Today there is a huge range of activities that you can do wonderfully even with a physical handicap. The Paralympics and the Special Olympics in Berlin are testimony to this.
It sounds almost crazy what you can do even though you are dependent on a wheelchair in your everyday life. Some of the exciting activities you can do in a wheelchair include: Para-Skydiving, Para-Surfing, Kneeboarding, Water Skiing, Wheelchair Longboarding, Wakeboarding, Buggy-Kiting, Downhill Dirt Biking or Wheelchair Skating.
So you don't have to give up your dreams even with a handicap. In our article we show you what you can do yourself without much effort and where you are also welcome with your wheelchair.
Do you also know that many a day trip is spoiled by the fact that unexpected obstacles suddenly appear? Our examples and tips should prevent exactly that.
on the road with wheelchair
WheelchairHelpful Resources for Accessible Travel in Switzerland
- Procap Travel: Procap Reisen gives access to accessible travel information about Switzerland as well as worldwide. Ask questions to the accessible travel specialist at Tourismus inklusiv: tel. +41 62 206 88 30, email: tourismus@procap.ch.
- ginto: The ginto platform provides information on the accessibility of localities. The focus is on the diverse needs of its users.
- OK:GO: The OK:GO initiative supports tourism providers in Switzerland in providing the public (through the ginto platform) with information on the accessibility of their offer. The initiative is supported by the Förderverein Barrierefreie Schweiz.
- The Claire & George Foundation organizes services during vacations. These include transportation, aids or care in the hotel. Contact at kontakt@claireundgeorge.ch or tel. +41 31 301 55 65.
- ÖV Info provides tips on how to use online timetables and apps for barrier-free travel.
- The Swiss Paraplegic Group SPG accompanies paraplegics with comprehensive services. The SNI is part of it.
- The Swiss Paraplegic Association SPV provides information about sports with handicap from popular sports to competitive sports.
Assistance with a wheelchair at airports
If you have booked a flight, you should let your airline know what assistance you need at least 48 hours before departure. The type of restriction is especially important:
- You can climb stairs and short distances without assistance, but need help for longer distances.
- You cannot climb stairs and need assistance even for short flat distances.
- You always need help, even in an airplane.
- You bring your own battery-powered wheelchair, oxygen device or assistance dog.
Rental stations for all-terrain power wheelchairs
The Cerebral Foundation has established a nationwide rental network for all-terrain power wheelchairs.
They are located (as of summer 2023) at the following locations:
- Arosa
- Ballenberg
- Diemtigtal
- Klosters
- Monte Tamaro
- Scuol
- Stockhorn
- Val de Travers
- Aubonne
- Bellwald
- Jurapark Aargau
- Malbun-Triesenberg
- Rigi
- Sörenberg
- Stoos
The wheelchairs can be used with a child seat by children as young as 4 years old. Weight limits are 16-100 kg. The battery lasts about 3-4 hours with normal use.
Bendern Schaan path (Photo: SwitzerlandMobility)
Nussbaumen Nussbaumersee rest area access (Photo: Switzerland Mobile)Traveling with a handicap on public transport in Switzerland
in 2004, the Disability Equality Act (BehiG) was passed in Switzerland. The law obliges operators to convert all train stations to be barrier-free by the end of 2023. People with a walking disability must be able to reach stops without obstacles and board and disembark vehicles without steps, if possible.
This goal was far from being achieved in 2023. 434 of a total of 746 stations will have been converted by the end of 2023, according to a December 2022 communication from SBB to "Blick.ch". At the same time, the trains will also be modernized. They will gradually be replaced by low-floor cars that are easily accessible. In addition, the infrastructure for all will be modernized in the process. The new trains will therefore also have bicycle compartments and multifunctional compartments, as well as more power sockets than before.
SBB attaches great importance to ensuring that passengers with wheelchairs or walkers can reach their destinations barrier-free. Where this is not yet possible, assistance is therefore offered.
The SBB Callcenter Handicap organizes assistance when changing trains, where platforms have not yet been raised and floors have not yet been adapted. It helps you to prepare barrier-free travel or if you need help on the way.
- Telephone number from Switzerland: 0800 007 102. Daily from 6:00 to 22:30. The call is free of charge.
- SBB Call Center Handicap
- SBB form request assistance
In order to be allowed to travel in the wheelchair compartment of passenger coaches, your wheelchair must comply with certain dimensions:
- Width: max. 70 cm
- length: max. 125 cm
- Height: max. 137 cm
- Weight: max. 320 kg (payload of the mobile lifts)
The following conditions also apply to electric scooters:
Turning circle: 90° to 75 cm
Geometry: only e-mobiles with 4 wheels
Safety: An effective braking system effective on both wheels of one axle
The SBB give also otherwise far-reaching help for travelers with handicap:
- The SBB inclusive app is a customer information app that not only makes traveling on public transport easier for visually impaired people.
- The SBB Travel Planning for Accessible Travel gives you tips on how to prepare your trip well.
- SBB page Traveling with a handicap on private transport companies
- SBB Travel concessions for travellers with a handicap
- SBB overview Accessibility of railroad stations
- SBB overview map Stations that are not barrier-free
- SBB info on private transport companies
Begleitabo auf Reisen
Mit dem Begleitabo nimmst du eine Begleitperson mit. Sie reist kostenlos auf den Strecken der am Halbtax beteiligten schweizerischen Transportunternehmen.
Bitte beachte, dass seit 01.01.2023 die grüne Begleiterkarte (Papier) nicht mehr gültig ist. Das Begleitabo wird seither auf dem SwissPass geführt.
Das Begleitabo musst du nur noch einmal beantragen, es muss nicht erneuert werden. Das Begleitabo wird auf deinem SwissPass aktiviert und ist gratis.
Weitere Informationen zur Beantragung und zum Geltungsbereich geben die SBB auf ihrer Seite zum Begleitabo.
Wheelchair Engelberg entrance (Photo- SwitzerlandMobility)
Wheelchair Starkenbach entrance (Photo- SwitzerlandMobility)Accessibility of buses and streetcars in Switzerland
However, SBB is not responsible for all public transport in Switzerland. Buses and streetcars are the responsibility of the cantons and municipalities. Here, too, the goals of the BehiG will not yet be achieved by the end of 2023. However, most of the buses are already equipped with low-floor entrances.
By the way, you can also find this information in the SBB timetable when you enter the route to be taken. The detailed information (NF=low-floor) is stored here.
Some cantons give detailed information about this:
In the Canton of Zurich, new vehicles have been purchased exclusively with low entrance (low-floor) since 1990. Only a few vehicles will still be high-floor in 2024, but according to ZVV, they will be used in such a way "that the disadvantages for mobility-impaired people are kept to a minimum". Best for wheelchair users, according to the Swiss Paraplegics, are the so-called Cobras. These are low-floor streetcars that are supposed to be particularly spacious and functional. When opened, a board is automatically folded up to the platform, which allows comfortable boarding and alighting with the wheelchair.
In Graubünden, some bus stations such as the one in Scuol-Tarasp or in Chur have already been converted so that they can be easily accessed by wheelchairs. All post buses in the region are equipped either with a ramp or with a lift and are therefore wheelchair accessible. However, the canton recommends booking trips in advance. Especially if several wheelchairs are on the way, this guarantees a smooth process.
In the coming years, most entrances and exits will be manageable without problems. Only if the effort for adaptations proves to be "not proportionate", exceptions are allowed until the next regular reconstruction.
Swiss Activities Tip:
- Please do not confuse the Postbus with bus cabs. Bus cabs are not part of the public transport system and are not wheelchair accessible. Here the passenger must be able to be transferred with a VW bus. In addition, electronic wheelchairs are not loaded.
Wheelchair Basel exit (Photo: SwitzerlandMobility)
Wheelchair ZVV entrance (Photo: SwitzerlandMobility)Ride a boat with a wheelchair
Take a boat across the lake and enjoy the scenery all around. This is now possible on almost all ships, even with a wheelchair.
Lake Lucerne (SGV)
The SGV owns a fleet of ships that almost without exception offer barrier-free access in 2nd class. The only exception is the MS Rüti, a rather small ship. You can reach the outside decks as well as the restaurants at ground level. All ships have a wheelchair accessible toilet.
The 1st class is only partially accessible. On historic steamships the salon 1st class is at ground level. On MS Diamant you can reach the 1st class area on the upper deck by elevator.
Lake Lucerne is one of the most famous lakes in Switzerland. It has many bays and a pleasant mild climate. At the same time you have a uniquely beautiful view of the Rigimassiv, the Pilatus or the Stanserhorn.
Swiss Activities Tip:
- With a Day Ticket Lake Lucerne you can spend the whole day on various boats on Lake Lucerne.
Lake Zug Navigation
All Lake Zug ships are barrier-free and offer a wheelchair-accessible WC. On the MS Zug, you will find a lift for wheelchairs, which will also take you to the upper deck.
Lake Zurich (ZSG)
On Lake Zurich, all scheduled ships are wheelchair accessible. However, the wheelchair must not be wider than 80 cm. If necessary, the staff will assist you with boarding at all landing stages. The journey is in 2nd class, in exceptional cases (MS Panta Rhei) also in 1st class. All course ships (except MS Bachtel) have wheelchair-accessible WCs.
Seeing Zurich from the lake is quite an experience. The trip down to the rose city of Rapperswil is worth it for the stunning view of the Glarus Alps.
Offer at Swiss Activities:
River Limmat (ZSG)
Wheelchair access to the Limmat boats is not possible.
Lake Geneva (CGN SA)
As a rule, you can get on all CGN boats with your wheelchair. Barrier-free toilets are also available (except for the ships "Col-Vert" and "Général-Guisan"). But to be sure, you can ask by email to pmr@cgn.ch.
The crescent-shaped Lake Geneva has magnificent and extensively barrier-free shore promenades to offer. Geneva, Lausanne, Vevey and Montreux are the most famous cities on the lake, which always attract celebrities. The UNESCO wine-growing region of Lavaux is best seen from the lake.
Two nice routes at Swiss Activities:
Lake Lugano (SNL)
The SNL shipping company operates the boat trips across Lake Lugano. Access to the ships is barrier-free, as is moving around inside the ships. People with handicaps can obtain information or book trips by calling +41 91 222 11 11.
Lake Walen Navigation
Wheelchairs must be registered in advance. You can do this by sending an e-mail to info@walenseeschiff.ch or by calling +41 81 720 34 34.
Lake Walen is surrounded by pretty villages, but also steep rock faces. The mountain panorama of the Churfirsten is as impressive as the 85 m high Seerenbach Falls.
Lake Thun and Brienz (BLS)
Access to the 2nd class main deck is possible on all BLS course ships. They also have wheelchair-accessible toilets without exception.
On the MS Stadt Thun and MS Berner Oberland ships, the 1st class upper deck is accessible by lift. However, electric wheelchairs are not transported by lift.
The two lakes Lake Thun and Lake Brienz to the left and right of Interlaken are special gems by virtue of their location alone. They are framed by the majestic mountains of the Bernese Oberland.
Swiss Navigation Company Untersee and Rhine
Not all courses / stops are wheelchair accessible, in some cases only hand wheelchairs. Contact by phone +41 52 634 08 88.
Entry (Photo: SwitzerlandMobility)
Ship on Lake Lucerne (Lake Lucerne Navigation Company)With the wheelchair on the mountain
In general, more and more mountain railroads and railroad stations are being converted to be barrier-free. Not everywhere this is possible without major effort. Therefore, there are also a few delays in the implementation.
But if the mountain railroads have transported you well to the top, there is still the question: what can you do there without any problems?
That is why we have taken a closer look at some popular mountain peaks.
Accessibility (BF) of selected mountain railways
| Summit | Mountain Lift | BF Ride | BF Summit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aletsch Arena | Cable cars Bettmeralp, Fiescheralp and Riederalp | yes | Hiking trails and view points |
| Brienzer Rothorn | Brienz Rothorn Railway | no, folded | path Rothorn Kulm to Berghaus |
| Brienzer Rothorn | Cableway Sörenberg | yes, passenger lift | Hiking trails Mooraculum |
| Brunni Engelberg | cable car to Ristis | yes | panoramic hiking trail with all-terrain wheelchair |
| Corvatsch | Cable car Silvaplana | yes | Winter over frozen Silvaplana lake |
| Engstligenalp | Cable car Adelboden | yes | Mountain hotel and Läger circular hiking trail |
| Glacier 3000 | Cable car Les Diablerets | yes, level access | parking to restaurant,suspension bridge not |
| Gornergrat | Gornergratbahn Zermatt | yes | viewing platform |
| Grindelwald First | Firstbahn | yes, level access, folded | difficult access |
| Harder Kulm | Harderbahn Interlaken Ost | yes | path to viewing platform very steep |
| Hohsaas | Saastal Bergbahnen | yes | WC Kreuzboden, walks, viewing terrace |
| Jungfraujoch | 3S-Bahn Eiger Express, rack railroad from Eiger glacier | ja | ja, ice palace via stair lift |
| Jungfraujoch | Cogwheel train from Kleine Scheidegg | restrictions, not recommended | yes, Ice Palace via stair lift |
| Kronberg | air cableway Jakobsbad | yes | mountain inn and toilet |
| Männlichen | Grindelwald or Wengen aerial cableway | yes | Royal Walk, all-terrain wheelchair |
| Mittelallalin | Alpin Express, rock chimney railroad and Metro Alpin Saas Fee | yes | lift to the revolving restaurant Allalin, ice palace not |
| Monte Brè | Cable cars, 2 sections from Lugano | no | Turnstiles at entrance and exit |
| Summit | Mountain railroad | BF Ride | BF Summit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monte Generoso | Cogwheel railroad Capolago | single max 60 cm, not electric | access Fiore di pietra with lift |
| Monte Generoso | Cogwheel railroad Capolago | yes, group ride 3-8 wheelchairs | access Fiore di pietra with lift |
| Monte Lema | Cableway Miglieglia | yes, up to 4 wheelchairs per cabin | cableway station to summit restaurant |
| Monte Tamaro | Cable car Rivera | yes, wheelchairs up to 65 cm | Rent off-road wheelchairs at Alpe Fopp. Wheelchairs at Alpe Foppa |
| Niesen | Niesenbahn from Mülenen | yes, max. 75 cm | view terrace, mountain house and pavilion |
| Pfingstegg | Cableway from Grindelwald | yes | Summer toboggan run, mountain restaurant |
| Pilatus | Cogwheel railroad Alpnachstad | yes | Outlook terrace and restaurant incl. Toil. |
| Pilatus | Cable car Kriens | yes | Outlook terrace and restaurant incl. Toil. |
| Pizol (Pardiel) | Air cableways Wangs and Bad Ragaz | yes, they help | hiking trails, in winter special sports equipment |
| Rigi | Cogwheel Railway Goldau | yes (Goldau, Klösterli, Rigi Staffel, Rigi Kulm) | WCs and hiking trails |
| Rigi | Cogwheel Railway Vitznau | yes (Vitznau, Rigi Kaltbad, Staffelhöhe, Rigi Staffel, Rigi Kulm) | Kaltbad to Känzeli, Firstweg, Panoramaweg |
| Rigi Scheidegg | Seilbahn Kräbel | yes, max. 85 cm | Panoramaweg, rental station geländeg. Wheelchair |
| Seebodenalp (Rigi) | Küssnacht cable car | yes | hikes |
| rigi Kaltbad | Cable car Weggis | yes (lifts) | Mineralbad (bathing lift 24 hrs. in advance, rental station for all-terrain wheelchair |
| Rigi Burggeist, Hinterbergen, Wissifluh, Urmiberg | 4 cable cars Obergschwend, Vitznau, Brunnen | no | - |
| Schilthorn | Cableway Stechelberg or Mürren | yes | all facilities at Schilthorn |
| Schynige Platte | Cogwheel Railway Wilderswil | yes, with restriction | Stairway landings, assistance to be announced in advance |
| Stockhorn | Cableway Erlenbach/ Simmental | yes | Rental of all-terrain. Wheelchair, path around Hinterstockensee |
| Titlis | Cable Cars Engelsberg | yes, lifts at all stations | Glacier Grotto: ask staff on site |
Some mountain peaks are accessible via several railroads. These include the Rigi, the Jungfraujoch and the Pilatus. We present these three in detail below as day trips.
Rigi entrance gondola Känzeliweg (Photo: SwitzerlandMobility)
Engelberg Titlis (Photos: Titlis Bahnen)Paragliding with the wheelchair
Your dream of paragliding can also come true as a tandem flight with a wheelchair. More and more providers of tandem paragliding flights now also offer flights for wheelchair users. Thereby you have no tasks during take off and landing. During the flight there is no difference for the passenger. A specially made wheelchair ensures a safe seat.
Offers at Swiss Activities:
Wheelchair tandem paragliding (Photo: Flight Taxi)
Wheelchair tandem paragliding (Photo: Flight Taxi)Barrier-free hiking in Switzerland
Hikes with a wheelchair should not have any major obstacles if possible. We have also made sure that our examples allow a problem-free approach for you. Stairs, rough gravel paths and similar disasters for the wheelchair do not exist here. We present you a few examples in more detail.
- Round walk around Lake Davos: The walk is almost flat between 1559 m above sea level and 1573 m above sea level and can be done all year round. In winter it goes over prepared snow paths. Starting and ending point is the parking lot Davosersee, Bahnhofstrasse, 7260 Davos Dorf, coordinates 46.814292, 9.846516.
- Silvaplanersee in winter: Between Sils Beachclub and Silvaplana Surfcenter the winter hiking trail runs completely level over the frozen Silvaplanersee, which becomes a special experience especially in the evening light. It can be accessed by wheelchair.
- Engstligenalp summer: The Läger circular hiking trail on Engstligenalp is completely wheelchair accessible. This 4.5 km hiking trail is almost level and takes about an hour. Access with barrier-free Engstligenbahn.
- Mattmark Dam: The dam is located at 2200 m above sea level at the southern end of the Saas Valley and can be accessed by wheelchair on the west bank. Access by post bus from mid-June to mid-October. There is a lift in the restaurant. View of glacier and Monte Moro Pass from terrace.
- Gletscherschlucht Grindelwald: On about one kilometer the Gletscherschlucht Grindelwald is accessible. Wooden footbridges lead through the gorge with rock faces up to 300 m high and are easily accessible by wheelchair. Accessible in 15 min from Grindelwald with the Grindelwald bus line 122.
- Hike Lauterbrunnen Valley -Trümmelbach Falls: The trail is mostly flat and passes many waterfalls. From Lauterbrunnen take the village road, via Staubbach Falls continue towards Stechelberg. After 45 min the path to the Trümmelbachfälle branches off to the left. Return by post bus to Lauterbrunnen.
- Engelberg circular trail: The trail leads from Engelberg to the monastery and through the beautiful mountain valley. You can continue along the river Aa and come back to Engelberg through light forests.
Helpful links for barrier-free hiking
- You can find a large collection of other obstacle-free hiking trails on SwitzerlandMobility.
- Interlaken Tourism shows here accessible hikes around Interlaken
- From OK:GO comes this compilation of barrier-free hiking trails in the Saas Valley.
Lake Davos circular gravel path (Photo: SwitzerlandMobility)
Engelberg Hike (Photo: SwitzerlandMobility)Renting an all-terrain power wheelchair
The Cerebral Foundation/RBO has built up a network of rental stations for all-terrain power wheelchairs (all rental locations). In the meantime, such a rental station has even been opened on Monte Tamaro. This is all the more gratifying because the cable car can only transport small wheelchairs up to 65 x 78 cm in size.
Auf der Rigi findest du im Sommer Mietstationen in Rigi Kaltbad und in Rigi Scheidegg:
- zwei Rollstühle und zwei Zuggeräte im Dienstleistungszentrum in Rigi Kaltbad
- einen Rollstuhl und ein Zuggerät an der Luftseilbahnstation Rigi Scheidegg
- Für die Miete ist eine Reservation mindestens 24h vorab erforderlich unter Gäste-Service Rigi: +41 41 399 87 87, welcome@rigi.ch.
Auch am Stockhorn kannst du geländegängige Rollstühle (Multidrive) mieten. Sie werden mit Joystick gesteuert und tragen maximal 100 kg.
On the Foundation's page you can also find specific suggestions for mountain hikes with an all-terrain power wheelchair.
Bisse de Vex return path valley view (Photo: SwitzerlandMobility)
Schwarzsee lake view Last stretch (Photo: SwitzerlandMobility)Day trip with wheelchair
You can choose from a wide range of day trips even with a handicap. We show you here primarily such day trips, which you can arrange yourself.
Day trip (golden or silver tour) to Mount Pilatus
With a mechanical wheelchair you will have no problems on this tour. However, if you arrive with an e-wheelchair, there may be problems in toilets and the gondola between Kriens and Fräkmüntegg. Pilatus Bahnen offers assistance here. In this case, you should call this number at least one day before the planned trip: +41 (0)41 329 11 11. Your accompanying person may travel free of charge. To do so, please report to the ticket office.
The Golden Round Trip is a very popular day trip. It usually starts in Lucerne and includes the following stages:
- Boat ride from Lucerne to Alpnachstad
- Ride on the rack railroad from Alpnachstad to Mount Pilatus
- stay on the Pilatus
- ride with the cable car "Dragon Ride" to the intermediate station Fräkmüntegg
- Ride on the cable car from Fräkmüntegg to Kriens
- bus ride line 1 to Lucerne
You can also start your tour in Alpnachstad or in Kriens.
Wheelchair-accessible boat trip from Lucerne to Alpnachstad
The SGV ships used for the Golden and Silver Roundtrip are all wheelchair accessible. You can reach the outside decks and restaurants in 2nd class. All ships have a barrier-free toilet.
Barrier-free ride on the rack railroad from Alpnachstad to Mount Pilatus
The entrances at the valley station in Alpnachstad are barrier-free. The toilets are accessible via a door (narrowest point 90 cm). In the cog railroad itself you will find enough space with your wheelchair. The top station is also fully accessible. The narrowest point here measures one meter in width.
Stay with wheelchair on Pilatus
There are wheelchair-accessible elevators at Pilatus Kulm. You can reach the restaurants and the 1000 m² panorama terrace easily with a wheelchair.
Barrier-free ride with the cable car "Dragon Ride" to the intermediate station Fräkmüntegg
From the panorama gallery you reach the top station of the cable car through a fully automatic door. It is 1.25 m wide. The transport cabin of the cable car is generously equipped with space. It is 1.40 m wide at the narrowest point. The barrier-free toilets in the Fräkmüntegg are easily accessible by wheelchair. Towards the street there is a 0.90 m wide swing door as well as a fully automatic door that is 1.60 m wide.
Wheelchair ride on the aerial cableway to Kriens
The gondola of the cable car is somewhat limited in space. The narrowest point here is 0.70 m with a length of 0.95 m. The toilets in Kriens are also wheelchair accessible and can be used with a mechanical wheelchair without any problems. Like the other stations on the Pilatus Railway, Kriens is also designed at ground level, with no landings or other barriers.
Barrier-free bus ride from Kriens to Lucerne
In Kriens you get on the bus of line 1, which has a low-floor entrance. If you have any questions, you can contact the bus company directly: +41 41 369 65 65.
The Silver Round Trip replaces the boat trip with a train ride between Lucerne and Alpnachstad. The trains also have a low-floor entrance.
Offers at Swiss Activities:
Navigation (Photo: Lake Lucerne Navigation Company SGV)
Pilatus cogwheel railroad (Photo: Pilatusbahnen)With the wheelchair to the Jungfraujoch (3571 m above sea level)
The Jungfraujoch is wonderfully accessible by wheelchair. However, you should not choose the trip with the Jungfrau Railway via Kleine Scheidegg.
Your journey in a wheelchair is problem-free with the 3S-Bahn Eiger Express. The cable car takes you from Grindelwald Terminal to the station Eigergletscher. There you change to the rack railroad, which takes you up to the Top of Europe.
The Jungfraujoch is perfectly suitable for wheelchairs. The access to the Ice Palace is equipped with a wheelchair stair lift.
If you are traveling in a group with other wheelchairs, please inform (3 wheelchairs or more) the ticket office clerk at the departure station about the trip. In this way, any assistance that may be necessary can be easily organized.
Eiger Express Jungfrau (Photo: Jungfrau Railways AG)
Wheelchair terrace Jungfraujoch (Photo: Jungfraubahnen AG)Day trip to the Rigi with a wheelchair
To spend a great day on Rigi in a wheelchair, take the rack railroad from Goldau or Vitznau to one of the barrier-free stations (Klösterli, Rigi Staffel, Rigi Kulm, Rigi Kaltbad, Staffelhöhe). Alternatively, you can use the cable cars Kräbel-Rigi Scheidegg, Küssnacht-Seebodenalp or Weggis-Rigi Kaltbad. The Rigi day pass includes both cogwheel railroads as well as the cable cars from Weggis or Kräbel.
Rigi Kaltbad is easily accessible by wheelchair. Both spa and mineral bath can be used barrier-free at the Rigi Kaltbad Spa.
You will also find barrier-free hikes here:
- Panorama trail from Rigi Scheidegg to Rigi Kaltbad (or vice versa): Rigi Scheidegg - Hinter Dossen - Unterstetten - First - Rigi Kaltbad On the way in Unterstetten there is a barrier-free toilet. Facts: 7.1km, 1:50 hours, 6 hm↑, 206 hm↓
- Walking trail Rigi Känzeli: Rigi Kaltbad - Känzeli viewpoint - Rigi Kaltbad with visit to the rock chapel from the 16th century; even Queen Victoria has been here Facts: 1.9km, 0:30 hours, 34 hm↑, 34 hm↓
- Walking path First Weg: Rigi Kaltbad - lower Firstweg - First - upper Firstweg - Rigi Kaltbad with visit to the rock chapel from the 16th century; even Queen Victoria was already here Facts: 2.5 km, 0:45 hours, 49 hm↑, 49 hm↓
If you don't have an electric wheelchair with you, you can borrow one in Rigi Kaltbad or Rigi Scheidegg.
Rigi Panorama Trail (Photo: SwitzerlandMobility)
Rigi gravel (Photo: SwitzerlandMobility)Play golf with handicap
You can play golf with a handicap. At Swiss Activities we offer three alternatives to "normal" golf, which are becoming more and more popular as trendy leisure activities. You can play them without exception in a wheelchair.
Wheelchair (Photo: pixabay)
Purple Disc (Photo: Purple Disc)Accessible museums
Museums are already accessible to a large extent in this day and age. Nevertheless, there are one or two things to say about it.
In the well-known Museum of Transport Lucerne, in addition to a museum, the planetarium, the movie theater and the Swiss Chocolate Adventure are also wheelchair accessible. Here you will also find two barrier-free toilets with grab bars.
At the Freilichtmuseum Ballenberg, much of the action takes place outdoors. So that you can master the paths with ease, you have the option of renting an all-terrain electric wheelchair for CHF 25 per day.
Media World Museum of Transport Lucerne (Photo: Museum of Transport)
Craft washing Open-air museum Ballenberg (Photo: Ballenberg)Winter sports with a wheelchair
With modified winter sports equipment you can also do winter sports with a handicap. For example, you can take part in winter activities at Pizol with bi-skis, monoskis, skibobs and special snowboards. Various organizations offer sit-ski courses for wheelchair users.
The Wheelchair Sport Switzerland trains affected people in 19 sports of seated para-sports in competitive sports.
Sitting ski: courses for wheelchair users
The Swiss Paraplegics Group recommends the following providers who offer courses in sit skiing.
| Ski area | provider | comments |
|---|---|---|
| Sörenberg | Rollstuhlsport Schweiz | Mono and dual skibob courses during the ski season, individual lessons with material and lunch |
| Waadtland Alps | Handiconcept | in Villars, Champéry, Les Diablerets; Uniski, dualski with pilot, tandemflex, snowkart and others |
| All Switzerland Activemotion | Core competence are adapted snowsport activities for athletes with special needs. |
The ski school in Saas Fee also trains people with disabilities.
You can find more ski schools in this compilation of the Swiss Ski School.
How best you can ski sitting down depends on several personal conditions. These include your balance, body stability and how you can use your hands and arms.
Ski types for people with handicap
- Monoski: A wide ski on which bindings are mounted parallel to each other; it is skied with ski poles.
- Dualski: You ski in a comfortable seat shell and are wrapped up warm; usually with dualski pilot who steers and controls behind you.
- Bi-ski: Again, you sit in a seat shell, mounted on two waisted carving skis. With crutch skis, the bi-ski can even be steered alone; without crutch skis, you need a companion to steer for you. You then have tethers attached to the skis.
- Tandem Ski: A large seat shell, binding system and guide handle are mounted on two skis, the driver and his guest use the same skis.
You can also find very detailed information about skiing with disability on the site MyHandicap.ch.
Another possibility is the use of a Skibob. This is a kind of bicycle attached to two skis. A modified form of ice hockey is Sledge Hockey, which is also allowed at the Paralympics. There are many more possibilities. Almost every sport can be mastered even with a physical impairment.
As you can see, even with handicap you can live your dreams and do many activities. Good aids like electric wheelchairs or special sports equipment will help you. And more and more destinations are also getting barrier-free access.
on the road with wheelchair
on the road with wheelchair