We are planning a visit to the Christmas markets with my parents and children (11 &13). We are planning on a 1-week visit and my mother will probably need to use her wheel chair to get around as walking for more than a few minutes is difficult for her. We are looking at visiting either Germany or Switzerland. How are the markets in Switzerland? Is it worth a visit for just the Christmas Markets? Would one country be easier than the other for wheel chair use?
Thank you!
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
I don't think one country is very different from any other as regards wheelchair use.
The largest Christmas market in Switzerland is in Basel. See here: https://www.basel.com/en/christmas-basel-home-switzerlands-largest-christmas-market
The conditions will be the same as a German Christmas market, or the nearby ones in Strasbourg (recomended) or Colmar.
- You will not be able to park nearby. Expect to come by public transport, which will be wheelchair-friendly (see here and here, both photos of Basel trams). If you have a car, leave it at the hotel.
- The markets themselves will be crowded, shoulder-to-shoulder. Finding room for a wheelchair could be difficult. People will try and move out of your way, if there is room.
- The markets are often in historic old squares, very pretty, but paved with cobblestones which are not wheelchair friendly.
Generally people are very wheelchair-tolerant and will give you space. You say "walking for more than a few minutes is difficult", but you may have to stay with the wheelchair at the end of a row of stalls, and and let her walk along the row, just because of the sheer weight of numbers.
All said, German / Swiss / Alsation christmas markets are a magical experience for young and old.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Smaller city and town markets might be easier to navigate with a wheel chair. But these generally only last for a few days, so you would need plan your visit to coincide with the markets. There's a website that lists shows a nearly complete schedule in Germany....I can't link it from my smartphone, but perhaps someone else can post it. Or, just Google "Weihnachtsmarkt".
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you for the information! We are still trying to decide where to visit but your info. helps.
Thank you so much!