Destination Guide to Switzerland

Best for serene alpine landscapes, precision-led transport, lakefront elegance and a calm, nature-first approach to luxury that suits restorative, inclusive travel.

Switzerland excels in harmonious design, inclusive infrastructure and nature made accessible. Transport runs with precision, making cross-country journeys smooth and dignified. Some high-alpine sites may have variable terrain, yet many viewpoints and lakeside towns provide level access and restful settings.

Separate TILT guides will follow for Zurich & Lucerne, Geneva & Lake Geneva, Jungfrau Region, and St. Moritz & Engadin.

Getting There

Zurich and Geneva are the main gateways; Basel and Bern offer European links. Airports are modern and step-free with pre-bookable assistance, priority lanes on request and accessible restrooms. Rail connections from airports make onward travel effortless.

Getting Around

Rail Travel

The most inclusive way to explore. Pre-book assistance for boarding support and seat reservations near accessible restrooms if desired. Scenic trains – Glacier Express, Bernina Express, GoldenPass, Jungfraubahn (selected segments) offer barrier-aware facilities on many services; confirm specifics when booking.

Road Travel

Private driver-guides can provide door-to-door ease in alpine regions and lakeside towns, especially where gradients exist. WAVs are available but limited; reserve ahead.

Boats & Mountain Transport

Lake boats often offer level access or ramped boarding; newer vessels have accessible restrooms. Cable cars, funiculars and mountain railways vary — many modern systems are accessible, though high-altitude platforms can be uneven. Choose curated, weather-aware days.

Destination Highlights

Nature & Scenery for All Paces

Lakeside promenades with level paths and frequent seating: Lucerne, Montreux, Lugano, Zurichsee.
Drive-up or rail-to viewpoints: Schilthorn, Gornergrat, Rigi, Stanserhorn (access varies; choose curated routes).
Botanical gardens and forest spa walks with shaded rest points.

Culture, Craft & Design

Museums with step-free access, quiet rooms and inclusive programming.
Watchmaking, chocolate and cheese ateliers with seated, small-group formats.
Lakeside concerts and intimate classical performances.

Cuisine & Culinary Exploration

Alpine gastronomy, farm-to-table dining and multi-course menus adapted for dietary needs.
Cheese and chocolate ateliers with seated tastings and sensory-friendly formats.
Vineyard lunches in Lavaux and Valais with terrace views and gentle pacing.

Lakes, Spas & Alpine Calm

Wellness hotels with thermal/spa circuits (check adapted facilities).
Lakeside lounging with shaded terraces and gentle boat touring.

Luxury Perspective

Swiss luxury is serene, design-led and nature-connected: lake-view suites, silent spas, panoramic lounges and attentive, unobtrusive service. Inclusive luxury highlights:

Lift-access suites, adapted bathrooms and calm, generous layouts.
Rail-first itineraries for low-exertion movement.
Private lakeside dinners, after-hours museum access and forest or thermal spa rituals.
Alpine hideaways with wellness programs tailored to comfort and energy.

Good to Know

Attitudes

Swiss hospitality is courteous, discreet and highly professional. Staff follow procedures carefully and respond well to clear requests. LGBTQ+ travellers are widely welcomed in urban areas and resorts.

The Rules

Switzerland maintains robust accessibility standards across transport and public services.
Mountain areas may have terrain limitations; operators usually offer clear guidance and alternatives.
Assistance dogs are accepted throughout.

Resources & Support

Accessible travel specialists for rail-first or alpine-inclusive plans.
Airport/rail assistance teams; mobility-equipment rental in major cities.
Mountain railway access guides and tourism-office support.
Museums with access coordinators and calm-entry options.

Final Tips

Go rail-first for ease and scenic value; pre-book assistance when helpful.
Plan alpine days with weather alternates; some viewpoints may involve uneven surfaces.
Reserve accessible rooms early for lake and alpine resorts.
Check lift access and platform details for mountain transport ahead of time.
Build restorative lakeside pauses into your schedule — Switzerland excels at calm.