I am concerned about an upcoming trip to Switzerland. Because of some medications I am on I have decreased stamina and get winded easily going up inclines. I am able to walk downhill and flatter terrain without difficulty. No medical restrictions from my physician. Will I be able to enjoy this trip and do work arounds to get to higher altitudes so I can enjoy the views.
Thank you.
Posted by
Chicago
3777 posts
My sister has a lot of health issues, and she enjoyed Switzerland very much. You can take the cable cars up and walk down. That’s what we did. And you don’t have to go very high for great views. I prefer the Murren and Wengen heights. And you have all the waterfalls down in Lauterbrunnen. Plus, there’s all the great train rides where you can sit comfortably and enjoy all the great scenery.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
3455 posts
Assuming you’re going to the Berner Oberland as so many on this board plan, the area around Wengen, Murren and Lauterbrunnen has a lot of relatively level hikes that should be a go for people with mobility and cardiovascular issues. Hikes from Murren to Gimmelwald, Wengen to Schynige Platte and Kleine Scheidegg, I found to be easy and I think they would be fine for people with issues.
The Lauterbrunnen Valley is, of course, mostly flat.
And, as Carrie has pointed out, the ubiquitous gondolas and cable cars are a breeze to take up to elevation from where you can hike down. They, along with the mountain trains, are just about anywhere you might want to go to.
For hikers with knee issues, the strategy might be to hike uphill and take the gondola down!
Posted by
Nashville, TN
1098 posts
Where are you planning to visit?
Posted by
OP
18 posts
We will be there from Sept 24-30 in Wengen with other days in Luzern prior and Montreux after.
Thank you.