Excursions and leisure activities

Train travel

11 large lakes, 4 national languages, 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites and 1,280 kilometres of the most beautiful views in between: On the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, you can travel to Switzerland’s sights and highlights in comfort all year round on the panoramic trains. Claire & George will take you to the most beautiful panoramic routes of Switzerland on a barrier-free and carefree tour – with personal assistance from a travel companion and an experienced chauffeur to cater to your individual needs. 

Hiking trails

Hiking is one of the most popular sports in Switzerland. Switzerland’s network of sign-posted hiking trails covers a staggering 65,000 kilometres. And there are many opportunities for people with disabilities as well to experience nature without having to worry about accessibility: 

• Obstacle-free routes is an offer from Procap and SwitzerlandMobility for those who rely on trails without any major structural or natural obstacles. Obstacle-free routes benefit people with walking disabilities, as well as older groups and families with pushchairs.

• The MyWay Pro app has also made selected hiking trails accessible to visually impaired and blind people, who can benefit from integrated voice guidance along the route.
• Hiking for everyone with the new audio guide: The audio guide along certain hiking trails provides information about nature, culture, the cuisine and special locations – from the perspective of people with visual or mobility impairments. For visually impaired people, this is a welcome addition to the existing guidance for orientation. The pilot regions for this are the Uetliberg and the Rigi. 

• With a fleet of 21 so-called Joëlettes (special single-wheeled wheelchairs), the Fribourg-based non-profit organisation Différences Solidaires makes hiking trips possible for people with limited mobility. The single-wheeled wheelchairs are available at various locations in Western Switzerland and Ticino.
• All-terrain electric wheelchairs: All-terrain electric wheelchairs can be rented at various locations – for even more freedom on unsurfaced trails.

Skiing and snow sports

Switzerland has many organisations and associations that are committed to making skiing and snow sports something that people with disabilities are also able to actively experience. The offer ranges from the rental and sale of mono and dual skis to training in the use of these aids and dual ski accompaniment by specially trained instructors. 

The following providers support barrier-free fun in the snow: 

• Swiss Ski School
• Ti-Rex Sport Association
• ActiveMotion
• Cerebral Foundation

Sports

Action-packed sports are also accessible to people with disabilities in Switzerland. There are specialised organisations available that offer suitable equipment as well as expert advice:

• The equipment for handbikes, sit-wakeboards and paragliding can be hired or bought at the Ti-Rex Sport Association.
• For ice gliders, special bicycles, all-terrain wheelchairs and equipment for kayaking, the Cerebral Foundation is the partner for you.

Art & culture

Cultural experiences should be accessible to everyone too. The Accessibility Monitor documents the accessibility of cultural institutions in Switzerland. The information is aimed at people with visual impairments, limited mobility or hearing difficulties, and makes it easier to plan individual visits.

Swimming

Switzerland has many barrier-free swimming pools that allow people with various impairments to have fun swimming while still staying safe.

The Swiss parks

The beautiful Swiss parks offer a wide range of barrier-free activities so that all visitors can discover the nature and culture of these unique regions in a way that is both relaxed and self-sufficient.