendly and helped me get on board safely.
Jungfraujoch
For one of the most beautiful views in the world, head to Jungfraujoch. Nicknamed “the top of Europe,” this mountainous saddle is more than 3,400 meters above sea level and is relatively easy to reach with a wheelchair. Travellers can ride in an accessible cable car for about 20 minutes and then hop on board an accessible train along the Jungfrau Railway for another 30 minutes. The views from the cable car and train are phenomenal, but nothing compares to the scenic beauty from Jungfraujoch. Accessibility upon arrival was great, with no issues in manoeuvring around and taking in the views.
First Cliff Walk
The First Cliff Walk isn’t too far from Jungfraujoch, allowing for both attractions to be experienced in one day. Anchored to the side of a cliff at more than 2,000 meters high, this path is made of a metal grid and transparent panels, so travellers can see directly below their feet. Surprisingly, it’s wheelchair-friendly. You can take an accessible cable car up to the start of the First Cliff Walk and then roll along the pathway that hangs on the side of the cliff. It takes about 15 minutes to traverse the path, which is quite smooth and provides incredible views of the snow-capped mountains nearby.
Adaptive Paragliding
Wheelchair users often don’t have the chance to take part in certain adventurous experiences. So, when the chance to try adaptive paragliding arose, I was initially hesitant. However, I eventually decided to give it a try. The experience can be adapted to different disabilities, and a special seat was attached with plenty of straps to secure me in the chair. An experienced instructor positioned behind me assisted throughout the flight. We soared in the air over Interlaken for about 40 minutes, enjoying stunning views of the lakes and the Swiss Alps surrounding us.
The Best Accessible Restaurants in Switzerland
Restaurant La Gare
Located in the charming town of Gstaad, La Gare is set inside the Bernerhof Gstaad hotel. Here, they serve classic Swiss cuisine, exclusively using ingredients from the region. The quality of the food is outstanding, plus it is easily wheelchair-accessible in both its indoor and outdoor dining areas. Menu highlights include Swiss classics such as fondue, raclette, and sausages, along with a host of other options.
Restaurant Pilatus-Kulm
Dining at Restaurant Pilatus-Kulm requires taking a cable car to the top of Mount Pilatus. The cable cars are wheelchair accessible, providing beautiful views of the surrounding area before reaching the restaurant. Operating since 1890, the establishment uses regional and fresh ingredients in all dishes. Menu options range from beef stroganoff to fried fish, desserts, and more. The Swiss Alpine macaroni with potatoes and cheese was particularly delicious.
Restaurant Vetta Monte Bre
If you’re looking to dine with a view, there is no better place than Restaurant Vetta Monte Bre. Located in the city of Lugano, this restaurant boasts a huge outdoor terrace that is wheelchair accessible, allowing diners to enjoy a 180-degree view of the Gulf of Lugano while eating. The menu features pasta, meats, and traditional Swiss dishes.
The Best Accessible Hotels in Switzerland
Placid Hotel
This lovely hotel is located in the Altstetten neighbourhood of Zurich. My wheelchair-accessible room featured twin beds, both of which were a good height for self-transferring, with ample clearance underneath for a lift or hoist. Though the room was smaller, it provided plenty of space to manoeuvre. The bathroom was particularly spacious, featuring a smooth entry and a roll-in shower. The hotel also includes a convenient on-site restaurant.
Eden Spiez
In Bernese Oberland, each room at this hotel offers a balcony with views of Lake Thun and the Alps. There are three accessible rooms featuring beds with sufficient clearance for Hoyer lifts, roll-in showers, grab bars, and shower seats. Additionally, they provide a mobile pool lift in the wellness area and a wheelchair-accessible hotel shuttle.
NH Bern The Bristol
This is a more affordable accessible hotel option in the Swiss capital. Located in the heart of the Old City, it is within walking/rolling distance of many restaurants, shops, and attractions. My wheelchair-accessible room contained a king-sized bed and a sofa bed, with a low height suitable for self-transferring. The bathroom featured a roll-in shower and a fold-down shower seat, along with grab bars next to the toilet and a pull-under sink.
