mount rigi travel blog

A Day Trip Guide To Mount Rigi, Switzerland

Located in the heart of Central Switzerland , Mount Rigi is an excellent day trip from Lucerne or Zurich. The mountain offers a spectacular view of the Swiss Alps, the lakes, and an impressive variety of alpine flora.

In this guide, I’ll share all information you need to know to plan a perfect day trip to Mount Rigi.

​​Where is Mount Rigi? ​​

Mount Rigi is a mountain located in central Switzerland, just south of Lake Lucerne and between the two Swiss cities of Lucerne and Zug. It is the most visited mountain peak of the Swiss Alps, and its highest point sits at an elevation of 1,798 meters (5,905 feet).

How to get to Mount Rigi

You can easily get to Mt. Rigi by cogwheel train from Arth-Goldau or Vitznau or cable car from Weggis.

Getting from Lucerne to Mount Rigi

You can take a boat from Lucerne to Vitznau and hop on the cogwheel train to the summit. For a hassle-free experience, it’s best to join a day trip from Lucerne to Rigi with a scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne and cable car.

Alternatively, you can take a boat to Weggis docks. Weggis dock is a 15-minute walk uphill to the cable car (Luftseilbahn), a station high above the resort. From there, you can take a 10-minute cable car to Rigi-Kaltbad, a small resort on a beautiful plateau.

Then, change to the red cogwheel train and ride the steep tracks of the Vitznau–Rigi line to the mountain’s summit.

Timetable : You can check the latest schedule of Rigi’s railways and cable cars here . 

Getting from Zurich to Mount Rigi

You can take a direct train from Zurich to Arth-Goldau. The journey takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Then, you can switch to the blue cogwheel train (RIGI BAHNEN) that takes you up to Rigi Staffel and Rigi Kulm. 

Timetable : Check the train schedule from Zurich to Arth-Goldau . 

Mount Rigi ticket prices

No matter how you travel, the ticket price from the mountain base to Rigi Kulm is 45 CHF ($48/ € 47) one-way and 72 CHF ($76/ € 44) roundtrip. If you book tickets online, you may get a discount and skip the line.

You’ll also need to add the transportation cost of getting from Lucerne/ Zurich to the cogwheel train or cable car stations at the mountain’s base.

With a Swiss Travel Pass , the whole trip is free, from Lucerne/ Zurich to the top of Rigi.

How much time to spend at Rigi Mountain?

When planning your Mount Rigi trip, it’s important to consider how much time you can realistically spend at the peak. Depending on what activities you plan to do, the amount of time needed will vary significantly.

If you are simply looking to take in the views and get some photos, a few hours may be sufficient. However, if you are interested in exploring the mountain trails or taking part in other outdoor activities such as camping or fishing, then more time should be allotted.

Make sure to factor in travel times so that you don’t run out of daylight before packing up for home!

Day trip from Lucerne to Mount Rigi

Here is a sample itinerary for a day trip from Lucerne to Rigi.

• 9 am: Departure by cruise from Lucerne to Vitznau.
• 10:15 am: Take the cogwheel train from Vitznau to Rigi Kulm.
• 11 am: Explore and go hiking.
• 4 pm: Take the cogwheel train from Rigi Kulm to Rigi Kaltbad. You can book tickets including transport from Vitznau and Kaltbad experience.
• 4:40 pm: Take a cable car from Rigi Kaltbad to Weggis.
• 5 pm: Explore Wegggis, a beautiful village famous for its mild, almost subtropical climate
• 7 pm: Leave by boat from Weggis to Lucerne.

Travel tips : Because trains run hourly, a missed connection can be a waste of time and jeopardize your travel plan. So check the timetable before you go. For the best experience, I recommend joining a guided day trip from Lucerne . If you only want to book transport tickets for the roundtrip and not join the tour, check it out here .

Where to stay on Mt. Rigi

Staying on Mount Rigi and catching the first glimpse of sunrise or sunset would be a fantastic experience. 

If you’d like to stay on the mountain, check out Rigi Kulm Hotel, the only inn just below the summit.

The hotel has a vast terrace, a self-catering restaurant, and an ala carte restaurant. Rooms here are comfortable and clean, with stunning views from every window.

Other hotels, such as Rigi Kaltbad and Kräuterhotel Edelweiss (at Rigi Staffelhöhe), offer great experiences too. 

Mount Rigi weather

Mount Rigi is one of the few places in Switzerland where you can experience all four seasons.

In summer, it enjoys warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, while winter brings crisp alpine air and snow-covered slopes perfect for skiing and snowboarding. July is the warmest and sunniest month in Mount Rigi, with an average maximum temperature of 18°C (72°F) and 168 hours of sunshine.

January is the coldest month with an average maximum temperature of -4°C. During this time, temperatures can drop sharply and snowfall is common throughout the region. Springtime sees buzzing wildflowers and blooming trees, while autumn greets visitors with a stunning array of reds, oranges, yellows, and browns.

When is the best time to visit Mt. Rigi?

The weather in Mt. Rigi changes with the seasons, so there’s no single best time to visit.

If you’re looking for warmer weather and longer days, summer is a great time to visit. The weather at this time of year is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the Rigi Mountain trails and enjoying outdoor activities like hiking or boating on the lake.

Winter months can be cold but also bring plenty of snowfall which creates a magical winter wonderland that’s perfect for skiing and snowshoeing trips.

Spring brings fresh green growth to Mt. Rigi, along with mild weather that’s great for bird watching or biking around the area. Lastly, autumn brings crisp temperatures and colorful foliage, providing an excellent opportunity to take in the seasonal beauty of the mountain.

Best things to do on Mount Rigi, Switzerland

Do you know that Mount Rigi is dubbed Queen of the Mountains?

In addition to hiking, there are plenty of things to see and do on Mount Rigi on your day trip. Below are some of my favorite activities.

Take the historical railway

Mount Rigi is home to the oldest cogwheel train in Europe. Since 1871, its cogwheel railway has connected travelers from all over the world to the summit of Mount Rigi.

So, experience the nostalgia and travel with the Swiss historical railway. In addition to traveling by cogwheel train, you can try other transport methods such as cable car.

Enjoy the panoramic view

Surrounded by three lakes, Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug, and Lake Lauerz, Mount Rigi claims to have one of the most impressive views in the region.

The combination of the lower lands with mountain ranges offers a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of hundreds of Alpine peaks and 13 lakes.

You can even view the French Alps and the Black Forest in Germany from afar on clearer days or sometimes immerse in an imposing sea of fog in the winter.

Relax in a mineral bath

For a relaxing time on Mount Rigi, head to Rigi Kaltbad , a spa tradition with a history of 600 years.

Here, you can bathe in the mineral waters from the healing Drei-Schwestern-Brunnen spring while surrounded by impressive mountain landscapes. You can also enjoy a steam bath, massages, crystal spa, and infusion sauna.

Day admission fee : 37 CHF ($40). It includes

• Day admission to the mineral bath and spa area
• Tea and spring water

Visit the cheese-making farm

For cheese lovers, don’t forget to stop by Alp Chäserenholz cheese dairy, a 20-minute walk from Rigi Kulm. 

The Chäserenholz facilities include a cheese shop, a cheese dairy building with a cheese aging cellar, a barn, and an indoor and outdoor restaurant. There’re also Sleep in Straw & Dorm lodging facilities and restrooms.

This farm produces up to 15 different types and 12,000 kg of cheese every summer.

Their daily production starts early in the morning and continues until midday, and you can visit the cheese dairy at 2 CHF (Swiss Franc).

Here, the restaurant offers a variety of delicious cheese dishes, including raclette, fondue, and grilled cheese sandwiches.

• How to find it: From the top of Mt. Rigi Kulm by the big antenna, you’ll see a Swiss Flag in the south.
• Opening hours : 9 am to 6 pm
• Address : Alpwirtschaft Chäserenholz, Kulmweg 19, 6410 Rigi Kulm

Enjoy winter sports

Rigi offers a wide range of activities, including sledding, snowshoeing, and even ski experiences for those who visit in the winter.

Mount Rigi in summer

What to do in Mount Rigi in the summer? When visiting Mount Rigi, there are plenty of activities to take part in and sights to explore.

Hiking along one of its many trails is a great way to reconnect with nature and appreciate the breathtaking views. You can also go lake hopping on Lake Lucerne or rent a boat for a leisurely ride around its shores.

For those who prefer something more adrenaline-filled, paragliding is available too. Mount Rigi’s cable car makes it easy to get up close to the peak and take in its majestic scenery.

If you have time, make sure to stop at the summit restaurant for some delicious Swiss cuisine. For a unique experience, you can even stay overnight in one of their mountain cabins or enjoy a night’s camping under the stars. 

Mount Rigi in winter

Mount Rigi is a popular destination in winter because of its beautiful snowy weather. The weather conditions provide the perfect backdrop for all sorts of activities, from skiing and snowboarding to sledding and snowshoeing.

There are plenty of ski resorts nearby that offer a range of slopes for every skill level. If you’re looking for something a little less adventurous, there are still plenty of other things to do.

Take a leisurely walk through the snow-covered paths or go tubing down the slopes with your family. You could even try ice skating on one of the frozen lakes if you’re feeling brave.

Mount Rigi hiking trails

With more than 120 km of hiking trails in summer and 35 km of snow hiking trails in winter, Mount Rigi offers many options for hikers and other attractions to keep you busy for an evening.

For serious hikers, you can opt for hiking to the top on foot.

There are well-marked trails at Weggis, Vitznau, and Arth-Goldau, and it takes about 3-4 hours uphill from Weggis or Vitznau.

On my trip to Mt. Rigi, I took the train straight to the summit at Rigi Kulm, then took a short walk up top where the views were.

Then, I strolled down from the summit to the cable car station at Rigi Kaltbad. It took me about 1 hour and was a pleasant walk. 

Note : You can shorten the walk by meeting the train at the scenic Staffel stop.

Popular Mount. Rigi hiking trails

Here are some suggestions for hiking trails to discover the best spots on Mount Rigi.

1. Take the Rigi Kulm–Rigi Staffel (20 min)

If you’re short on time, take the Rigi Kulm–Rigi Staffel cableway for a 20-minute descent to enjoy magnificent views of the landscape.

Take in the serene beauty of nature as you make your way down from the summit and explore different terrains along this beautiful hike. Take a few stops along the way to capture some amazing shots of captivating scenery and quaint hamlets nestled in valleys.

2. Hike from Rigi Staffel to Rigi Kaltbad (via Känzeli, 50 min)

Start your journey at the top of Rigi Staffel and hike down to the base station of Rigi Kaltbad. Enjoy stunning views of the Swiss landscape towards both the north and south as you make your way down, passing campfire sites along the way.

Keep an eye out for the famous “Känzeli” viewpoint near Hirschberg, offering a wonderful panorama of Lake Lucerne below.

3. Circle Rigi Kaltbad and back (35 min)

It’s a hike through the local village of Rigi Kaltbad with views of Lake Lucerne.

4. Rigi Kulm–Alpine Farm Chäserenholz–Rigi Staffel (55 min)

Once you have descended Rigi Kulm, the highest peak of Rigi Mountain, you’ll find yourself at the famous Alpine Farm Chäserenholz. This traditional cheese dairy is known for its specialty Rigi mountain cheese and other fresh produce.

After a delicious tasting session, it’s time to put on your walking shoes and make a short ascent up the winding forest path to Rigi Staffel.

5. Rigi Scheidegg–Rigi Kaltbad (2h 30 min)

The Rigi Scheidegg–Rigi Kaltbad trail offers a refreshing and pleasant walk suitable for all skill levels. You can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Swiss Alps while walking through the lush meadows that connect both sides of the Rigi mountain range.

What to pack for Mount Rigi

If you’re planning a trip to Mount Rigi, it is important to make sure your packing list will take into account the conditions of both summer and winter. 

You have the right gear for a safe and comfortable time outdoors. Here’s what you should bring for hiking any time of the year.

• Personal first aid kit
• Small knife or multi-tool
• Food and water
• High energy snacks
• Toilet paper
• Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
• Hiking shoes

Summer packing

If you visit Mount Rigi during summer, don’t forget to apply suncream before getting to the summit. We visited Rigi Kulm on a cloudy day, but my friend had quite a bad sunburn at the end of our trip. 

Here is our recommendation for a summer packing list:

• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes
• Summer clothes
• Light jacket

Winter packing list

If you’re heading for a hike on Mount Rigi in the winter, it is important to make sure that you are appropriately dressed and have all the necessary items with you. Here is our list of essential items for your winter hike up Mount Rigi:

• Waterproof and windproof jacket with attached hood
• Fleece pullover
• Waterproof and windproof pants
• Fleece or wool hat
• Thermal underwear
• Waterproof gloves/ Lightweight fleece or wool gloves
• Insulated hiking boots
• Warm socks 
• High gaiters
• Spare Clothing (long sleeve shirt, extra pair of socks)
• Winter traction aids

What to wear when visiting Mount Rigi

When visiting Mount Rigi, make sure you dress for the weather! Wear layered clothing that can easily be adjusted to changing temperatures.

Layers should include a base layer like long underwear, a mid-layer such as a fleece or wool sweater, and an outer layer that can be anything from a light jacket to a waterproof parka.

You’ll also want to wear durable shoes with good grip – this is especially important if you’re planning on engaging in any winter activities such as skiing or snowshoeing.

On sunny days, remember to bring sunglasses and sunscreen – the sun’s rays are extra intense at higher altitudes! For extra comfort and warmth, don’t forget a hat and mittens or gloves.

Food & Drinks

If you’re visiting Mount Rigi and would like to grab a bite nearby, there are plenty of restaurants in the area.

Located just a 20-minute walk away from Rigi Kulm, Alpwirtschaft Chäserenholz is an alpine dining experience like no other.

You can enjoy the cozy atmosphere of the Alp while indulging in some delicious local cheeses and other delights such as Käseschnitte (cheese on toast) or fondue. Or be adventurous and try something new with their specialties like carpaccio with alpine cheese.

Gourmet Restaurant Regina Montium is the next perfect place to explore delicious Swiss cuisine. The chefs combine traditional flavors with long-forgotten herbs from their own garden, creating unique and exciting dishes that are sure to please your palate.

You can choose between an à la carte menu and a herb surprise menu with five or nine courses, as well as opt for one of the specially selected Swiss wines or even a mixed alcoholic beverage accompaniment.

Wrapping Up

Whether you’re looking for intense outdoor activities or simply a scenic view, Mount Rigi is sure to be the perfect destination. Make your visit to Switzerland even more memorable by having a day trip around this beautiful structure.

With breathtaking scenery and plenty of activities to choose from, you’ll be able to enjoy numerous hours of breathtaking ambiance and peaceful relaxation. On your way back from an unforgettable Mount Rigi experience, don’t forget to bring home a souvenir as a reminder of your journey!

Ha is an avid traveler and writer with a background in marketing & hospitality. She's lived in a few countries and traveled to more than 30. When she's not traveling or writing, Ha loves trying new recipes.

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Squeeee what an incredible area! I would love love loooove to go on some of those epic hiking trails and see the views near Mount Rigi!

But, then you mentioned the cheese, and the mineral bath – that sounds like the perfect way to relax after a long hike! ;)

Great post and guide on Rigi Kulm day trip!

I was thinking of planning a trip to Lucerne and was actually going to look up good day trip ideas, so I’m glad I came across this post! It looks absolutely stunning here and well worth visiting!

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Day Two: Mt. Rigi, Switzerland

Hello Friends, Welcome my next blog-post as the day Two saw me plan my Travel to Rigi in Switzerland.

If you have missed my earlier blog post to Jungfraujoch, please read it here

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The Swiss Transport System is by far one of the best when it comes to connectivity and comfort for tourists like me. They offer Swiss Travel Pass which offers unlimited travel and discounts on Mountain rail and cable-ways.

You can read on my Travel and Stay options in Switzerland for a detailed review of the same.

Table of Contents

Day Two of the Switzerland Travel

Also, as I have stated that my base for this trip is Basel, I arrived at the SBB Basel Station and with a plan to cover Zermatt on that day, I got delayed by a few minutes at the station and the train leading me to Zermatt has already left, with the Swiss Travel System Map on hand and the ever-helpful information kiosks, quickly changing my plans and Luzerne was on the cards. Along with Luzerne, added Mount Rigi to the itinerary.

Why Mount Rigi?

Mount Rigi is a fascinating part of Alps in Switzerland and offers a whole massif surrounded by water on all three sides from Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug and Lake Lauerz. Rigi region is also connected by the oldest cog railways of Europe which makes the journey all the more fascinating.

Rigi-Klum is the Summit of Mount Rigi and stands at 5, 897ft (ASL).

A few lovely clicks on way to Lucerne and Arth-Goldau:

How to reach Mt. Rigi

Train: You have two routes to reach # ArthGoldau  from #Basel and #Zurich, either routes available takes anywhere between 107 minutes to 120 minutes to reach.

Route One: Basel – Olten – Luzerne – Arth Goldau

Route Two: Basel – Zurich Main Station – Arth Goldau (Frequency is every two hours)

From Arth-Goldau, you then reach the Rigi Bahnen  (couple of minutes walk) to continue your journey to Mount Rigi. The train to Rigi Klum runs with a frequency of 60 minutes and offers some breathtaking views.

The train arrived onto the platform and in no time, we started on the journey to Rigi-Klum, the train typically has two compartments and is a Cog wheel train and if you possess a Swiss Travel Pass, travel to Rigi-Klum comes free of cost with no additional ticket costs.

The journey to Rigi-Klum is very scenic and if you get lucky, you would be travelling in the clouds to this wonderful destination.

The train started at around 1300 Hours and we started uphill towards Rigi-Klum.

Below is the video of the train going up-hill towards Rigi-Klum.

The total duration from Rigi Bahn to Rigi-Klum is around 37 minutes and the frequency is with an interval of 60 minutes.

Recommendation: Sit on the right side of the coach for scenic beauty on the way to Rigi-Klum

You could also try the Rigi-Bahnen train from Vitznau to Rigi-Klum.

Alternatively, you can take:

Boat: You can also take the boat from Lucerne to Vitznau and a Cog-wheel train from there to Mount Rigi. The ride on the boat is one of the scenic and should not be missed for the scenic beauty this region has on offer.

Aerial Cable Car: You can try the cable cars / Ropeways from Weggis to Rigi Kaltbad or Obergschwend to Rigi-Burggeist or Krabel to Rigi-Scheidegg.

Status of the Rail / Aerial cable cars can be found here

Recommendation: You can do a round trip to Rigi-Klum starting from the boat trip from Lucerne – Vitznau and the cog-wheel to Rigi-Klum followed by the cog-wheel back to Arth-Goldau

Stay Options at Mt. Rigi / Rigi-Klum

Most of the hotels in the Rigi region are based in Rigi-Kaltbad, Vitznau with just one hotel very close to the summit – Rigi-Klum Hotel which offers all amenities that you would be requiring up the mountains.

The varied range of hotels in this regions offers something to everyone with rates ranging anywhere between CHF. 80 to CHF. 1000 for a nights stay / package.

My pick if having an opportunity would be the Rigi-Klum hotel at the summit that one should definitely try to stay in during their trip.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Srikanth Bhamidi (@explorebyroad)

Must Visit Places at Mt. Rigi

The below is the list of places that are a must visit during your tip to this wonderful destination.

Each of the below places has great views and would delight everyone visiting Rigi.

• Mt. Rigi – a 360° view
• Seebodenalp
• Rigi Scheidegg
• Rigi Hochflue
• Rigi Staffel

The overall duration could range between 1 – 3 hours and no upper limit on the duration that one could spend. If time permits and you are willing, i would recommend you to book your stay at Rigi-Klum to view the night beauty the region has on offer.

Amenities at Mt. Rigi for Tourists

Rigi – Klum (Summit) has almost all amenities to make your travel enjoyable. You would find coffee shop / Restaurant / Public Toilets to cater to your needs but also have a provision for hot drinking water in the ticket booking office near the train station.

You get complimentary Wi-Fi at almost all tourists spots in Switzerland and Rigi-Klum is no different, you can browse the internet, check social media / post on social media.

Mesmerizing Clicks from Mt. Rigi

A wonderful trip and after thoroughly enjoying Mt. Rigi.

Do follow me on Social Media for my travel journeys: Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest

Until my next blog-post, this is Srikanth signing off.

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Mount Rigi, Switzerland – The Queen of mountains!

Must-see locations , Switzerland 25 comments

Mt. Rigi is our go-to day trip for family and friends visiting us. It offers an all-encompassing experience of all that’s wonderful about Switzerland. A trip to Mount Rigi from Lucerne includes a cruise on the delightful Lake Lucerne, a ride on a steep funicular, spectacular views from the Rigi cogwheel train, a beautiful mountain top and stunning views across Central Switzerland – and surprisingly few tourists.

There are 13 lakes that you can see from the top ! On a clear day, even the sharp peaks of several Jungfrau giants are visible. A visit to Mount Rigi is fully covered under the Swiss pass . Need I sell the place more?! Make sure it’s on your list of places to visit!

Read on for a detailed guide to visiting Mount Rigi, including transportation, tickets and timings and the best photo spots.

Planning a trip to Switzerland? Click here for a detailed travel guide to Switzerland – including the best time to visit, itinerary options (for 3, 5, 7 or 10 days), visa, transportation in Switzerland (including Swiss Pass), and more!

Here are more ideas for your trip to Switzerland: 25 best places to visit in Switzerland!

Note: This post contains some affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through these, I may earn a small commission, at absolutely no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Here's what's in store for you

About Mount Rigi

The highest peak on Mount Rigi is the Rigi Kulm, at 1797 m. Rigi Kulm is where you should head to for a 360-degree panorama across the Swiss Alps. The funicular that takes you up to the peak is Europe’s oldest mountain railway – clearly, the beauty of this place is long known!

Make sure you check the Mt Rigi weather webcam before you visit.

Have limited time in Switzerland? Here’s a 5-day Switzerland itinerary to take in the best of the country!

What is the b est time to visit Mt Rigi

Mount Rigi is open for visits all year round – from hiking in the summer to skiing in the winter, there are plenty of activities available for visitors.

We have visited the mountain in April, June and July and have found it breathtaking every time.

How to get to Mount Rigi from Lucerne or Arth-Goldau

There are multiple ways to reach Rigi Kulm,

• From Vitznau: Take the Mt Rigi cogwheel train. It starts right next to the ferry terminal.
• From Weggis: Take the cable car up to Rigi Kaltbad and change to the Mt Rigi cogwheel train up to Rigi Kulm. The cable car station is located about a 10 min walk from the ferry terminal
• From Arth-Goldau: Take the Mt Rigi cogwheel train. It starts right next to the main train station.

You could drive or take public transportation to the above starting points from Lucerne or Zurich . See here for detailed information on getting to the valley stations, including parking .

I would highly recommend heading to Mt. Rigi from Lucerne taking the following route to make the most of your experience,

Take a ferry from Lucerne to Vitznau . You can buy a round trip ticket for the entire journey up to and back from Rigi Kulm right at the ferry ticket counter. Take the mountain railway from Vitznau to Rigi Kulm To get back , take the mountain railway from Rigi Kulm to Arth Goldau and take the train back from Arth Goldau to Lucerne/ Zurich OR  Take the mountain railway from Rigi Kulm to Rigi Kaltbad and take the cable car down to Weggis. From Weggis, take the ferry back to Lucerne

Here’s an overview map of the region .

Mt. Rigi Tickets/ Prices and Schedule

Ticket per adult for a day in Mount Rigi costs 72 CHF . This includes all the mountain railways and cable car. Tickets can be purchased at the train station or online . If you have a Swiss travel pass , the entire excursion is covered at no extra charge! Swiss half fare card is also applicable.

Ticket per adult for a round trip ferry ride from Lucerne to Vitznau costs 38 CHF .  Tickets can be purchased at the ferry terminal (located right opposite the main train station in Lucerne). This is also entirely covered in the Swiss travel pass . Swiss half fare card is also applicable.

See here for the latest schedules of the mountain trains and the cable car .

See here for the latest schedules of the ferries to and from Lucerne .

Where to stay to visit Mt. Rigi

Lucerne or Zurich are both ideal for this trip. If you’re staying in Zurich, add about 45 min – 1 hour travel time for this excursion.

Click here to find places to stay around Mt Rigi

Guide to visiting Mount Rigi

We have already been to Mt. Rigi thrice in about 4 months! That is how much we love this place!

On our latest trip, we drove to Lucerne and parked in the lot at the main station. From there we walked to the ferry terminal and bought our tickets. Since there was about an hour before the ferry was scheduled to leave we took a walk around Kappelbrucke – the famous wooden bridge of Lucerne.

We got back to the terminal with about 15 minutes to spare and already there was a large crow of people waiting for the ferry. We managed to make sure we were standing close to the front of the line (we needed to take the best seats on the ferry after all!) and were the first to get on the ferry.

Our favourite seats are the ones located in the open, right at the back of the boat. These are the ones with the best views and from where you can take the best photographs. We do not like sitting in the front of the boat since it’s too windy and it’s not as much fun as watching the frothing foaming water at the back of the boat.

The ferry ride is a beautiful experience, worth doing standalone as well . The turquoise blue waters of the lake and the high mountains surrounding it make for very picturesque views. The ferry has a small cafe and bar as well so you can enjoy a coffee or a beer.

We reached Vitznau in about an hour and were again standing close to the front of the line – good seats on the mountain train are super important after all! Keep your tickets handy since before you board the train you will need to show your ticket. As soon as you disembark from the boat you’ll see the train standing right in front . 

The mountain railway has some very interesting coaches – some are set up as normal coaches with a 4-2 seating plan on both sides of the aisle while some have individual gates into an aisle seating about 10 people. Whichever you choose to sit in, make sure you are on the left side (in the direction of travel) for the best views.

The train ride up to Rigi Kulm is one of our favourite parts of this trip – you get to see views that no other place can offer (and I’ve been on several funiculars!). As the train climbs steeply up the mountain, we are always left awestruck by how spectacular Lake Lucerne looks down in the distance.

Keep your cameras ready as you can take several fantastic shots of the lake on this train ride!

In the summer we’ve seen beautiful flowers covering the slopes and the ringing of cowbells around us. In the winters there is a beautiful layer of untouched snow on everything, especially magical looking on the mountains far in the distance.

The ride up to Rigi Kulm (the last station) takes about 30 min but leaves you wanting for more! 

At the station, there are restaurants, shops and toilets available.

While there are beautiful views all around from the station itself, walking up to the summit is even more rewarding. I recommend taking a left as you get down from the train and following the gently sloping paved path up. There is a restaurant with a deck from where you get some amazing pictures .

Continue right from the restaurant – there will be 2 paths heading up. We always take the one on the right which has a gentler slope. As you climb up, there is a small meadow on the right. We’ve taken some marvellous pictures from that spot.

As you continue walking you’ll reach the wooden cow which is again a beautiful photo stop . Also, spend some time looking at the map which identifies the lakes and mountains visible in the distance. We spent some time having our picnic lunch there.

Next, continue on up the path and you’ll see more lakes and mountains and an interesting rock with Mt. Emei, China carved on it. It represents the partnership between Rigi and Emei. There is a similar stone at Emei from Rigi.

As you continue walking along the edge, you’ll find several more spots to take amazing pictures.

We usually spend about 2 hours at Rigi Kulm and then make our way back. Make sure you check the timetable to plan your return since the frequency of trains is not very high.

Practical tips for travelling to Mount Rigi

• Check the weather webcam before visiting – if it’s rainy or very cloudy, don’t bother since the views will be blocked by the clouds. Instead, if you’re based in Lucerne see if you can cover other places such as the Lucerne town which is not quite as weather dependent.
• Dress in layers – with the sun shining down, it can become quite warm but if it’s windy it could become super cold, especially up at the summit.

Other activities at Mount Rigi

• If you feel adventurous, there are multiple hiking trails on Mt. Rigi. Here’s where you can find more details .

Mt Rigi or Mt Pilatus

A question we are often asked by our friends or family visiting is Mt Rigi vs Mt Pilatus. Our recommendation is always Mount Rigi for the following reasons,

Mount Rigi offers better views and has a much larger area at the top of the mountain to explore and enjoy Mt Pilatus is too popular which leads to huge crowds. We have visited Mt Pilatus several times across the year and it has always been quite crowded, especially during July – August Mt Rigi with Swiss pass is free while Mt Pilatus is not (there’s a discounted rate available with Swiss pass)

Mt Rigi or Mt Titlis

Short answer – both!

There are very different experiences to be had at either of the mountains and both are worth a visit. Mt. Titlis is always covered in snow and is one of the best mountains in Switzerland to visit (cheaper than Jungfraujoch and better views!) to see glaciers and indulge in snow activities.

Mt. Rigi offers different experiences depending on the weather – snow activities during the winter and hiking during the summer.

So if you can, visit both! Base yourself in Lucerne from where both Mt Titlis and Mt Rigi are easy to visit.

Have you been to Mt. Rigi? What has been your favourite mode of travel?

Are you planning a trip there? Let me know if you have any questions.

If you found this useful, please share and spread the love!

More information for your trip to Switzerland:

ITINERARY GUIDE: Travel guide to Switzerland | 5 days in Switzerland | Best time to visit Switzerland BUCKET LIST DESTINATIONS: 25 best places to visit in Switzerland HIDDEN GEMS: 10 hidden gems in Switzerland TRAIN RIDES: The Golden Pass train line HIKES: Bannalpsee | Oeschinensee | Hike to Bachalpsee | Swiss Grand Canyon  |  Gornergrat hike  |  5 lakes hike LAKES : 7 most beautiful lakes in Switzerland | Lake Brienz | Melchsee-Frutt MOUNTAINS: Mount Titlis | Mount Rigi | Schynige Platte CITIES/ VILLAGES: Zürich | Zermatt  | Lucerne

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25 Comments

How is Mt Riji in Mid January ? Will there be extreme snow which might interrupt train/ferry services?

What a beautiful spot! I love the photo with the cow…so funny! I had no idea that Rigi and Emei were partners/sister cities…that’s so cool!

Hahaha yeah, Switzerland and cows are quite a combination! :)

It’s the first time I hear about Mt. Rigi, actually. It’s really beautiful, I can see why this is the trip you propose to everyone visiting you.

That’s one of the best parts about Rigi – quite underrated, unlike the nearby Mt. Pilatus which gets extremely overcrowded.

I can totally see why you love it so much! I think I would be back there all the time too if we lived close. I LOVE those epic mountain views and the lake is sooo pretty too.

p.s. Good tip about sitting on the left side of the train. Mountain scenery is definitely the most important part of riding the train!

Thanks Josy! Switzerland has so many epic mountain views and pretty lakes that make it a fantastic place to visit.

Gorgeous pictures! Switzerland has long been on my list for the stunning scenery. This just makes me want to go all the more!

Thanks Brianna! Switzerland really is stunning, even more so when you visit less touristy spots!

Every picture I’ve ever seen of Switzerland is so beautiful! Mt. Rigi isn’t a place I’ve heard of before, but after reading your post I feel like I must go there! Incredible pictures!

Rigi is really one of the hidden gems of Switzerland so you can enjoy the views with much fewer tourists crowding the place!

Lucerne is one of our favorite destinations and I loved reading your post along with its beautiful photographs. We loved hiking near Rigi as well – on a clear day, the views are simply breathtaking. Great post!

We’ve been meaning to go hiking on Rigi for so long now! It has some amazing trails.

The views are magnificent! Thanks for sharing this excellent experienced in this place. I love everything you said, and yes, the weather is a significant factor! I am adding Switzerland in our bucket list.

Thanks. True, you need good weather on your side to enjoy the magnificent views. Switzerland is absolutely a bucket list place. ?

I am still stuck on the fact you can see 13 lakes from the top and what a great tip about where to sit on the train ride for the best views. Absolutely gorgeous!

Yeah, it’s absolutely spectacular from the top. Switzerland has some amazing train rides and knowing which side to sit on can make them even more amazing!

Wow, I should visit you guys then so you can take me on this fantastic go-to day trip through Lake Lucerne and up to Mount Rigi and its 13 lakes. Switzerland is such a great place to visit but I choose summer!

Yes you absolutely should :) We love taking our visitors on these trips – so much fun to enjoy their enjoyment!

Looks so absolutely beautiful here. I didn’t know about this place prior to reading your blog, great post!

Thanks! And yeah, it’s one of the lesser known but exceptionally amazing places in Switzerland.

I have heard about Mt Rigi earlier but didn’t imagine it looked so beautiful. I am amazed to know you can see 13 lakes from there. Stunning!

It really is a stunning place and one that not many know about. When did you come across it?

This is a one-stop get every possible amazing experience kind of place. The views from atop are so stunning. Great tip on the weather webcam

The views are really amazing, even on the train ride up!

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Gruezi, Hi! My name is Smita, a part-time traveller and a travel writer. So far I’ve been what you might call a serendipitous traveller! I got a chance to visit several amazing places more by chance than by design. I would love to put all my extensive travel planning to good use by sharing it with you and hope that these inspire you to visit all those famous, and not-so-famous locations! Read More

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How to Get From Lucerne to Mount Rigi by Boat: An Easy Daytrip from Lucerne Switzerland

• January 1, 2018

Shanna Schultz

Inside this post...

Our trip from Lucerne to Mount Rigi by boat was one of the highlights of our trip to Switzerland.  The views from the top of Mount Rigi Switzerland were phenomenal and the experience taking the cogwheel train up to the top was one of a kind.

There is a reason that the Swiss call her “Queen of the Mountains”  This was one of the easiest day trips from Lucerne that you can take with kids.  There was plenty to keep them occupied (boat rides, train rides, cows…) and not too much travel time to get there.

If you enjoy reading this, continue on to these other informative pieces about our time in Switzerland and Austria:

• Is the Swiss Travel Pass Worth it?  Comparing Swiss Train Discounts
• Top Tips for Train Travel in Europe with Kids
• Berchtesgaden National Park With Kids:  The Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus) and the Salzburg Salt Mine

Interlaken Travel Resources

Budget Favorite: Backpackers Villa Sonnehoff ( Tripadvisor or Booking.com ) Family Apartments: Essential by Dorint Interlaken ( Tripadvisor or B ooking.com ) Splurge with Character: The Hey Hotel ( Tripadviso r or B ooking.com )

Interlaken Tourism Informatio n Sw itzerland Tourism – Interlaken Swi ss Family Fun Travel Blog The Family of 5 – Switzerland Travel Blog

These are tour recommendations from our preferred tour provider. This means that we know that these tours m eet our high standards and will take great care of you : Private Tour of Lucerne and a “ Big 4″ Mountain from Interlaken Private Tour of the B ernese Oberland from Interlaken Jungfrauj och –Top of Europe From Interlaken

M y Scenic Switzerland – 6 Day Tour from Zurich Highlights of Central Switzerland (2 days, 1 night from Zurich)

Interlaken Travel Guide 20 24 Rick Steves Switzerland Packable Shopping Bags (grocery stores in Europe don’t give disposable bags) Switzerland Power Adapter 2 Pac k Alpine Cooking: Recipes and Stories from Europe’s Grand Mountaintop s [A Cookbook]

Where to Stay in Zurich on a TIGHT Budget A Complete Two Week Itinerary for Switzerland and Austria with Kids Is it Possible to Travel Switzerland on a Budget?

This is a link to the travel insurance  that we personally use when we travel If you want more options, this is a great search engine that takes into account many factors in helping you  choose the right travel insurance for you .

Need some help planning your trip to Switzerland? This is our preferred travel agency. They offer top notch service (they are who we work with to plan our trips.)

Getting from Lucerne to Mount Rigi by boat was a fairly straight forward and one of the easiest Lucerne day trips.   It was also  INCLUDED in our Swiss Travel Pass . Mount Pilatus is another easy daytrip from Lucerne that you might consider in addition to Mount Rigi.

Here are instructions, best tips and my recount of our amazing day traveling from Lucerne to Mount Rigi by boat!

Getting from Lucerne to Mount Rigi by Boat

Boats leave Lucerne from the dock just north of the Lucerne Bahnhoff (right next to the bridge).  It really is best to leave early in the day.  The top of Mount Rigi often gets covered in clouds in the afternoon.  This was true for us on the day that we went…we got there early but the clouds soon came.

You can buy tickets at the ticket window nearby the boat dock.  The trip is free if you have a Swiss Travel Pass, just get in line and board with your pass.

Taking the Mount Rigi Cogwheel Trai

If you are trying to figure out Mount Rigi how to get there is a piece of cake!  Take the boat to the Vitznau stop.  The Mount Rigi train boards directly across from the boat landing.  Check the timetable here to confirm how often the train leaves.  There will be a rush of people when you get off the boat.  Have your Swiss pass or tickets ready.  If you don’t have a Swiss Travel Pass, you will probably want to buy tickets ahead of time online  so you don’t wait in line and don’t miss getting seats.

Get your camera ready…on the way up the Rigi Bahnen from Vitznau views were best on the left side of the train .  You will get postcard worthy shots of  cerulean blue Lake Lucerne framed by epic mountains.

Exploring Rigi Kulm (the top)

When you get to Rigi Kulm (the top), you will want to take some time to explore.  There is a viewing platform up there, as well as some short trails up to an observation tower and monument.  The viewing platform did have good railings, but I would still keep any small children close in hand as the drop was very steep.

Again, as noted above, getting up here in the morning is best as the views often get obscured by clouds in the afternoon.  We got here just before noon and got our pretty photos right away before the clouds set in.

The Short Hike From Rigi Kulm to Rigi Staffel (with cows!)

When you are done, you can either take the train back down to either Vitznau or the other way to Goldau, or hike part (or all of the way) down.

We chose to hike part ways down.  We started out from Rigi Kulm towards Rigi Staffel (the next station down the mountain.)  The short hike down from the top to Rigi Staffel was most eventful.  We passed a lovely little café right next to a field of Swiss mountain cows (complete with bells) that we got to walk through.  We got some great, closeup cow shots!  Score!

This part of the trail was dirt and it was steep and rocky in a couple of spots.  I was happy that we had a jogging stroller with big wheels and not an umbrella stroller here.

The Moms Tots Zurich Blog was my FAVORITE blog to read when planning this trip.  She has some great, in depth information about Mount Rigi hiking and  visiting Mount Rigi with kids .  You should definitely head over there when you are done here!

The Stroller Friendly Hike from Rigi Staffel to Rigi Klosteri

We attempted the shorter version of the Rigi Panorama hike as noted on the Moms Tots Zurich Blog above, from Rigi Kulm down to Rigi Klosteri.  The trail from Rigi Staffel towards Rigi Kolsteri was a little hard to find.  It departs from behind the restaurant at Rigi Staffel.  There is a small play area there if you need a little break before heading down.

The part of the trail from Rigi Staffel to Rigi Klosteri that we saw was paved…but we had to cut our hike short due to a minor medical emergency.  Our little one tripped and skinned up her nose pretty darn good.  She was a little trooper and was fine in the end, but this just goes to show how kids can abruptly change you travel plans .  All was well in the end.

We ended up taking the train down the other side of the mountain to Goldau and we made an easy connection back into Lucerne.

Switzerland can be CRAZY expensive, but it is sooo worth it! This coupon book has 2 for 1 offers for many restaurants and attractions around the country. I wish we had known about this when we visited Switzerland…it would have saved us a TON of money!

Getting from Lucerne to Mount Rigi by boat was a great daytrip from Lucerne with our 2 and 4 year old.  We saw beautiful scenery and it helped us keep our Switzerland travel costs down as it was included in our Swiss Travel Pass !

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How to climb Mt. Rigi in Lucerne and get the best views

Sometimes the summit isn't the best thing about the climb

Photograph provided by Switzerland Tourism

When it takes a boat, a train and a steady hike to get an incredible view, you need to make sure the trip is worthwhile. And sometimes, the trip is better than what you came to see.

At least, that is what I learned when I climbed Mt. Rigi, the “Queen of the Mountains” in Switzerland—a trip paid for by Switzerland Tourism.

Located in Central Switzerland's Alps surrounded by the Lakes Lucerne, Zug and Lauerz, Mt. Rigi's summit, Rigi Kulm, is 5,899 feet (or 1,798 meters) above sea level. It's known for incredible 360-degree views of the Alps, 13 lakes in the lowlands, Germany and France as well as the cities of Lucerne and Zug.

The journey there from the city of Lucerne is just as visually stunning. Using the Swiss Travel Pass last fall, I boarded a steamboat at Lucerne's Bahnhofquai headed for the beautiful lakeside town of Vitznau still in the canton of Lucerne. As we dined, the boat slid through Lake Lucern e past its epic landscape with mountain peaks and villages rising up on either side of us. Throughout the nearly one-hour trek, the views left me speechless.

Once there, I transferred to the Cogwheel Railway—Europe's first mountain railway—(for free with the Swiss Travel Pass) for a long, steep trek up the side of Mt. Rigi through small villages and pastures. The sound of the clattering train was broken up only by a chorus of mooing cows as we climbed to the top. The higher we went, the more dramatic the view became.

Finally, I reached Rigi Kulm, ready to see the most spectacular view of my trip in Switzerland.

Except I saw nothing. Clouds blocked our view for all but two minutes of our time on Rigi Kulm. My hair was wet. The wind whipped my jacket around. The sign posts weren't pointing to anything in particular.

When the clouds did let up, we saw the gorgeous blue-green lakes below for miles, but clouds quickly moved back in, leaving us in misty grayness.  

I headed back down the mountain on the cogwheel railway to Lok 7 for lunch with a view—a view that I could see now that I was back under the clouds. Here, I enjoyed rösti with raclette and a tall glass of red Rivella. The sun was out but clouds continued to cast shadows off and on.

But soon, my whole experience of Mt. Rigi changed for the better. A mountain guide met me outside of Lok 7 for a Classic Rigi Hike—a tour organized by Lucerne Tourism and oRIGInal, an organization of volunteer enthusiasts who guide visitors around the mountain. Knowing the changeable nature of the clouds, my guide, Peter, offered to take a different route that would give me incredible views—without the cloud cover.

We hopped back on the cogwheel railway to the Rigi Kaltbad stop, where we passed a tempting outdoor spa, the Rigi Kaltbad Mineral Baths and Spa . I made a mental note for a later trip, and followed Peter to the Rigi Felsenweg, or cliff trail.

After passing a pasture of cows dining on grass and walking through a dense forest, we came upon Felsenweg, which is a popular leg of the Rigi Panoramaweg. As the name suggests, we were literally walking on a cliff. To the left, a giant wall of rock. To the right, a steep drop and a sprawling view of Mount Bürgenstock and Mount Stanserhorn and Mount Pilatus—not a cloud in my way!

The stunning view kept us there for a good while, taking photos and resting on the benches, taking it all in. Gone was the disappointment I experienced up at the peak of Rigi Kulm. I breathed in deep and knew that I'd finally seen what I came to Switzerland for.

Peter then took me down the path that eventually weaved through more farmland and pastures—giving a taste of the famed pastoral Swiss landscape—and back into the forest toward the train. Without Peter's knowledge of the mountain, my excursion to Mt. Rigi would have been a wet let-down. But the delicious food and gorgeous views on an alternative route were all found below Rigi Kulm. It turns out that reaching the summit isn't always the best outcome. All you need is a local and a taste for adventure.

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The mount Rigi panorama trail, Lucerne

A stunning hiking trail to the top of Rigi Kulm. Enjoy a breathtaking view over Lake Lucerne and the alps.

Last Update: 30/06/2024 0 COMMENT

Ahhh our beloved Switzerland , it hasn’t finished surprising and enchanting us! In the last few months we’ve been travelling a lot around our home in Valais (#covid19yousaid) but last week we made a small exception.

We had an appointment in Zurich and we took advantage of an extra day to make a scenic stop at Lake Lucerne and more precisely at Mount Rigi .

Mount Rigi – a short presentation

From seebodenalp to rigi staffel, from rigi staffel to rigi kulm, going down to rigi klösterli, getting to rigi first, the panoramic trail between rigi first and rigi kaltbad, the känzeli viewpoint (chänzeli), getting back to seebodenalp, mount rigi – practical information.

The Rigi is definitely one of Switzerland’s must-see events! And it’s not us who say so, it’s also statistics: 850’000 visitors a year ! The reason? Well simply the absolutely incredible panorama on Lake Lucerne!

Ok… now you’re probably thinking: “but why on earth would you want to go hiking where almost a million people come every year (mostly by train)” . So I’ll admit it, the crowds are not particularly our cup of tea either… But at the Rigi there is a BUT. Indeed, trains and gondolas arrive at several places on the Rigi, but as very often, few people walk more than a few hundred meters.

So no, this is probably not the “wildest” or “off the beaten track “hike you will find on the blog, but believe us, we still recommend it with your eyes closed. If you manage to come there outside vacations or weekends it’s even better 😉

The hike started for us at the end of the morning on the parking lot of Seebodenalp. At the moment of getting out of the car (euhhh of the van in fact, we are not accustomed yet 😉 ) we are in a thick fog and we hear our neighbors of carpark hesitating:

“We are in the fog… we drove 2 hours to get here. What do we do now? Do we wait in the car, turn around or do we try to go for a hike?”

Ahhh, for our part the question did not even arise: Let’s go!!!! The weather forecast was clear, stratus in the morning up to 1200-1300m… The parking lot being at exactly 1000m of altitude that did not worry us too much.

Then I won’t hide from you that it’s mystical enough to leave in the fog like that. But the optimism was there!

After a few hundred meters we already feel that our instincts (ok the weather forecast too) did not deceive us. As we go up in the forest, the light becomes stronger and stronger until suddenly we arrive above the clouds.

All of a sudden we are under a blue sky and dazzled by the sun! Ahhhhhhhhhh happiness!

From the parking lot to Rigi Staffel there is something like 3,5km and 600m of difference in altitude. A rather steep but very regular ascent and especially some nice first points of view on the way.

In Rigi Staffel we arrive directly at the level of the small station and the restaurant. We are not going to lie, this place is a little a shocking in terms of crowd when coming out of the forest! But hey, the view is there and that’s what we came to get and not necessarily the smell of some sausages & bread everyone seems to be eating up there.

From Rigi Staffel to the highest summit of the Mount Rigi (Rigi Kulm) there is still a good 1 km of walk and 200m of positive difference in altitude. This part of the hike will clearly have been the one where we met the most people, but it is also one of the most beautiful. The ballet of the trains crossing each other, the fog dissipating little by little and the lake revealing itself… pfiouuu magical!

Are you planning to visit Switzerland by train? We advise you to read our article which will allow you to compare the Swiss travel pass with the half-fare card . The article also includes 3 examples of train routes through Switzerland and the associated budget depending on the ticket you take.

If you prefer not to take a travel pass, but rather take advantage of the Supersaver tickets and day passes, then go to this post for all the details.

From the top of the Rigi Kulm we set off again in the direction of the eastern side of the mountain and more precisely in the direction of Rigi Klösterli. For the non-German speakers among you, you might be interested to know that “Klösterli” is a Swiss German word meaning “kleines Kloster” or small monastery if you prefer.

Nowadays Rigi Klösterli is a tourist destination in its own right with its hotel and restaurants, but at one time there were Capuchin monks here.

The descent to the small train station is really very pleasant. We follow mainly a wide track with, always, beautiful landscapes in front of us.

From Rigi Klösterli station the path leads up along a track towards Rigi First. It was our last little climb of the walk and for once I was far from complaining. 😉 At the beginning of November the temperatures were starting to be cool and in the second part of the day this part of the hike is in the shade. In short, nothing like a little climb to warm up a little bit!

Arrived at Rigi First we were again in the sun but above all we had reached a crazy viewpoint! At this place, we are like “hanging” above lake Lucerne.

The scenic trail from Rigi Scheidegg to Rigi Kulm is one of the most popular in the region. We had followed it a few years ago ( read our article here ) and this year we were back on part of this trail.

There’s no need to say, this panoramic walk is simply spectacular. It’s funny because we pass by a lot of small chalets and vacation apartments… You can’t help wondering who are the people who enjoy such a view on a daily basis! Well after, this place is not accessible by road (only by the train or the cable car) so we can imagine that it’s not the most “practical” place to live there full time… but well, with such a view we would be ready to some concessions I think (well financially it must be another story eh… but hey, it’s not forbidden to dream right? ) 😉

In Rigi Kaltbad we take advantage of the small grocery store to go and buy ourselves a “snack” (yes yes, like when we were 10 years old) and put it in the bag with the idea to eat it with the view.

From the center of Rigi Kalbad, our walk continues a few hundred meters up the mountainside until we reach the Känzeli viewpoint. This place has nothing secret and it is very popular at sunset time. But then, it’s easy to understand why such a viewpoint over lake Lucerne attracts people (especially since it’s only a 15 minutes walk from the arrival of the gondola and the train).

It must have been 4:15 p.m. when we arrived. The lights were beginning to soften and the fog was slowly coming back on the lake. Totally bewitched by the landscape, we decided to sit on a bench to wait for the sun to hide behind the Pilatus (and eat our snack 😉 ). But no more blah blah blah blah, here are some pictures of this magnificent end of the afternoon:

At the viewpoint of Känzeli a sign indicates the direction of Seebodenalp but also the walking time… 1h20 announced! As we stayed at the viewpoint to watch the sunset and as night arrives quickly in November we knew we had to hurry a bit. 😉

It is thus with a good pace that we started the descent towards the alpine restaurant of Räb. This section is quite steep in some places and it was clearly better to cover it with still some visibility. We didn’t make many photo breaks on the way down, even if some viewpoints were simply too nice not to stop. 😉

Once we had reached the second restaurant in Ruodisegg we knew we were done with the descent. The last 2 kilometers that still separated us from the parking lot were only a formality: a perfectly flat and wide path. We arrived at the car exactly when it got really dark: a perfect timing and a perfect hiking day! 🙂

To finish this article here is all the practical information you might need to make this hike.

• Distance : about 16km
• Elevation change: 1000m (+ and -)
• Difficulty : The path is easy and there is no exposed passage. Nevertheless, the distance and the difference in altitude make it a good hike, a little bit sporty.
• Duration : Difficult to estimate as the many viewpoints will make you want to take several breaks. 😉 For info it took us 6h30 to complete the loop by really taking our time (picnic, many photo breaks). The pure walking time is about 4h30.
• When to do the hike? Ideally: April/May-October/November. The advantage of the Rigi is that it isn’t very high (compared to the rest of the Alps). The highest point of the hike is at less than 1800m which makes this hike accessible most of the year (depending on snow conditions).
• Access : We drove by van to the parking lot at the top of Seebodenalp (starting point on the map). Paid parking. Be careful, the access road is narrow and on busy days it often means traffic jams and full parking… Come early! If you plan to come on a busy day (summer, weekend, holiday) or if you are using public transport, you can reach the start of the hike by taking the cable car from Küssnacht. Timetables and more infos
• Alternative : A few years ago we proposed another hike in the surroundings (shorter but involving public transport). Our blog post: Rigi Scheidegg to Rigi Kulm
• Map : Below, you will find the map. If you want to download it to have it with you, you can use the link below. To access the more than 30 download formats, you simply need to have an AllTrails account (free)

Hiking map for the Mount Rigi panoramic trail:

During this small escapade we were on the road with Dahu (our van). So we did not look for a hotel or apartment in the area even if, as you can imagine, there is no lack of options in a touristic place like this one 😉 You will find lots of apartments as well as hotels around here.

You can use the map below to compare directly. Simply use the filters to select the desired accomodation type and price range and then use the zoom to look in a particular area.

In a van we usually dream to find a small wild spot with a nice view to settle down. After, it is necessary to remain realistic, to have a van does not mean that we can sleep everywhere, far from there! Besides, there is often a proportional relation between the popularity of a place and the number of camping bans. 😉 Not having especially the desire to be dislodged in the middle of the night we opted for the camping option.

We have a really good address to give you around here: Camping Buosingen in Goldau. It’s probably not the campsite that has the most “charm” of the region (in reality it’s very basic) but on the other hand the night costs 18CHF for 2 people and a campervan (to which we added 0.5CHF for electricity), it’s very clean and it’s open all year round. It is, I think, the cheapest campsite that we’ve seen so far in Switzerland! In short, we spent 2 nights there and it was perfect. The camping’s website

Note: Links that point to rentals and hotels are affiliate links. If you need accommodation in the area we suggest you use our links (these are the sites we systematically use when we book accommodation). You don’t pay anything extra, but we will get a small commission.

About Fabienne

I'm the female part of the pair. A little stubborn, spontaneous and passionate about the digital world and the tourism industry, I am also the one addicted to numbers and practical information in our couple. I carefully keep all our travel budgets . Then we are reassured, sometimes I drop my Excels sheets for a nice hike! With the well-deserved artesanal beer at the end... of course!

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Addie Abroad

Hiking Mount Rigi // The Perfect Day Trip from Lucerne

Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of them I will recieve a small commision at no extra cost to you, which allows me to keep this blog up and running!

The last time I was in Switzerland, it was with my family the summer before I started fifth grade. I was ten years old, just entering puberty, and at the prime age for complaining and refusing to do things with my family. As you can probably expect from any ten year old, I was no fun. We would go on hikes and I would complain the whole way. My parents paid the  astronomical prices for train tickets to the top of the Jungfraujoch, and I refused to leave the train station. I claimed I had altitude sickness. In reality, I was just in one of those moods. Who even knows where I came up with the altitude sickness excuse.

Looking back on all of this, I realize now that I passed up some seriously amazing opportunities as a whiny ten year old (as well as in the years following). I don’t think I’ll ever stop kicking myself over that. Thankfully, this past March I was finally able to return to Switzerland after ten long years. This time, I told myself, there was no way I wasn’t going to appreciate every last second of it. As an added bonus, I was traveling solo this time, which meant that I could do just about whatever I wanted (within reason, at least – I was on a student budget after all!).

The number one thing I wanted to do during my three days in Lucerne was hike Mount Rigi. I figured at first that I would do this on the second or third day that I was there. After doing some research, though, I decided that the best time to go would be right off the train from Bern on my first morning there. Part of the reasoning behind this was because I wasn’t sure if I would be able to use the 50% Eurail pass discount on Rigi Railways if it wasn’t one of my designated travel days. In the end, I don’t think it actually would have mattered. But I was glad to have been safe, rather than sorry.

So, after getting everything together in Bern that morning, I set off on my way to Lucerne. It was a short, one hour train ride that went through pleasant scenery. Before I knew it, my train was pulling into the Lucerne train station. I dropped my backpack off at a luggage locker (CHF7 for 24 hours) and transferred what I would need for the day into a daypack. Then I walked out of the station, ready to take on what I had deemed my first proper Swiss hiking experience.

But first, a boat.

Just across the street from the Lucerne train station lies a small ticket and informational office for boat trips on Lake Lucerne. This was my destination. When I stopped at the window to ask for information I was told that the next boat was departing in two minutes and I that I could buy my ticket onboard.

I booked it to the soon-departing boat, presented my Eurail pass for a 50% discount (god bless), and went to find a seat at the back of the boat, ticket in hand. I was especially proud of myself because all of these interactions happened in German, a language I’ve been studying since I was 8 years old. Finally, I’d reached a point where German speakers wouldn’t immediately switch to English when I spoke to them! It was pretty darn satisfying.

I settled into my seat just as the boat started moving, excitement stirring in my stomach. The sun was out to play, and I could tell that it was going to be a beautiful day for a hike. I didn’t stay seated for long, though. As the boat pulled away from the dock, I quickly realized that this wasn’t going to be just any boat trip. This was going to be a  damn beautifully scenic boat trip. I pulled my camera out as quickly as I could and started snapping – and so did everyone else.

It took me a while to fight my way to the back of the boat, which was the most popular place for picture taking – and for good reason. At the back of the boat, a Swiss flag flapped triumphantly with views of Mount Pilatus in the background. Totally insta-worthy .

Riding the Rigi Bahn

In a little less than an hour, the boat docked at my destination: Vitznau. This seemed to be where the lion’s share of passengers disembarked. Which makes sense considering that Vitznau is the departure point for the popular Rigi cogwheel train. The train station was easy enough to find, as it was literally right across from the boat dock. You pretty much couldn’t go wrong (which was a good thing for me, as I tend to get lost  very easily).

While a few people had to stop by the ticket office to pick up tickets, most of the passengers (including myself) seemed to have booked their tickets ahead of time – which was good, because the next train left only a minute or two after the boat dropped us off.

Side Note: As far as I can tell, the train’s schedule is organized to run in relation to the boat’s, so it’s definitely a good idea to buy your tickets ahead of time. You can either do this directly through the Rigi website , like I did, or at the ticket office in Luzern (in combination with your boat ticket). Here’s a great informational post that will help a lot if you’re planning your own trip up Mount Rigi.

Since the next train was departing soon, I presented my ticket. To my pleasant surprise, the inspector handed me a Lindt truffle in return. I was pretty convinced I was living in luxury at that point. After that, I boarded the train and settled into my seat (well, as much as you can settle into a seat when you’re facing backwards on a train going up a  very steep mountain… my abs got a real workout that day). Soon enough, we were off!

A minute or so later we had cleared the tree line and were greeted with some pretty amazing views. Swiss chalets dotted the fields, mountains rose up on the horizon, and Lake Lucerne spread out, sparkling below us. I know I say this all the time, but these views really did take my breath away.

Although the train stopped at a few stations along the way, my destination was the tippy top – Rigi Kulm. Perhaps twenty minutes after the train departed the Vitznau station, we arrived. For some reason, all of the snow surprised me, even though it was barely the beginning of spring and I was on top of a mountain. Thankfully, I brought along a pair of blue sparkly mittens with me, so I was all set.

It was actually a bit of a walk from the train station to the top of the mountain. I was pretty much starving at this point though, so I decided to pop a squat and eat the sandwich I had packed for myself while taking in the view. Even though I was alone, I had a whole group tour taking pictures to keep me company.

After I finished up my lunch, I decided it was time to warm up. The perfect way to do this, of course, was to make the quick hike to the very top of the mountain. From there, the entire world seemed small – both in the sense that everything below me looked tiny, and in the ‘It’s a small world after all’ sense.

Two girls about my age stopped me and asked if it would be alright to take a video of me saying Happy Birthday to one of their friends. People were playing in the snow. There were some pretty cute kids rolling around in strollers. I smiled as I people watched for a moment. I had a hunch there wouldn’t be as many people around when I started hiking, so I wanted to take as much of it in as possible. Even if for a brief moment, I thought, I wasn’t alone.

Hiking Mount Rigi

After I got my fill of Rigi Kulm, it was time to start my hike. Of course, although I say it was a hike, it was really more of a leisurely stroll. Thankfully, this was exactly what I was expecting and had planned for. As a solo traveller, I didn’t really want to do anything that was too strenuous or would lead me off the beaten path when it came to hiking. So instead, I chose to hike the ‘Rigi Classic’ – a short, one hour paved path down from Rigi Kulm to Rigi Kaltbald. From there, I would catch a cable car down the rest of the way.

The first five minutes or so went a little bit slower than I expected. With so much snow and ice, I was doing my best to not slip and fall. I must have looked pretty silly with my arms held out to the side as I shuffled my way slowly down the mountain. Thankfully, as I went lower the snow started to clear up. That was when I really started to enjoy myself.

Every once and a while uphill hikers passed me, but for the most part I had the mountain completely to myself. I took my sweet time making my way down the mountain, stopping at every opportunity to enjoy the views. The sun was shining so bright that the next morning I had a sunburn, but I hardly cared about that in the moment. The air was that crisp, fresh mountain air that everyone always talks about. I was in love with all things Switzerland and mountain in that moment. So much so that I even considered hiking all the way down the mountain before I reminded myself that I wasn’t  that crazy.

Rigi Kaltbald

Pretty shortly after I convinced myself that hiking five hours down a mountain wasn’t my best idea in the world, I arrived at Rigi Kaltbald. Much to my dismay, this was the end of the hiking portion of my trip. I stopped at the viewpoint for a few minutes, but nothing I saw there compared to what I saw on my hike. Maybe I was just seeing things with rose-tinted glasses, but I felt sorely sorry for those who simply rode the train back down from Rigi Kulm to Rigi Kaltbald in order to catch the cable car. They had no idea what they were missing.

From Rigi Kaltbald, I hopped on the next cable car that would fly me down to the village of Weggis. I was packed in with a load of other people, but thankfully I was the first in line. This meant that I was able to get a great front-facing view, which was perfect. As the cable car started moving, people genuinely ‘oohed’ and ‘aahed’. I’m not kidding.

Five minutes later, we were back down in the real world. This time, the boat dock wasn’t as easy to find. It was a bit longer of a walk than it had been to find the train station in Vitznau, but only because it wasn’t right across the street. I’m not really sure what happened to the other 30 people that were on the cable car, but I was the only one at the boat dock. My best guess is that a tour bus met them somewhere.

It was a bit of a wait until the next boat arrived, but I wasn’t mad at all. The view from the docks was just as beautiful as everything else I had seen that day.

I fell asleep on the boat ride back to Lucerne, probably with a big goofy smile on my face.

Reminiscing

Looking back on it, I have to say that this was my absolute favourite day of my first solo trip. I had a lot of ups and downs, especially when it came to feeling lonely, but while I was on Mount Rigi I really didn’t have a single care in the world. I’m so glad that this was my first proper Swiss hiking experience… even though it would have been even better if I had allowed that to happen ten years ago!

If You Go: Boat trips on Lake Lucerne cost CHF19 for Lucerne to Vitznau and CHF14 for Weggis to Lucerne. Swiss Travel Passes and Eurail/InterRail passes are entitled to a 50% discount. Check here for full details on pricing and here for boat departure timetables. You can buy your ticket on the boat, and there is no need to buy head of time. A Rigi Hiking Ticket , which includes a ride on the train from Vitznau to Rigi Kulm and the cable car from Rigi Kaltbald to Weggis, costs CHF62,50 full price. Swiss Travel Passes and Eurail/InterRail passes are entitled to a 50% discount. Buy ahead of time to avoid missing the cogwheel train. Alternatively, you can book a package like this one  instead of buying each part seperately. I would only suggest doing this if you don’t have access to any of the 50% discounts mentioned above. Otherwise, it is much cheaper to buy separately and take advantage of the discounts. Be sure to bring a warm coat even if you go in the summer time. Due to the altitude, it will be much colder at the top than in the towns below. The path from Rigi Kulm to Rigi Kaltbald is paved, so you don’t need special hiking boots to walk it. I would suggest sturdy shoes, though – no flip-flops!

Have you ever hiked on your own or had a similar experience to mine? Let me know in the comments down below!

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Addie Gray is a recent college grad and a passionate solo female traveler. Having traveled to more than 20 countries, she now shares her knowledge on budget travel, solo female travel, and travel photography.

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14 comments.

You said the hike was an hour paved path (Rigi Classic) but then mentioned a five hour hike down the mountain so I’m a bit confused. Could you clarify?? thanks so much heading there in the fall!!

Hi Linda, the Rigi Classic path takes about an hour and goes from Rigi Kulm, at the top of Mount Rigi, to Rigi Katlbald, partway down. From there you take a cable car the rest of the way down the mountain. If you want to hike down the whole mountain it takes five hours but from Rigi Kulm to Rigi Kaltbald it’s only one!

[…] From there, it was on to Lucerne – perhaps one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland. I began my time there with a boat ride on Lake Lucerne and a hike down part of Mount Rigi. […]

[…] having the time of my life hiking Mount Rigi, I made my way back to the town of Lucerne and found my way to my […]

Wow – those blues are unbelievable!! I have never been to Switzerland but your photos make it definitely seem worth it!

Awesome post. I definitely see myself going to Mt. Rigi when in Switzerland. Thanks for sharing!

This is such a great reminder why I need to visit Switzerland properly soon! I’ve only ever travelled through on my way to and from France but these mountain views are just too good to miss out!

LOL I died laughing at your ten-year-old-self refusing to leave the train station!! I’m glad you finally made it back… no altitude sickness involved. 😉 The landscapes look absolutely striking!

Nope, no altitude sickness this time! I must have magically been cured XD

We just did this last month and loved it! It’s incredibly beautiful with snow still on the ground! My first time to Switzerland I was also 14 and going through puberty and loved to complain and refused to do a lot and I kick myself now when I think back on it. Glad we went back and made new memories! #WanderfulWednesday

I kick myself whenever I think back on any travel experience from my tween and teen years. I can’t believe how little I appreciated the places that I went!

WOW, these photos are beyond stunning! I love the colours of the blues and the mountains, this is exactly the kind of place that I LOVE to visit! 😀

It was even more stunning in real life! Definitely a place to put on your bucket list 🙂

Rigi is great! I’m happy to hear you’ve enjoyed your day there. #WanderfulWednesday

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Rigi Mountain, Switzerland

Nestled amongst the calming blue waters of three beautiful Swiss Lakes, Mount Rigi, Switzerland is a unique and extraordinary destination. It is also known as the Queen of Mountains , mainly due to its stunning panoramic views and majestic beauty. 

Thanks to its central location, Mount Rigi is a breeze to reach from major cities like Zurich and Lucerne. This proximity is one of the many reasons that make it a popular day trip among visitors. 

During the winter months, the beautiful mountain is adorned with snow-covered peaks. This makes it an ideal spot for winter activities as well, such as skiing, snowshoe hiking, and much more. 

In this travel blog, we will cover all the things you need to know to plan a day trip to Mount Rigi including the best time to visit, the top things to do, and how to get there and make the most of the Lucerne region.

Where is Mt. Rigi

Mount Rigi is not as famous as the Matterhorn, but it is still a great place to visit in Switzerland. Why? Because it is in the middle of the country, so you can get there easily from any big city. For example, it is only 22 kilometers (14 miles) away from Lucerne . It is one of the best day trips in Switzerland for tourists who want to see some amazing views of three Swiss lakes, including Lake Lucerne.

If you go to the top of Mount Rigi, which is called Rigi Kulm and is 1779 meters high, you can see almost all of Switzerland and 19 different lakes on a clear day. That’s pretty impressive!

Mount Rigi is also a fun place to go in winter, when it is covered with snow. You can go sledding, snowshoeing, or skiing on the mountain. Or you can just hike on the many beautiful trails of Mount Rigi and enjoy the nature.

How to get to there

From vitznau.

One of the most picturesque ways to reach the summit of Mount Rigi is to board the rack railway from Vitznau after enjoying the boat ride. This trip takes about half an hour and runs frequently throughout the day. During the high season, you can count on the train to depart at least once every hour. 

The Rigi Bahn is a historic cogwheel train that has been operating since 1871. It is the oldest mountain railway in Europe, which makes it a unique attraction in itself.

From Weggis

The cable car from Weggis to Rigi Kaltbad is a great way to reach the Rigi. Rigi Kaltbad is a charming resort on a plateau. From there, you change to the historic cogwheel to Rigi Kulm, the top of the mountain. The option is perfect for those who want to enjoy a cable car ride. For the best day trip experience, consider doing a round trip involving ascending from Weggis and descending to Vitznau (or the other way around) fully immerse yourself in the experience.

From Arth Goldau

If you want to get to the Rigi through Arth Goldau, you can use the cogwheel train to the summit. This 40-minute-long scenic trip in the vintage carriages of Rigi Bahn is surrounded by woodland, waterfalls, and meadows. Every now and then, you may also get a glimpse of Lake Zug or the peaks of the Swiss Alps on the way.

You might also like the following article:

Lucerne To Mount Rigi: How to get there

Best Things to do on Mount Rigi

Ride the historical railway.

Mount Rigi is home to one of the oldest cogwheel trains in Europe. This traditional steam train has been connecting travelers from all over the world to the summit of the stunning mountain – Rigi Kulm – since 1871. 

So, if you are a fan of vintage experiences meshed in with the modern world, you should travel with the Swiss historical railway. 

It is important to note that the old steam train only operates during specific times of the year. During other times, you will have access to the red Rigi Bahn, which provides a memorable journey of its own.

Scenic Views at Rigi Kulm

Mount Rigi, Switzerland is surrounded by three mesmerizing lakes: Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug, and Lake Lauerz. This results in visitors being witness to some of the most impressive views in the Lucerne region. 

The combination of low-lands with that of the high peaks of the mountain offer a breathtaking contrast with panoramic views of the Alpine peaks and 13 lakes. 

On clear days, you are able to get a glimpse of the French Alps and the Black Forest in Germany. In fact, when the skies are particularly clear, you can view every canton of Switzerland, bar Geneva. The 19 different lakes are also visible on these days.

The highest peak of Mont Rigi – Rigi Kulm – sits at almost 1,800 meters above sea level. The 360-degree views that you get from this peak are unbeatable, to say the least.

Visitors can also find a quaint 200-year-old hotel here. It’s called the Rigi Kulm hotel and it offers the perfect place to view sunsets and sunrises. Another option atop the Rigi Kulm is the Old Station House Airbnb. 

If you want to walk between Rigi Kulm and Rigi Kaltbad, the Classic Trail will take you between the two through Rigi Staffel. This is an easy hike that lasts around one hour. 

Upon your arrival, you can enjoy a hot cup of cocoa or a refreshing ice cream at one of Rigi Kaltbad’s restaurants. 

Whichever side you choose to reach Rigi Kulm, the final part of the destination is covered on foot. The path is short yet steep and brings you to the very top of the mountain where you are able to take in the views all around you.

Hiking the Rigi Panorama Trail

The Mount Rigi Panoramaweg or Panorama Trail is an easy hiking option. Located near Lucerne and Zurich, it offers breathtaking views of the Swiss landscape. 

It is a great choice for tourists and families who desire to experience the classic beauty of Switzerland without enduring a challenging hike. 

To begin the journey, one must take the Rigi mountain train up to the summit. The Panoramaweg trail begins here and winds its way along the cliffs and around mountain peaks. Along the way, visitors find themselves surrounded with incredible views in every direction.  

This hike ends at Rigi Scheidegg, where visitors can find a restaurant, large playground, and a cable car that takes them back down to the valley. 

The Panorama trail is open throughout most of the year and is suitable for children. It takes roughly 3 hours to complete but if you are traveling without kids, the time may be shorter.

Sledging at Rigi in Winter

When you reach the top of Mount Rigi, Switzerland, you are able to rent sledges. Additionally, sledges can also be rented in Rigi Kaltbad from the sports shop. If you choose the latter, you must return the sled after your sledging adventure is over.

From Kulm, tourists sled down the sledge run to Staffel. Here, they have two options depending on what is open and available. There are two runs that conclude at Rigi Klösterli, where you will take the blue cogwheel train back up the Kulm to repeat the adventure.

To return to Rigi Kaltbad, you can walk or sled down the path alongside the railway. This is a short 30-minute walk with certain parts suitable for sledding. If you time it appropriately, you may witness the lovely red Rigi Bahn going up. 

You can also opt for snowshoe hiking instead of sledging. If you are lucky, you may experience fresh snow after a night of snowfall. The visibility may not be clear on some days but the foggy ambiance is enjoyable in its own right, nevertheless.

Rigi Kaltbad

Rigi Kaltbad is a charming Swiss village with a small local population. It is located at an altitude of 1,433 meters. 

Travelers can take the cable car from Weggis to reach Rigi Kaltbad. Once here, you can stay at the Hotel Rigi Kaltbad which is home to the renowned Rigi Wellness Center and Spa. 

This spa features one of Switzerland’s most sun-drenched terraces. It is also known as the thermalbad Rigi or mineralbad and is a popular relaxation spot among visitors. A visit here is highly suggested whether you are making a day trip to Mount Rigi or staying overnight. 

Another tourist attraction is the Regina Montium. This Michelin-starred restaurant provides visitors with the best of fine-dining right in the heart of Switzerland. 

If you are more of a laid-back person, Chalet Schild is a local mountain eatery in Rigi Kaltbad that specializes in regional dishes. Additionally, you can also opt for the restaurant inside Hotel Rigi Kaltbad.

Best time to visit Mt. Rigi

The best time to visit Mount Rigi, Switzerland is basically all year round. 

During winters, it is a popular destination to enjoy snow sports whereas in the summer, people go on a day trip to Mt. Rigi and hike the trails. When it comes to the views, there is no compromise throughout the year.

You can expect the temperatures to drop below zero during winters. Between March to November is when you can expect it to be a bit warmer. Summer highs are experienced in the months of June, July, and August, with temperatures reaching around 18 degrees Celsius. 

We recommend taking a quick look into the webcam in Rigi. This will give you a live look into Mt. Rigi’s weather conditions and whether it is appropriate for you to visit.

How long should you spend at Mt. Rigi?

To fully appreciate Mount Rigi, we recommend that you spend at least half a day there. This will provide you with plenty of time to stop at one of the restaurants for a meal either before or after taking in the scenery.

For those wanting to hike in the Rigi region or engaging in its many fun activities, a full day is a more suitable choice. 

If you have the time, an overnight stay is highly recommended. That will give you the opportunity to witness the unforgettable sunrise and sunset views that Mount Rigi has to offer. 

Where to Stay at Rigi Mount

If you are looking to spend the night at Mount Rigi, there are a few options available to you. 

Rigi Kulm Hotel

The Rigi Kulm Hotel is a three-start property and is located right at the summit of the Rigi Mount. It offers 70 traditionally styled rooms with magnificent mountain views. This is where you will be able to watch Mt. Rigi sunset. 

Hotel Rigi Kaltbad

The second option is Hotel Rigi Kaltbad. This is also a three-star hotel and is perfect for those seeking a spa break. It’s located conveniently near the cable car and train stations. 

Here, you can get sweeping views of Lake Lucerne and surrounding areas. Hotel facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, a bar, a sundeck, and a restaurant.

Is Mt. Rigi worth visiting?

Mount Rigi in Switzerland is a must-visit destination, even if you only have half a day to spare. The elevation at this mountain provides multiple perspectives of Switzerland’s immense beauty and leaves you in awe.

Whether you’re interested in trying out the Rigi spa, hiking the trails, or indulging in a delicious Swiss meal, you will find it all here. For those looking to see as much of Switzerland in as little a time as possible, Mt. Rigi is the perfect place to visit. 

Mt. Rigi or Mt. Pilatus?

Choosing between a day trip to Mt. Rigi or Mt. Pilatus from Lucerne depends on the kind of experience you are looking for. 

Mount Pilatus usually tends to be busier. Depending on the time of the year, it may have more activities and attractions than Mount Rigi, such as the Christmas market. This may be more suitable for people visiting with children.

On the other hand, Mount Rigi is known for its natural beauty and tranquility. It can serve as the perfect getaway for those seeking peace and quiet. The Rigi railway and cable car rides are a central part of the experience. 

How to get to Mt. Rigi from Lucerne?

If you are planning to travel to Mt. Rigi from Lucerne, you’ll first need to take a boat trip across the lake or a short train ride. This would then be followed by a funicular or cable car ride.

The scenic journey to the top is an integral part of the Mt. Rigi experience, regardless of which mode of transportation you choose.

How to get from Zurich to Mt. Rigi?

It takes approximately 40 minutes to get from Zurich to Mt. Rigi. If you travel from the railway and bus, it can take a little longer. 

A more convenient option is to take a day tour which is also available from Lucerne.

Final Thoughts

A visit to Mount Rigi, Switzerland is an absolute must for anyone traveling to the country. With its enthralling natural beauty, unbeatable panoramic views, and central location, it is the perfect destination to create lasting memories.

I'm an outdoor enthusiast and freelance writer for Switzerlandical. Let's go on this adventure together as we explore Switzerland. We'll conquer epic trails, soak in jaw-dropping vistas, or stroll down a cobbled street in one of the many beautiful cities. I'll do my best to curate an unforgettable travel experience that leaves you with memories you'll cherish forever.

Come & Travel with Us

Diy travelling made easy, day 3 & 4: mount rigi, plan for two days.

Our plan was to drive to Goldau A4 where we would parked our car for the next two days. From Goldau A4 we would board a Rigi Cogwheel train to Rigi Klosterli where we had booked an Airbnb Apartment for two nights. The rest of the day would be for exploring Rigi Klostelri and its surrounding. The next day we would explore as many parts of Mount Rigi as we could via the cogwheel train and on feet.

Route to Appenzell to Mount Rigi

By the end of two days We had a great time visiting various parts of Mount Rigi. We stayed two nights at Rigi Klosterli (mid mountain) to give us more time to explore Rigi. We arrived at about 3 pm on the first day which did not left us a “whole day” to explore, the second day though we had whole day to explore were limited by the train schedule and our energy level. On the third day we left after breakfast for our next destination which meant we had no time for Mount Rigi. So effectively we had only one and a quarter days to explore Mount Rigi. On hingsight a full two days would have been better for a more thorough exploration. In our case we had no time for the aerial cable car ride between Rigi-Kaltbad-First and Weggis and some other walking trails. 

On another thought maybe the time we had was sufficient. There were other parts of Mount Riggi that we skipped but it was okay as they essentially were on the same mountain and the scenes were similar tothose we had seen. Allocating more time at Mount Rigi meant lesser time for other part of Switzerland. 

Parking our car at Goldau

The only way to explore Mount Rigi was on a cogwheel train as the region was off limit to cars. On the Rigi website there were plentiful information for visitors to and it recommended that visitors who arrived by car should park their cars at Goldau A4 carpark (co-ordinates:  47.042586, 8.547317) which was conveniently located next to a motoway and a cogwheel train stop. 

On arriving at Goldau A4 parking we found that it was a huge open air carpark with no other buildings around. There was no supermarket within walking distance and we needed to buy enough grocery supplies for two days for our stay at Rigi Klosteri as our host had told us that in the village there were no grocery store. 

The train ticket seller was very nice and she advised us to park our car at Arth Goldau. There we would be able to find a supermarket. There was also a Rigi cogwheel station at Arth Goldau and we could start our cogwheel journey from there. The cogwheel train ticket to Rigi-Klosterli costed the same amount whether we boarded it at Goldau-A4 or Arth-Goldau.

Goldau-A4 to Arth-Goldau

It was a short drive of 1.8 km from Goldau A4 to Arth-Goldau (co-ords:  47.049312, 8.549329). There we found a Co-oop supermarket where we picked up our two-day worth of grocery.Opposite the Co-op was a orange colored building, it was the train ticketing office. 

The staff at the ticketing office was another very helpful person, he walked out of his office to point to me the location of the nearby cogwheel station. We told him that we would be staying in Rigi for two nights and would needed a 2 days (48 hours) parking ticket. We were afraid that by the time we returned to the carpark on the 3rd day we might exceeded 48 hours but purchasing a 72 hours ticket was overkilled. The nice man sold us a 48 hours parking ticket at €16 (€8 for 24 hours) and on it he signed, stamped and authorised the parking till the end of the 3rd day.

Rigi Parking on a road across the train tracks

The Rigi Parking (co-ords: 47.049356,8.551902)  at Arth-Goldau was on a road across the railway tracks. After parking and grabbing our bags and grocery we walked through a short cut that returned to the station via a underground tunnel. We reached the ticketing section in the orange colored building and walked further forward to the Rigi-Cogwheel station.

Arth-Goldau Rigi Bahn

At the Cogwheel station we discussed with the staff about the various type of tickets, single ticket, return ticket and day pass. Return ticket was cheaper than two single tickets and day pass was for unlimited rides for the day. To buy the tickets at half the price we needed to show the ticketing staff our Swiss Half Fare Cards and our passports.

We bought two return half fare tickets (CHF26.50 per person) for Arth-Goldau to Rigi Klosteris where our accommodation was located. We planned to buy the Rigi Day Pass the next day at Rigi Klosteris station and explore Rigi using its unlimited rides benefit. Since the day pass was only valid for the day and not 24 hours, we would have to start our exploration as early as possible to maximise its benefits.

On our way to Rigi Klosteris with return tickets

Rigi Cogwheel Train 

The Rigi Cogwheel Train started from two locations, Vitznau and Arth-Goldau. Both tracks would end at Rigi Klum the highest station. The Rigi Cogwheel Day Pass allowed unlimited rides on both tracks including the aerial cable car rides from Rigi-Kaltbad-First down to Weggis and from Krabel up to Rigi Scheidegg

Rigi cogwheel routes and train stops

We would take an early train from Rigi Klosterli to Krabel and then to go up to Rigi- Scheidegger by aerial cable car. After coming down we would take the cogwheel train to Rigi-Klum, there we would explore for about an hour before hopping back on a train to get to Rigi-Staffel. At Rigi-Staffel we would trek up to Rigi-Rotstock Lookout before trekking down to Rigi-Staffelhohe and then continue our trekking Kanzeli then to Rigi Kaltbad-First. From Rigi Kaltbad-First we would take a aerial cable car ride to Weggis and then return. From Rigi Kaltbad-First we would have to return to Rigi Kulm and cross to the other track to return to Rigi Klosterli to get back to our accommodation. The timing to watchout for was the last train back to Rigi Klosteli.

Our destinations on Mount Rigi

Rigi Klosteri

Rigi Klosterli was the the fourth stop on the Rigi Cogwheel train starting from Arth Goldau station and was our first destination on the Mount Rigi. We reached Rigi Klosteri at about 2.45 pm. After we settled our bags in our “hotel” and rested we still had plentiful of time, 3 hours before sun down at about 9 pm. 

Rigi Klosteri Station

Rigi Klosterli was a hamlet sitting on the eastern slopes of Mount Rigi halfway up to Rigi Kulm (the summit of Mount Rigi). It was a beautiful hamlet, a very quiet place, a place to stop and take in the lovely scenery, a place to breath in the clean and crisp air and a place to listen to the soft distance “ding a dong” chimes of the cow/sheep bells. 

We saw a couple of restaurants (no grocery store), some apartments, a church and a school as we explored. Our walk took us uphill where we had a gorgeous top down view of the hamlet.

Klosterli hamlet

From the walking trail on the hill we could see Rigi Klosterli cogwheel station and the houses/apartment in the hamlet below. The hamlet was pretty small there was a concentration of not more than 10 buildings near the cogwheel station which we presumed was the entire hamlet.  We kept walking upslope wondering what other gorgeous views we would come into our sights. 

Seeing far and wide on Rigi Klosterli trail

Rigi Klum Ridge Trail

Rigi Schiedegg

On the second day morning we were at Rigi Klosterli train station before 9 am to catch the first train (in the direction of Rigi Kulm to Arth-Goldau) at about 9.18 am to Krabel for a cable car ride up to Rigi Schiedegg. At the station there was no staff manning the ticketing booth. Oh dear, how would we purchase the Rigi-cogwheel day pass?

The train arrived on time and stopped for a while at the station. We went on board to check with the train driver and he issued us a slip of receipt that represented two passes for the day. We paid half fare for the passes at CHF36 per person after the train driver verified that we both had the Swiss-Half-Fare Cards and the names on our passports and that on the Swiss-Half-Fare cards matched. 

Purchased the Rigi Day Passes (in the form of a receipt) from the train driver

Since it was the first train of the day it was very empty. We were practically the only people in the train cabin. We alighted after two stops at Krabel station and crossed over to the cable car station. We were surprised to see a carpark by the cable car station with many cars already parked. Our impression was that no cars were allowed on the Rigi Mountains and cars had to be parked at Arth-Goldau parking or Goldau-A4 parking. Well apparently for cable car riders could park at Krabel-Rigi-Scheidegg-Cable=Car Parking and saved a cogwheel ride/ticket between Goldau and Krabel. 

Krabel Station and Cable car station

At the cable car station we showed our day-passes (which was just a receipt) to the attendant and had no problem getting a ride. The cable car rides were at 30 minutes interval and the operating hours were from 8.10 am to 6.25 pm (Monday to Thursday) and from 8.10 am to 7.25 pm (Friday to Sunday). On the ride up we had treated with a wonderful view of the surrounding lakes. The cable car ride took about 6 minutes ascending to the top, Rigi Schiedegg. 

View of Lake seen on the cable car ride

Rigi Scheidegg was a beautiful place with hotels and restaurants for visitors. It was also the start of walking trails to other parts of the mountain like the 7 km trek to Rigi Kaltbad. We did not intend to hike on any of these trails as it would take up too much of our limited time. We had given ourselves just one hour to explore the vicinity of the upper cable car station. 

Lovely mountain scenery at Rigi Schiedegg

We did not have to walk very far from the cable car station to start seeing the view of lakes. It was a pity that there were no signboards to tell us the names of the lakes. From our google map we sort of could guess the names of two lakes. They were Zugersee (see meant lake) and Lauterzersee. Somehow knowing the names of the lakes made the views more meaningful.

Lakes: Zugersee and Lauerzersee as seen from Rigi Scheidegg

After we came down from Rigi Scheidegg we were back to Krabel station to wait for a next train going in the direction of Rigi Kulm. Rigi Kulm station was the further/highest cogwheel station and the journey took about 36 minutes with 5 stops. At Rigi Kulm, the weather of the day was misty and gloomy. The sky was dull and full of heavy gray clouds but neverthless the views at Rigi Kulm were still beautiful.

Rigi Klum station (Rigi Klumweg) and Lake Lucerne

Unlike Rigi Klosterli, Rigi Kulm had more visitors. It was close to noon and the cogwheel train that pulled into Rigi Kulm train station was cramped pack with visitors. One of the main reasons that Rigi Kulm was popular with visitors was it was the higest peak of Mount Rigi at a height of 1797 metres above sea level. Apparently on Rigi Kulm it was possible to see 13 lakes! We saw lakes but definitely not 13.

I was more interested to find an empty sun-chair and to lie down to relax and do nothing. While Yat Thong was more interested in exploring the surrounding. So we decided to each do our own thing and to meet back at the sun-chair one hour later. 

Enjoying Rigi Kulm my way

Yat Thong moved around and came back at about the time we earlier agreed. He showed me beautiful photos of panoramic views he had captured just in the vicinity of the train station. They were beautiful but I did not regret missing them. It was still not the end of the day, there were still a couple of places to explore and I was sure that there would be more beautiful sights to see.  

Television transmission tower and panoramic views at Rigi Kulm

To get to Rigi Rotstock we took the train at Rigi Kulm and alighted after one stop at Rigi Staffel. Both train tracks stopped at Rigi Staffel, they splitted after that with one heading towards Goldau and the other towards Vitznau.

Rigi Staffel

After alighting we walked forward along the train track until we saw a signboard and went uphill to Rigi Rotstock. The walk to Rotstock was pretty straight forward, up the slope of a hill to Rotstock lookout. The slope though was not very steep still required a great deal of effort to reach the top. It was a continuous uphill trek of 1 km.

Rigi Kulm as seen from Rigi Rotstock

At Rigi Rotstock lookout point we could see Rigi Staffel, Rigi Kulm and TV Transmission tower on one side. On the other side we could see Lake Lucerne.

Lake Lucerne as seen from Rigi Rotstock

After Rigi Rotstock we continued our trek to Rigi Staffelhohe. What we thought was a short journey turned out to be much longer and trickier. At one point we could see Rigi Staffelhohe train station and thought it was near but just could not find a trail that led directly to it. There was a valley between us and train station and we had to go a long way to cross it. 

Route from Rigi Staffel to Rotstock to Rigi Staffehohe

Kanzeli 

After reaching Rigi Staffelhohe we had a short break and then started our trek to Kanzeli then to Rigi Kaltbad-first. It would be about an 20 minutes to Kanzeli lookout platform (Aussichtsplattform Känzeli) and another 20 minutes to Rigi-Kaltbad-First. 

Rigi Staffelhohe to Kanzeli to Rigi-Kaltbad-First

It was a descending walk starting at an location just beside Rigi Staffelhohe station. This was a easier trail to trek.

Rigi Staffelhohel cogwheel train station

Along the route we came upon many different type of flowers, some of the flowers were very lovely and interesting. It was great that these flowers had tags indicating their names. 

Flowers on Mount Rigi

Instead of 20 minutes we took 30 minutes to get to Kanzeli. We took longer because we were frequently stopping to look at the flowers and their names! Finally we reached Kanzeli Lookout platform. Wow! The views of Lucerne Lake was awesome.

View of Lucerne Lake from Kanzeli

We ended our trekking at Rigi-Kaltbad-First.  From Rigi-Kaltbad-First we could go down to Weggis on a aerial cable car. But we decided to forgo the ride as our time was pretty tight. We still needed to go by cogwheel train back to Rigi Klum and hop onto another train to get back to Rigi Klosterli. If we missed the last train (7 pm) to Rigi Klosterli it would be a long long trek back to our hotel! It was a long day and we were dying for ice-creams!

We explored Rigi-Kaltbad-First abit and saw the first grocery store on Mount Rigi! 

Rigi Kaltbad First

Home Cooked Meal

We were able to cooked two lovely breakfasts and two yummy dinners at our stay. Though we were not able to drive up directly to our hotel we still had no problem reaching our hotel with two days worthed of clothes and grocery. Having a car had a great advantage, it allowed us to leave all other “not important” stuffs in the car and travelled “lighweight” with only the necessities to our hotel. 

Home cooked meal at our stay in Mount Rigi

Our Accommodation at Rigi Klosteri

Our stay was at “Rigi the place that likes nature “ booked from Airbnb (click “ Gift Voucher ” to received a cash voucher for new Airbnb signup). We were searching for a place to stay overnight for our two days visit to Mount Rigi. Originally we booked a hotel at Weggis for two nights and planned to go up to Mount Rigi via the aerial cable car to Rigi-Kaltbad-First each day. By chance we found a suitable stay on a mid mountain hamlet of Mount Rigi. The Airbnb listing was  “Rigi the place that likes nature ” .

The cost for two nights was CHF172. It was a studio apartment with a kitchen. The only worries we had when booking the place was that its position/location was not very clear on the Airbnb listing. Google map had very little information of Rigi Klosterli too. 

We arrived at Rigi Klosterli and had to find our way to a restaurant (Heirihutte) up a hill to pick up the key to or Airbnb stay. The first restaurant that we thought was Heirihutte was incorrect, but luckily the owner was kind enough to point us up a steep path beside her Hotel/restaurant that led up to the correct Heirihuttte. Luckily there were two of us, so Yat Thong stayed to guard our bags and stuffs and I went uphill to pick up the key. 

Rigi Klosterli

I picked up our key the hard way, climbing up and down a steep hill slope. It was later that we found that there was a longer, proper and gentler road that led past our Airbnb stay and continue to Heirihutte. It was a pity that our host could not give us a problem map to make checking in easier.

Our Airbnb stay was in a four storey dark brown apartment just after the town church. 

Airbnb apartment, corridor and common areas

Our room was better than we expected. It was very clean, bright and spacious. It had a full functional kitchen with everything we needed to cook a good meal. 

Our Airbnb stay

• ← Day 1 & 2: Appenzell
• Day 5: Stoos and Harder Kulm →

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How to Visit Mt. Rigi

Known as ‘Queen of the Mountains’, Mount Rigi is one of the top places in Switzerland to visit and one of the best day trips from Lucerne . This guide is here to help you to plan your perfect day or overnight stay there. 

Whether you visit in winter – when the weather in Rigi makes snow days what it’s all about – or head there for hiking in Rigi during the warmer months, by the end of this article you’ll know what to see and do as well as how to reach the summit.  

It’s not the most famous mountain in Switzerland – that accolade surely belongs to the mighty Mattherhorn – but Mount Rigi has so much going for it.

Not least the location: situated in the centre of the country, Rigi is easily reachable from all directions. If the Matterhorn is king, then surely Rigi is the queen. 

Speaking of which – the Rigi Bahn is actually the oldest mountain railway in Europe, and in 2021 celebrated its 150 year anniversary.

While the journey to Mt Rigi is incredibly scenic, the spectacular panoramic views from the summit are ample reward for any efforts you may have made in reaching the top. 

Read on to find out everything you should know when planning a trip up Rigi mountain in Switzerland – including where it is, how to get there, ticket options, top things to do, the weather and where to stay if you’d like to spend a little longer in the area.  

[ This post may contain compensated links. Please see my  disclosure policy  for more information. ]

What's in this Article

Quick Summary of Mt. Rigi Ticket Options

What is mt. rigi.

Mount Rigi – aka Queen of the Mountains – is a massif forming part of the Alps in the heart of Switzerland. What’s really appealing about Rigi is the fact that it’s almost wholly surrounded by the waters of Lake Lucerne, Lake Lauerz and Lake Zug, making it stand out from other mountainous areas.

Due to its central location, Mount – or Mont – Rigi is easy to reach, particularly from larger places like Lucerne and Zurich.

Due to its proximity to the former, it is one of the most popular day trips among visitors staying in the medieval lakeside city. It makes an ideal inclusion in a Lucerne two day itinerary .

It’s also home of the Rigi mountain train, which is Europe’s oldest. 

Where is Mt. Rigi?

Mount Rigi is located around 22 kilometres (14 miles) east of Lucerne in central Switzerland. As well as mountainous terrain, this peaceful place gives visitors sweeping views over the waters of three Swiss lakes, including Lake Lucerne. 

In fact when the Rigi weather makes for particularly clear skies, you can see every canton of Switzerland except Geneva, and nineteen different lakes from the summit. 

How to get to Mt. Rigi

In this section we cover how to get to Mount Rigi from Weggis, Arth Goldau and Vitznau – as well as how to get to those destinations from Zurich or Lucerne.

Whether you pick a boat or train ride plus a Mount Rigi train or cable car trip, getting there is actually a major highlight. 

Getting from Vitznau to Mount Rigi

Taking the rack railway from Vitznau to Rigi is one of the best ways to reach the top. The trip takes just over half an hour and departures take place throughout the day (at least hourly in high season).

A historic cogwheel train – the Rigibahn – will carry you from Vitznau to Rigi Kulm, passing through the scenic Swiss landscape along the way. 

The vintage Vitznau to Rigi bahn route opened in 1871 and today has both modern and historic carriages that date from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Your trip begins by the shores of Lake Lucerne before ascending via breathtaking lake and mountain scenery to the summit. 

Getting from Weggis to Mount Rigi

You can also travel from Weggis to Rigi Kaltbad by cable car. This aerial journey takes you over the forested and rugged, rocky terrain to the top, while panoramic views towards Lake Lucerne and the Bernese Alps are yours to enjoy en route. 

This trip takes only ten minutes, and from there it’s easy to get to the village square or the renowned mineral bath and spa in Rigi Kaltbad. If you want to ride the Rigi cable car, this is the one to choose. 

Getting from Arth Goldau to Mount Rigi

If you want to get from Arth Goldau to Rigi, the option here is another cogwheel train to Rigi Kulm.

This scenic Arth Goldau Rigi bahn journey takes around 40 minutes, on a mountain railway that’s been operating since 1875. This makes it almost as old as the Vitznau funicular. 

Again the trip takes place in vintage carriages, and this route winds through woodland, meadows and past waterfalls. Occasionally you can glimpse Lake Zug or the peaks of the central Swiss Alps along the way. 

Getting from Lucerne to Vitznau, Weggis or Arth Goldau

Deciding whether to take a funicular from Vitznau or Arth Goldau or the cable car from Weggis may be a matter of taking the first part of the trip into consideration.

Lucerne is about 22km from Mount Rigi, so none of the options from here need be time-consuming. 

Lucerne to Vitznau

It’s possible to travel from Lucerne to Vitznau by boat, train or car. The boat trip across the lake takes just under an hour.

Alternatively, take a train journey of over an hour or a car trip of around 30 minutes.  If you are arriving by car, there are two large parking garages close to the train station (hourly rates, maximum CHF 12 / 24 hours).

Lucerne to Weggis

Instead of taking the road or railway, passengers wishing to travel to the cable car station in Weggis can also take a 40 minute boat trip by ferry across the lake.

Otherwise, the drive takes about 20 minutes or the train around 50 minutes. 

Lucerne to Arth Goldau

It takes about 30 minutes by train from Lucerne to Arth Goldau, or you can drive the route in around 25 minutes. 

Getting from Zurich to Vitznau, Weggis or Arth Goldau

Trips from Zurich to the aforementioned cable car and funicular stations take between 40 minutes and an hour or more. Ath Goldau is the easiest to reach by public transport. 

Zurich to Vitznau

You can either drive to Vitznau from Zurich in about 45 minutes, or take a combined train and bus trip via Rotkreuz or Arth Goldau. 

Zurich to Weggis

The drive between Zurich and Weggis takes about 40 minutes, or you could again take a train and bus journey via Rotkreuz.

Zurich to Arth Goldau

If you’re travelling from Zurich, you can reach Goldau in around 40 minutes from the city’s central station. When arriving by car, there is a large car park close to the Goldau motorway exit and right by the railway line.

The drive also takes around 40 minutes.

Mt. Rigi Timetable

Vitznau cogwheel railway.

The Vitznau railway runs all year round, with about 15 trains per day travelling in each direction. The Rigibahn travels from Vitznau to Rigi Kulm via Rigi Kaltbad in 32 minutes. You can view the timetable here . 

Weggis cable car

The cable car from Weggis to Mount Rigi also operates during all seasons. It may be closed for maintenance outside peak times, though, so do check carefully.

There are generally two services per hour from early morning to mid afternoon. Travel time is just 10 minutes. See the timetable here . 

Arth Goldau cogwheel railway

The cogwheel train from Arth Goldau is also in operation throughout the year. About 11 trains a day depart, with around one service per hour between just before 8am and around 6.30pm.

Journey time is 45 minutes. Check the current timetable here . 

Mt. Rigi Tickets  

When buying tickets to Mount Rigi you can choose to travel independently by train or cable car, or you can take an organised day trip from Lucerne or Zurich. 

Rail and cable car tickets

Mount Rigi ticket prices vary according to the route chosen. Standard adult fares are the most costly, as children and holders of Half Fare Cards get 50% off while those with a Swiss Travel Pass or Tell Pass travel free of charge. 

Regular adult round trip fares are as follows, for the purposes of comparison:

• Rigi Kaltbad from Weggis by cable car – CHF 58 > Click here to buy your ticket.
• Rigi Kulm from Vitznau or Arth Goldau by cogwheel train – CHF 78 > Click here to buy your ticket
• Day ticket from Vitznau covering transport and Mineral Baths and Spa admission – CHF 88 > Click here to buy your ticket

Children up to the age of 15 travel free when accompanied by a paying adult. As mentioned above, holders of the Tell Pass travel for free ( more info here ) as do holders of the Swiss Travel Pass. Find out more here .  

Mount Rigi day trips

The following are two highly recommended day trips you can take to Mount Rigi from Lucerne or Zurich.

A key advantage of booking these is that you can cancel up to 24 hours before travel for a full refund, which is ideal if your plans do change or the weather doesn’t look favourable on the day you plan to visit. 

Classic Mount Rigi from Lucerne

This self-guided day trip includes all your travel by boat, funicular and cable car. It’s a pass that is valid for a day, so you can choose whether to take a full or half day trip.

You’ll travel by ferry from Lucerne to Vitznau before ascending by cogwheel railway.

For the descent, you’ll experience the cable car ride between the summit and Weggis before returning to Lucerne by boat. 

> Click here for more information and prices . 

Mount Rigi & Lucerne from Zurich

Those short of time will be delighted to discover that you really can see both Lucerne and Mount Rigi in one day.

This ‘Queen of the Mountains’ day trip includes the cable car trip from Weggis as well as the descent by funicular railway.

You’ll also take a ferry ride across the lake to Lucerne, where there’s time to explore the Old Town before making the return trip to Zurich. 

Private day tours to Mt. Rigi

If you would prefer to have a day trip to Mt. Rigi tailor made to suit you, a private tour is the ideal choice.

As well as being picked up from your hotel in Lucerne, Zurich, Interlaken or elsewhere in Switzerland, you’ll benefit from having your own private driver/guide who will accompany you throughout the day.

Private tours are perfect if you are short on time or would rather leave the organisation to someone else.

> Click here for more about about private tours to Mt. Rigi.

Where to buy Mt. Rigi Tickets

Use the links below to purchase your tickets to visit Mt. Rigi.

Things to do at Mt. Rigi

There are interesting things to do once you reach Mount Rigi, wherever you end up spending your time. The options include Rigi Kulm, Rigi Kaltbad, Rigi Scheidegg and Rigi Staffel. 

To see a map of Mt. Rigi in summer > click here and for a map of Mt. Rigi in winter > click here .

At almost 1,800 metres above sea level, Rigi Kulm is Mount Rigi’s highest peak. The superlative 360 degree views from this point are nothing short of sensational.

Whether you take the train from Vitznau or Arth Goldau, the final station is at Rigi Kulm. 

There is also a 200-year-old hotel here, the Rigi Kulm hotel, which you can stay at if you wish to. It’s certainly a fabulous place to be at sunrise or sunset.

More on this option can be found below, as well as the Old Station House Airbnb, which is also located in Rigi Kulm.

If you’d like to walk between Rigi Kulm and Rigi Kaltbad, following the popular Classic Trail, it will take you between the two via Rigi Staffel. The easy walk takes around one hour.

Once you arrive, you can reward yourself with a hot chocolate or ice cream at one of the restaurants in Rigi Kaltbad – recommendations detailed below. 

Other seasonal activities available at Rigi Kulm include paragliding, sledding and snowshoeing in winter. 

Rigi Kaltbad

Those taking the cable car from Weggis will arrive in Rigi Kaltbad. It’s a small Swiss village, providing a permanent home to a small number of local people. At an elevation of 1,433 metres, the views from this spot are also pretty special. 

The Hotel Rigi Kaltbad is also home to the Rigi wellness centre and spa , and boasts one of the most sun-drenched terraces in the whole of Switzerland.

The popular spa in Rigi Kaltbad is also known as the ‘thermalbad Rigi’ – or sometimes referred to as the ‘mineralbad’ in Rigi Kaltbad.  

To enjoy this relaxing experience at Rigi Kaltbad, you can pre-book tickets with your train tickets. > Click here for prices and details .

The wellness facilities are excellent and we highly recommend a visit to the centre whether you are just visiting for the day or staying on Mt. Rigi overnight.

Also found in Rigi Kaltbad is the Michelin-starred Regina Montium restaurant. This fine dining eatery serves up exquisite cuisine made solely from Swiss ingredients.

For a more low-key option, Chalet Schild in Rigi Kaltbad is a local mountain restaurant which specialises in regional dishes and there’s a restaurant at the Hotel Rigi Kaltbad, too.

As well as relaxing at the spa or sampling local or gourmet fare, you may like to do a little shopping in Rigi Kaltbad.

The village also has a small grocery store and snack bar (for takeaway coffees, ice creams, etc.), BBQ area and an ice skating rink, and you can book a horse-drawn carriage ride around town. 

Rigi Scheidegg

You can get to Rigi Scheidegg by cable car from Goldau. Once you arrive, the most popular pastimes include the circular hiking trail here and the lookout point. 

While there isn’t a lot to do here compared to Rigi Kaltbad and Rigi Kulm, this is a place abundant in natural beauty. 

Rigi Staffel

Rigi Staffel is something of a crossroads for the mountain. Both railway routes pass by on their way up or down the mountain and various hiking trails lead from here to other areas including Kaltbad, Seebodenalp and Klösterli. 

Explore the top hiking trails to follow from Rigi Staffel here . 

Can you stay on Mt. Rigi?

If one day on the mountain doesn’t sound like enough, you’ll be pleased to know that you can indeed stay on Mount Rigi.

There are three recommended hotels to choose from. 

Rigi Kulm Hotel 3*

This Rigi hotel on the summit of the mountain is a three star property offering 70 beds in traditionally styled rooms.

With a relaxed air, there are fabulous mountain views from the building and it has a restaurant with a sunny outdoor terrace. 

Hotel Rigi Kulm has been operating for around 200 years and is one of the loveliest spots you’ll find anywhere to watch the sunset. Rooms also come equipped with modern amenities such as free WiFi and flatscreen TVs. 

Hotel Rigi Kaltbad 3*

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys a spa break, this three star hotel in Rigi Kaltbad could be the one for you. It’s close to the cable car station and the train station and also offers sweeping views over Lake Lucerne.

Rooms here are bright and tastefully furnished, and come complete with flat screen TVs, safes and WiFi. Some have a lounge area, balcony or terrace.

Hotel facilities also include indoor and outdoor pools, a sundeck and a bar and restaurant, while at the spa you’ll find a sauna, hot tub and steam bath.  > Click here for details and prices .  

Old Station House

It’s also possible to stay in the Old Station House which you can learn more about in episode 30 of the Holidays to Switzerland travel podcast .

It’s a clean, fresh apartment that can accommodate up to six guests in contemporary style. 

How long should you spend at Mt. Rigi?

Half a day would be the absolute minimum amount of time to spend at Mount Rigi, and this will give you scope to take in the magnificent views before or after stopping at one of the restaurants to enjoy a meal. 

If you want to enjoy hiking in the Rigi area, allow a full day. This will also apply if you want to have more time to spend on other activities while in the area. 

As it’s such a memorable place to witness the sunrise or sunset, an overnight stay is ideal if you can spare the time. 

Mt. Rigi weather

So when is the best time to visit Mt. Rigi? As you’d expect, seasonal highs and lows vary throughout the year. In winter it’s a popular snow sports area, while in summer people head here to hike the trails.

For views, it’s incredible all year round. 

Before heading off to the mountain, it’s a good idea to look at a webcam in Rigi, which will give you an insider’s perspective into live weather conditions and what they mean for visitors.

Find a reliable Mt. Rigi webcam on the official site here . 

During winter, Rigi weather temperatures during the day and night will typically be below zero, while between March and November you can expect it to be a little warmer. 

Summer highs in June, July and August may reach around 18°C, and even at night temperatures tend to stay above zero Celsius between May and October. 

Is Mt. Rigi worth visiting?

Mount Rigi in Switzerland is absolutely worth taking the time to visit – even if you only have half a day at your disposal.

For those who want to see as much of Switzerland as possible in a short time, the elevation will give you a new perspective on this beautiful country, while you marvel at the fact that some people actually call this their permanent home.

Whether you’re keen to try out the Rigi spa, wander the hiking the trails or want to dine at a local or fine dining restaurant in Rigi, you can do it all here.

Not to mention the range of winter activities offered – or those astounding views. 

Visiting Mount Rigi – FAQs

Is mt. rigi worth it.

Mount Rigi is totally worth it. Few places on earth offer such stunning scenery, for a start. Then you have Rigi hiking opportunities in summer that offer well over 100km of trails, while the Rigi winter provides visitors with the chance to ski, sledge or go snowshoeing. 

Wellness in Rigi is also a big thing, thanks to the spa in Rigi Kaltbad which has a steam bath, hot tub, sauna and swimming pools. Top that off with the fact that whatever the Mount Rigi weather, you can dine out in style here too. 

Mt. Rigi or Mt. Pilatus?

If you’re wondering whether to take a day trip from Lucerne to Mt. Rigi or Mt. Pilatus, this article should help you decide. Mt. Titlis is also covered there. There’s no easy answer as which mountain to visit depends on your interests and timings. 

By comparison, Mount Pilatus is more commercialised than Mount Rigi, which means it tends to be busier. There may be more to do there, depending on the time of year, such as the Christmas market and various attractions that might appeal to those travelling with children. 

Mount Rigi is more natural and peaceful, which for many is one of the very reasons to choose a day trip to Rigi from Lucerne. The Rigi railway and cable car rides are also very much part of the experience. 

Where is Mt. Rigi, Switzerland?

Mount Rigi is in central Switzerland, and is particularly easy to get to from the nearby city of Lucerne. The area is surrounded by scenic lakes, which can be seen from the top of the mountain. Its highest point is at over 1,800 metres above sea level. 

How to get to Mt. Rigi from Lucerne

If you want to travel to Rigi from Luzern (as it is spelt in German), you’ll find all you need to know above. The first leg of the journey involves taking a boat trip across the lake or a short train ride, after which you can take a funicular or cable car up to the summit. Whichever you choose, making this scenic journey is all part of the pleasure of a day at Mount Rigi. 

How to get from Zurich to Mt. Rigi

It takes a little longer to get to Mount Rigi from Zurich. By car the drive will take about 40 minutes, with a combined rail and bus journey taking a little longer. An easier option is to take a day tour, which you can also do from Lucerne if you like. 

🇨🇭 If you don’t plan to stay on Mt. Rigi but would prefer to base yourself in Lucerne, read our Lucerne Hotels Guide to find the perfect place to stay. You can also read more about Lucerne in our Lucerne Travel Guide .

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Carolyn Schönafinger

Carolyn Schönafinger is a frequent visitor to Switzerland, the country she fell in love with more than 30 years ago. She now visits Switzerland every year in her quest to explore every inch of the country. Carolyn is a certified Switzerland Travel Expert and she has achieved the Swiss Travel System Travel Expert diploma. She loves sharing her Switzerland travel expertise and helping others to plan their dream Swiss vacation on this website and the Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast. Read more

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Discover the beauty of Switzerland’s alpine wonderland, Mount Rigi

Things to do in Lucerne Day trips from Lucerne Mount Rigi

Known as 'The Queen of Mountains' Mount Rigi rises proudly to an elevation of 1,798 meters (5,899 feet), extening far beyond its physical stature. Its unique location at the heart of Switzerland, near the serene waters of Lake Lucerne, offers an extraordinary blend of alpine beauty and aquatic tranquility. Whether you seek a thrilling outdoor escapade, a serene retreat in nature, or a deep immersion into Swiss history, Mount Rigi is an alluring destination that promises to captivate your senses.

Know Before You Go

Handy information, must-see at the mount rigi.

• Rigi Scheidegg
• Rigi Kaltbad

Getting There

6410 Arth, Switzerland Get Directions

Opening Hours

• Mount Rigi is open all year round

Cogwheel train: Operates daily from 6.30 AM to 10.45 PM

Why Is Mount Rigi Worth Visiting?

• Feel like royalty as you traverse through lush forests, charming mountain villages, and cascading waterfalls on one of Europe's oldest mountain railways.
• Lace up your boots and embark on a memorable hiking expedition through a network of well-marked trails on Mount Rigi.
• Witness nature's enchanting spectacle as you catch the first rays of sunrise or the golden hues of sunset from Mount Rigi's summit.
• Retreat to the rejuvenating thermal baths of Rigi-Kaltbad, indulging in soothing pools, saunas, and wellness treatments, all set amidst the backdrop of natural beauty.

Recommended Mount Rigi Tickets

Highlights of mount rigi, 1 rigi bahn.

The Rigi Bahn is a historic cogwheel train that has been operating since 1871, and it is a must-do experience at Mount Rigi. Hop aboard and embark on a scenic journey that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, dense forests, and shimmering lakes. This iconic train ride provides a unique perspective of the alpine beauty that surrounds Mount Rigi.

2 Rigi Kulm

Reaching the summit of Mount Rigi, known as Rigi Kulm, is a highlight of any visit. Once at the top, you'll be rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. Take in the majestic sight of snow-capped peaks, rolling hills, and pristine lakes, creating a picture-perfect backdrop that will leave you spellbound. Capture the beauty with your camera or simply immerse yourself in the natural grandeur that surrounds you.

3 Rigi Scheidegg

For those seeking an adventure, the hike from Rigi Kulm to Rigi Scheidegg is a must. This picturesque trail weaves through stunning alpine landscapes, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich diversity of flora and fauna. Along the way, catch glimpses of charming Swiss villages nestled amidst the mountains, adding to the enchantment of the journey. The trail offers both natural beauty and a sense of accomplishment as you conquer the terrain.

4 Rigi Kaltbad Mineral Baths & Spa

Indulge in ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation at the Rigi Kaltbad Mineral Baths & Spa. Immerse yourself in thermal baths filled with soothing mineral-rich waters while enjoying the stunning mountain views that surround you. Pamper yourself with invigorating spa treatments, unwind in saunas and steam rooms, or simply bask in the serenity of this wellness paradise. It's the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration.

5 Rigi Wölfertschen-First Suspension Bridge

For an adrenaline rush and incredible views, embark on a thrilling walk across the Rigi Wölfertschen-First Suspension Bridge. Suspended 58 meters above the ground, this adventure offers a unique perspective of the surrounding landscapes. Feel the exhilaration as you traverse the bridge, and embrace the stunning vistas that unfold beneath your feet. It's an unforgettable experience that combines excitement with the beauty of Mount Rigi.

Best Time To Visit Mount Rigi

The best time to visit Mount Rigi in Switzerland is during the spring and summer seasons, from May to September. During this time, the weather is generally pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing. It is recommended to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and to experience breathtaking sunrise or sunset views. Additionally, visiting on weekdays rather than weekends can help avoid larger crowds and potentially secure better prices for transportation and accommodation.

Mount Rigi Timings

• Mineralbad & Spa Rigi Kaltbad hot springs: 10 am to 6:30 pm
• Vitznau cogwheel train station: Runs everyday from 6.30 AM to 9.40 PM

From any major city, you can catch a train to Lucerne, which serves as the gateway to Mount Rigi. Once you reach Lucerne, proceed to the main train station, where you'll find direct trains heading towards Arth-Goldau, the base station for Mount Rigi.

For an unforgettable experience, consider taking a boat to reach Mount Rigi. From Lucerne, make your way to the lakeside and hop on a ferry that will take you to either Vitznau or Weggis. These charming lakeside towns are wonderful starting points to embark on your journey up the mountain.

Once you reach either Arth-Goldau, Vitznau, or Weggis, you'll have the option to take a cable car up to the summit of Mount Rigi. This thrilling mode of transport provides breathtaking views as you ascend towards the top, giving you a taste of the incredible natural beauty that awaits you.

Insider Tips To Visit Mount Rigi

• Wake up early and take the first train to the summit for a breathtaking sunrise view.
• Embark on the picturesque hiking trails from Weggis or Vitznau to reach the summit, enjoying panoramic views and lush Alpine scenery along the way.
• After a day of exploring, unwind at the mineral baths in the Rigi Kaltbad Spa.
• Indulge in traditional Swiss cuisine at one of the cozy mountain restaurants on Mount Rigi.

Restaurants Near Mount Rigi

Visit Restaurant Seeblick for a breathtaking view of Lake Lucerne. Indulge in their mouthwatering Swiss specialties like fondue and rösti. The cozy ambiance and friendly staff will make your dining experience unforgettable.

Distance: 1 km .

Located just a short walk from Mount Rigi, Rigi Hut offers hearty Swiss cuisine and panoramic views. Try their famous alpine macaroni and decadent chocolate fondue while enjoying the stunning surroundings.

Distance: 500 meters

Nestled in the mountains, Restaurant Bergfriede offers a peaceful dining experience. Sample their delicious homemade pasta dishes or savor their famous schnitzel while taking in the panoramic views of the Swiss Alps.

Distance: 3 km

Escape the crowds at Mount Rigi and head to Restaurant Rigi Chänzeli. With its rustic setting and traditional Swiss dishes like raclette and Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, this charming restaurant is worth the short trip.

Distance: 2 km

Situated in Rigi Kaltbad, this restaurant offers stunning views and a wide variety of culinary delights. Treat yourself to their fresh seafood platter or their delectable Swiss chocolate dessert - a true delight for your taste buds.

Places To Stay Near Mount Rigi

Luxury stays.

• Bürgenstock Hotels
• Park Hotel Vitznau
• Hotel Villa Honegg

Economy Stays

• Hotel Central am See
• Hotel Rigi Kaltbad
• SeeHotel Gotthard

Hostels Stays

• Rigi-Burggeist
• Hotel Bergsonne Rigi

Things To Do Near Mount Rigi

Hop aboard a boat cruise and sail across the lake Lucerne, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and charming lakeside towns. You can also rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the tranquil waters at your own pace. Additionally, the lakeside towns of Weggis, Vitznau, and Brunnen are worth a visit. Weggis is known for its Mediterranean flair, with beautiful gardens. Vitznau is famous for its historic Rigi Bahn, a cogwheel railway that takes you up Mount Rigi, while Brunnen offers picturesque landscapes and a lively lakefront promenade.

Mount Pilatus, located near Lucerne, is another prominent mountain in the region and offers a thrilling adventure. Begin your journey with a boat ride across Lake Lucerne, immersing yourself in the tranquility of the water. From there, ascend Mount Pilatus via the world's steepest cogwheel railway, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Swiss Alps. Alternatively, you can take a cable car for a different perspective. Once you reach the summit, indulge in the stunning panoramic vistas, explore the network of hiking trails, or enjoy a meal at one of the mountaintop restaurants.

The Swiss Transport Museum is a captivating attraction that delves into Switzerland's rich transportation history. With its interactive exhibits, vintage vehicles, and immersive displays, the museum offers a comprehensive exploration of various modes of transportation. Discover the evolution of Swiss railways, aviation, and road transport through engaging displays and informative presentations. The museum appeals to visitors of all ages and provides an educational and entertaining experience.

Situated east of Mount Rigi, the town of Einsiedeln is famous for its awe-inspiring Einsiedeln Abbey. This baroque masterpiece attracts visitors from all over the world. Immerse yourself in the abbey's architectural splendor, adorned with intricate details and ornate decorations. Explore the abbey's interior, including the magnificent Black Madonna statue, which is a significant pilgrimage site. The surrounding gardens provide a tranquil setting for reflection and leisurely walks. As you wander through the town, you'll encounter charming streets lined with traditional Swiss buildings, shops, and cafes, adding to the overall ambiance of Einsiedeln.

Located northeast of Mount Rigi, the city of Zug offers a delightful mix of history, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. Begin by exploring the well-preserved medieval old town, characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and charming squares. Visit the Zug Castle, a prominent landmark overlooking the city, which houses the museum of cultural history. Take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade, enjoying the picturesque views of Lake Zug. The city is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous art galleries, museums, and theaters to explore.

How do I get to Mount Rigi?

Mount Rigi is easily accessible from various directions. You can reach it by taking a cogwheel train from Vitznau or Arth-Goldau, or a cable car from Weggis. Alternatively, you can take a boat ride across Lake Lucerne and then continue your journey using the cogwheel train or cable car.

What is the best time to visit Mount Rigi?

Mount Rigi offers unique experiences throughout the year. In the summer months (June to September), you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and leisurely walks amidst lush green landscapes. In winter (December to March), Mount Rigi transforms into a winter wonderland, offering opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

Are there restaurants or cafes on Mount Rigi?

Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes on Mount Rigi where you can indulge in delicious Swiss cuisine while enjoying the stunning vistas. From traditional Swiss dishes to international fare, you'll find a variety of options to satisfy your taste buds.

Are there hiking trails on Mount Rigi for all skill levels?

Yes, Mount Rigi offers a network of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, you can find trails that cater to your preferences. From easy, leisurely walks to more challenging treks, there's something for everyone to explore.

Can I visit Mount Rigi as a day trip from Lucerne?

Mount Rigi is a popular day trip destination from Lucerne. With convenient transportation options, you can easily reach the mountain, spend the day exploring its beauty, and return to Lucerne in the evening.

Are pets allowed on Mount Rigi?

Yes, pets are allowed on Mount Rigi. However, they should be kept on a leash and their waste should be properly disposed of to maintain cleanliness and respect for the environment.

Can I visit Mount Rigi in winter?

Certainly! Mount Rigi is a popular destination in winter, offering snow-covered landscapes, winter sports activities, and cozy mountain restaurants to warm up.

Is it possible to take a boat cruise and then visit Mount Rigi on the same day?

You can combine a scenic boat cruise on Lake Lucerne with a visit to Mount Rigi by taking the cogwheel train from Vitznau or the cable car from Weggis.

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A winter trip to Mount Rigi

When visiting Luzern, a trip to a mountain can not be missing from your itinerary. Many tourists that have a tight schedule opt for a visit to Mount Pilatus. That makes sense, as Pilatus is very close to Luzern and convenient to get to. However, if you have some more time on your hands when visiting Luzern, I recommend considering visiting Mount Rigi. Rigi – dubbed the queen of mountains – is a lovely destination both during the summer and for a winter trip. Let me explain why!

The perfect mountain for activities

While Pilatus does offer various activities like sleighing and an adventure course, Rigi to me feels more like ‘being in the great outdoors’. There a plenty of hiking trails on the mountains that can be explored winter and summer. There are even some wintersport slopes that you can use when snow conditions allow!

Additionally, Rigi for some reason feels more ‘genuine’. There are many small villages on the mountain that are permanently inhabited, which means you will find quaint houses along your trail.

Part of the public transport network

Maybe one of the best things about Mount Rigi, is that most of its lifts and trains are part of the Swiss public transport network. This means that if you have a Swiss travel pass, GA or day pass, you can explore most of the mountain free of charge! This is truly amazing, as cable cars in Switzerland normally get pricy very quickly. Not at Rigi, if you already happen to have one of the above public transport tickets! If you do not have any of the tickets above, a day ticket for Rigi Bahnen (who operates the trains, Luftseilbahn Weggis and Luftseilbahn Kräbel) costs CHF 72. Holders of the half-fare card pay CHF 36 for a day card. Planning on exploring the day for several consecutive days? Rigi offers multiple day tickets with great discounts. Check out their website for details on this offer.

Combine it with a lake cruise

My favorite way of exploring Mount Rigi, is by combining a trip there with a cruise on the Vierwaldstättersee lake. From Luzern, you can take a cruise to either Weggis or Vitznau to travel up the mountain. From Weggis you take the cablecar (Luftseilbahn) to Rigi Kaltbad, from Vitznau you can take the mountain train all the way to the Rigi Summit (Rigi Kulm). It is a great way to combine different modes of transport and see the mountain from different perspectives on the same day. If you have the Swiss travel pass, a day pass or the GA (Generalabonnement), boat trips on the Vierwaldstättersee are free of charge.

Rigi Kaltbad – the main hub on Mount Rigi

If you are travelling up Mount Rigi from either Vitznau or Weggis, you can consider Rigi Kaltbad as your first ‘major stop’ on the way to the Summit. Rigi Kaltbad is a small village with plenty of reasons to spend some time here. There is a playground with the most amazing view , a little chapel so visit, a small supermarket, hotels and some restaurants. There even is a very popular spa resort with the same name that you can visit! Rigi Kaltbad sits at an altitude of about 1400 meters, guaranteeing amazing panoramas over the lake and the surrounding mountains on clear days. Take some time here, or continue upwards to the summit of Rigi!

Be well prepared

As with any mountains, the weather on top of Mount Rigi can suddenly change. It is important to be prepared for weather changes when planning a trip to a mountaineous. Also, alway check the weather forecast prior to heading out to the mountains. Rigi has a number of live webcam streams that you can use to check out the current weather conditions. This limits the chances of unwelcome surprises in the form of fog, heavy snow or thunderstorms! (neither of those are going to make your Rigi trip particularly enjoyable)

Rigi Kulm – the summit

The top of Rigi is called Rigi Kulm. Here, a big antenna towers high over the surrounding flatlands and lakes. The only way to get to Rigi Kulm is by taking the Rigi Bahnen cogwheel train either from Art-Goldau or Vitznau. (The Vitznau line has a stop at the Rigi Kaltbad station) The view from Rigi Kulm is amazing on clear days. You can see Zürich in the north, the majestic alps towards the south and the Jura mountains in the distances towards the west. During the winter, Rigi Summit will have snow most of the time. The top of Rigi measures 1797 meters above sea level. Yes, indeed a bit less tall than Pilatus on the other side of the lake! On top of Rigi, you can have a meal at the Rigi Kulm Hotel or on of the small chalets in the vicnity, or simply sit and enjoy the views. There is a panorama deck next to the Rigi Kulm Hotel, and you can (partially) climb the antenna on the top for an even higher viewpoint. Had enough of the high altitudes? There are different walking trails down the mountain that I really recommend. Do make sure you wear proper shoes, at the snow can be very slippery. More of a daredevil? There are sledding routes down Rigi Kulm where you pick up quite some speed! You can either bring your own sledge, or rent on in Rigi Kaltbad or at the top. As with (almost) everything on mount Rigi – the sledding activities (excluding rental) are included in the Rigi day pass or any of the other above mentioned passes!

Go and explore nature!

I personally truly love Rigi for how versatile this mountain is. You simply go up for a nice view, treat yourself to a spa day or be out in the nature all day – it is all possible. If you do decide to go for a hike, make sure to check out the trails in advance and grab a map in the train on your way up. Last time I visited Rigi was in early February 2023, when the sun was shining over a snow-covered Rigi. Me and my colleagues made a trip to the top with the Weggis Seihlbahn and the cogwheel train, and then hiked down for about an hour to Rigi Klösterli. Here, we had a nice lunch in a small local mountain chalet , after which we took the train down to Art-Goldau. Especially the colleagues that were visiting us from Amsterdam truly had the time of their life on Rigi!

Rigi – Year-round fun

So to summarize the recommendations in this article: Rigi is worth a visit year-round. During the winter especially, it offers beautiful views over the alps while being very accessible. Also, Rigi gives you the opportunity to get away from the ‘touristy side’ of Switzerland that places like Jungfraujoch (and partially Pilatus) give. Put on those hiking shoes, pack the sledge and explore the queen of the mountains! For more information about timetables, prices and activities, check out Rigi.ch .

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Queen of the Mountains

The queen of the mountains

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Step out of the daily grind, and escape to Mount Rigi. Now is the time. Located in the heart of Central Switzerland, Mt. Rigi is easily accessible from every direction. Travel in comfort by mountain rail and immerse yourself in the natural surroundings. Ride up, get off, and enjoy – it's as simple as that.

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Mt. Rigi Switzerland

Lucerne Elevation 1,798m / 5,897ft

Vitznau, Weggis, Arth Goldau

Take a Mt. Rigi excursion to the “Queen of the Mountains” or also referred as the Swiss Family Mountain. It offers spectacular 360˚ views of the surrounding mountains including Mt. Pilatus. Accessible by cogwheel train or cableway, Mt. Rigi boasts views of 13 lakes and lengthy mountain ranges, as the mountain is perfectly located between Lakes Lucerne and Zug. Mt. Rigi excursions are possible 365 days of the year and are fun during any season!

There is something for everyone at Mt. Rigi. Take a day to go hiking, ride on an aerial cable car, reminisce on a cog-train, enjoy a spa day at the mineral baths in Rigi Kaltbad, or dine at one of the many restaurants. We suggest the “Majestic Round Trip”, great for all ages, which includes travel by boat, cog railway, and train.

Excursion to Mt. Rigi

Discount with swiss travel pass.

Holders of a Swiss Travel Pass or a validated Swiss Flex Pass can take a Mt. Rigi excursion for free.

Route to Mt. Rigi

From Lucerne, take a boat to Weggis or Vitznau, then either take the cable car from Weggis or the cogwheel train from Vitznau to Rigi Kaltbad. From Rigi Kaltbad continue by cogwheel to Rigi Kulm. Then descend to Arth Goldau and return to Lucerne by train. You can also start the Rigi excursion in Arth-Goldau and then descend to either Vitznau or Weggis. Rigi is accessible by cog train and cable car with connect with the boat and the train.

Duration of excursion

We recommend allowing for anywhere between 4-8 hours for a Mt. Rigi excursion. It takes approximately 30 mins from Vitznau and 10 mins from Weggis to get to Rigi Kaltbad, or approx. 37 mins from Arth-Goldau to Rigi Kulm.

Operates year-round, approx. 2 cog trains/cable cars per hour. Cable car from Weggis only operates from May to October.

Preparation

Good walking shoes, hat and sun glasses are recommended. Keep in mind that the mountain will generally be cooler than the valley below, in Lucerne, please dress appropriately. A wind breaker jacket is always a good thing to carry in your backpack.

Location and Map

Mt. Rigi is located in both the Schwyz and Lucerne cantons. It takes approx. 1 hour 30 minutes from Lucerne via Arth Goldau to reach the summit at Rigi Kulm and a bit longer when you take to boat and ascend from Weggis or Vitznau.

Swiss Travel Pass & Mount Rigi (All The Answers)

Wondering if your Swiss Travel Pass covers everything on a trip to the top of Mount Rigi?

You are in luck!

The Swiss Travel Pass covers all transport from Lucerne to the top of Mount Rigi including:

• Public boats from Lucerne to Vitznau, Weggis or Kusnacht
• Cable cars or Cogwheel railway to the top of Mount Rigi
• Any buses in the region are also covered

Routes To Rigi Kulm

Here are some of the best routes to the top of Mt Rigi, also known as Rigi Kulm:

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Lucerne – Vitznau – Rigi Kulm

• Catch a boat from the main piers opposite Lucerne Train Station to Vitznau and enjoy the stunning scenery on a Lake Lucerne Cruise .
• Ride the historic and steep cogwheel railway from Vitznau to the top of Mount Rigi
• Enjoy the 360 degree views from the top of Rigi

Lucerne – Weggis- Rigi Kulm

• Catch a boat from Lucerne Pier to Weggis and enjoy the scenery on the way
• Ride the faster gondola to Rigi Kaltbad and have some lunch or enjoy the spa there
• Walk to the top of Rigi Kulm or continue with the cogwheel railway to the top

There are so many different ways to the top of Rigi from train and gondola to walks from the bottom or just part way up. You can also come up from the Kussnacht end of the mountain or from over the back at ArthGoldau, where there are more transport options.

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Mountain Railway Trips to Mt. Rigi

Gäste-Service Rigi Bahnhofstrasse 7 6354 Vitznau Phone  +41 (0)41 399 87 87 rigi.ch

With breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views, the Rigi offers a first-class mountain experience whatever the season. The cog railways from Goldau and Vitznau, as well as the cable car from Weggis, enable a variety of round trips, which can also be combined with a boat trip on Lake Lucerne.

As the first mountain railway in Europe, it has been transporting guests comfortably from Vitznau up to the impressive heart of the mountains since 1871. During the 30-minute ascent by cog railway to almost 1,800m above sea level, visitors can enjoy spectacular views over the lake landscape, passing grazing cows, traditional farms and colourful wildflower meadows.

From spring 2022, the historic fleet will be joined by new vehicles. The design of these new trains pays homage to the world’s oldest cog railcar, No. 6, from 1911, which still regularly plies the line between Goldau and Rigi Kulm. The choice of the smart white and bronze colour scheme gives the new carriages a timeless look and forges a link to the service’s origins as the first mountain railway in Europe.

While the current fleet uses the braking energy generated when travelling downhill to heat the carriages, the new trains will feed this power back into their own network as electricity, saving resources for the uphill journey. Rigi Railways are thus taking another big step towards greater sustainability .

This unique railway adventure on the Rigi, combining Europe’s first historic mountain railway and modern train technology, is the only one of its kind in the world.

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General information about the Rigi

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Gäste-Service Rigi Bahnhofstrasse 7 6354  Vitznau Switzerland

Phone  +41 (0)41 399 87 87 [email protected] rigi.ch Show Route

Gäste-Service Rigi Bahnhofstrasse 7 6354 Vitznau Phone  +41 (0)41 399 87 87 rigi.ch Show Route

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HohlgassLand Tourismus Unterdorf 15 6403  Küssnacht am Rigi +41 (0)41 850 33 30 [email protected] Website

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Home » Hiking Trail

Mt. Rigi Panorama Trail & Cliff Walk

• Lake Lucerne Region
• Mythen Region

• Last Updated: 2 Jan 2024
• By Tanya, Swiss Family Fun

If you buy something through a link here, we may earn a commission. See our disclosure policy . Note that p rices and opening times may change without notice.

The Mount Rigi Panorama trail is an easy wander with some of the best views near Zürich and Lucerne. It’s a great option for tourists and families that want to see classic Swiss landscapes without a difficult hike.

To reach the trail, you ride a cogwheel mountain train to Rigi Kulm at 1798m. Then follow the trail, which winds its merry way along cliffs and around mountains peaks, with spectaculars views in every direction. The trail ends at Rigi Scheidegg, which has a restaurant and big playground and cable car that takes you back down to the valley.

We particularly love this trail because we can do it almost any time of year, during the shoulder seasons and even in winter. Keep reading for the details you need to plan your day on Mount Rigi.

Alternative version for Lucerne round trip with boat

Accessibility for strollers and wheelchairs, ticket prices, opening hours, sample schedule, where to eat, riding to the top of rigi kulm, wandering rigi kulm, the top of mt rigi, starting the panorama trail, lunch at rigi first, rigi panorama cliff walk, continuing trail to rigi scheidegg.

Trail overview

This is a one way trail starting at Rigi Kulm and ending at Rigi Scheidegg. To access the trail, we suggest riding a mountain train up the east side of the mountain to Rigi Kulm.

From Rigi Kulm, follow yellow trail signs to the Rigi Staffel station (about 1km), then follow signs toward Rigi First. You can optionally take a short detour to the Rigi Rotstock viewpoint (we always do), then wander down the meadows, merging with the main trail as you approach Rigi First.

At Rigi First, you can optionally fork onto the cliff walk, that is a short path cut into the side of the mountain, with a fenced barrier. After this section, you join a dirt service road which continues the rest of the way to Rigi Scheidegg, where you’ll find a restaurant and playground.

At the end of the hike, you ride a cable car down from Rigi Scheidegg to Kräbel, then a mountain train to the Goldau train station. If you arrive by car, you can park at Kräbel or Goldau, more info below.

Note: If you are doing the Rigi Classic Round Trip from Lucerne (with the boat), you should a shorter version of the Panorama that loops around to the Rigi Kaltbad. This allows you to ride the train or cable car down the west side of the mountain and end up back to the lake. See alternate trail map below .

My trail map version starts at Rigi Kulm and includes the Rotstock viewpoint and cliff walk. The trail took us about 3 hours with our kids, 6 and 10 years old at the time. 

View interactive trail map on Komoot • SchweizMobil • OutdoorActive

Note:  The official Route 848 Panoramaweg starts at Rigi Kaltbad and follow an obstacle-free path (suitable for wheelchairs) the entire way to Rigi Scheidegg.

Shorter hike  

Instead of hiking the full distance, you could hike to other stops on the mountain train line: Rigi Staffel (1 km walking) or Rigi Klösterli (4.2 km, about 90 mins). See trail map .

If you are doing the Classic Round Trip from Lucerne with the boat, you need to end on the west side of the mountain, in Vitznau or Weggis, not Arth Goldau. In this case, you can still do the cliff walk, but you need to loop back to Rigi Kaltbad instead of continuing to Rigi Scheidegg. Here is a suggested hiking map for this version of the hike.

The Rigi mountain train from Goldau to Rigi Kulm is wheelchair accessible. For strollers, they prefer that you fold them and load them into the luggage area. The path at top of Rigi Kulm is obstacle free and partially paved.

The Panorama trail is a wide dirt path and service road possible with an all-terrain stroller, perhaps a wheelchair. However, the 1 km from Rigi Kulm to Rigi Stafel is a bit steep and would require good brakes. Strollers and wheelchairs would need to skip the detour up to Rotstock and stay on the lower path that leads to Rigi First.

You would also need to skip the cliff walk, which is too narrow for strollers or wheelchairs. Instead follow the dirt road that wraps around the mountain between you and the cliff walk. If some of your party want to do the cliff walk, it’s fine to part ways because in a few minutes you’ll meet each other again on the road on the other side. 

More info about accessibility on Mt Rigi .

How to get there

Mt- Rigi is located just east of Lucerne and south of Zürich ( see on Google Maps ). 

For this hike, you need to use the Rigi mountain transport from Goldau or Krabel on the east, not Vitznau on the west. This is a one-way hike, so you’ll take the train up to the start of the trail, then hike to Rigi Scheidegg where you’ll take a cable car down Kräbel, where you can catch the mountain train back to Goldau.

With a car, it’s easiest to park at Kräbel at the base of the Kräbel-Scheidegg lift – Chräbelstrasse 44, 6410 Goldau . In 2022, the metered lot cost CHF 8/day – cash or parking app. On weekends, the parking spaces can fill up quickly. If there are no spots, you can park in the Goldau lot at Chräbelstrasse 12, 6410 Arth and catch the mountain train there instead. 

At Kräbel, you will catch the mountain train (not the cable car) up to Rigi Kulm . If there is no attendant at the station, you can buy your ticket on the train with cash or card. You hike ends at the top of the cable car than comes down to Kräbel.

With public transportation, take the train to Arth-Goldau , then walk over to the Arth-Goldau Rigi Bahnen station, just a couple minutes away, following the signs. Catch the mountain train here to Rigi Kulm.

At the end of the hike, you will take the Kräbel-Scheidegg cable car down, then catch the mountain train back to Arth-Goldau.

Planning your day

For this trail, you can purchase a Rigi Day Pass, which includes the mountain train up to Rigi Kulm and the cable car down from Rigi Scheidegg. In 2024, the day pass costs CHF 78/adult. Rigi railways are free for children up to age 15 traveling with an adult.

You can get a discount on the Rigi Day Pass with the Swiss Half Fare Card , Eurail, and overnight guests. See current Rigi discounts .

In 2024, the Rigi mountain railways are free with Swiss Travel Pass , Tell Pass, GA, SBB Day Pass, Saver day pass, Municipal one-day travel pass. If you have one of these passes, you do not need to also purchase a Rigi Day Pass.

You can book the Rigi Day Pass below. If you have a discount card, you will need to instead purchase your Rigi Day Pass onsite.

If you are unsure which ticket you should buy, best to ask at the Rigi ticket counter to ensure you purchase the correct ticket.

The Rigi trains are generally open year round and most this trail is also open as a winter walk (excluding the Felsenweg section, you would detour on the road instead). But the Rigi Scheidegg cable car is sometimes closed during the shoulder seasons. So check this webpage to see if the Rigi Scheidegg cable car and Scheidegg-Kaltbad Panoramaweg are open. Probably best between April and November, depending on the weather.

The cog-wheel train runs about once an hour, while the Rigi Scheidegg-Kräbel cable car runs every 30 mins or more frequently when busy. So plan your schedule carefully. But also be flexible. The day we were there, the train came 15 minutes earlier than the posted schedule and we saw more than one an hour go by. I asked the train workers why the train came early and they said “Do you want to go up or not?” I tripled checked the schedule and the clocks. It was early by all accounts; I can’t explain it.

Catch the cog-wheel at Goldau A4 at 10:12 arriving at Rigi Kulm 10:47. Wander around the top for awhile (30 mins). Hike to Rigi Scheidegg (3 hours plus time for breaks). Spend time at the playground and cafe at Rigi Scheidegg (1 hour). Ride down the Rigi Scheidegg-Kräbel cable car at 15:25. Catch the cog-wheel train in Kräbel at 15:36 arriving in Goldau A4 at 15:48.

There are several restaurants along the way. I’d suggest either Chalet Schild at Rigi First, just before you reach the cliff walk ( see on map ). Or Berggasthaus Rigi Scheidegg at the end of the trail, which also has a playground ( see on map ).

For a picnic, there is a picnic area with tables and fire pit near Rotstock ( see on map ). There is another a few minutes walk after the cliff walk, see on map . For supplies, there is a Coop grocery at the Goldau train station or a Coop near the station at Centralstrasse 5, 6410 Arth and Migros at Parkstrasse 25, 6410 Goldau .

Photo story of the trail

In Arth Goldau or Kräbel, you get on the blue cogwheel train that takes you to the top in about 45 mins.

You’ve made it to Rigi Kulm. Enjoy the view! Don’t hurry yourselves onto the trail. Just enjoy the view and wander around the top.

And the view in November, happily above the clouds.

The view from the top in summer…

Above the Rigi Kulm station, there is a panorama area where you can wander around and take lots of pictures.

At Rigi Kulm, there’s a restaurant and toilets, then more restaurants and Rigi Staffel and Rigi First. But after that, it’s a long stretch with no services until Rigi Scheidegg.

The trail starts at the Rigi Kulm station and basically follows the tracks down to Rigi Staffel. This part can be a little steep for strollers, so plan to use your breaks. In summer…

In November…

At Staffel, cross the tracks and follow yellow trail signs to Rigi First. When the trail splits, go to your left away from the tracks. The trail on the right along the tracks leads down to Rigi Kaltbad.

Looking back up to Rigi Kulm.

Just after the split, there is a Feuerstelle with wood and picnic tables tucked up under the cliff. But keep walking; there’s an even better one in just a few minutes, with a big open view southwest before you walk down to Rigi First. Firewood was stacked on the side of the hut. Even if you’re not building a fire, this is still a nice place to lounge in the grass and catch the view.

The trail down to First.

Looking down the valley towards Goldau, in summer.

A couple different trails merge in First, shown below. 

On our last visit, we ate lunch here at Chalet Schild . They have a nice outdoor area with lounge chairs, a grill pit, lawn games, etc. On Friday nights, they do an open-air movie night.

The food here was a step up from other mountain restaurants we’ve visited. Most of their dishes are housemade, like this delicious cheese tart below and the bread on the right.

It’s adorably decorated, loved all the little details.

To get back on the trail, follow the signs to the Felsenweg, which is part of the Panoramaweg. This Felsenegg, aka cliff walk, is a short segment along the cliffs before it joins back up with the main trail. This section is not open in winter and sometimes closed in bad weather. If this part is closed, simply follow the yellow signs to Rigi Scheidegg, aka “Scheideggweg,” which is a dirt road on the opposite side of the cliffs.

Here is the view from the cliff walk, my favorite part of the trail.

It’s narrower than other parts of the trail, not the best with a stroller.

Just the best views ever here.

These benches would be a nice place for a picnic lunch but sometimes all the benches are taken.

After the Felsenweg, the trail rejoins the dirt road that leads to Rigi Scheidegg.

A bit later, you’ll cross this fancy bridge held up with mini eiffel towers.

In a few minutes, you’ll pass another Feuerstelle, again with wood and picnic tables. Continue walking on the road towards Scheidegg. If you want to work a bit harder, the trail splits just before the Feuerstelle and goes straight up and over the mountain peak, then rejoins the road to Scheidegg.

The road is slightly uphill but not difficult, nice views to the east. We stopped here for lunch one time.

As you near Scheidegg, the trail will split again, both directions leading to Rigi Scheidegg. The road to your right stays on a dirt road. If you don’t have a stroller, leave the road and take the split to your left up the mountain. Below my son is walking up that trail from the road. It’s steep and bumpy at first. 

Here’s the end of the trail at Gersau, just before you reach the Rigi Scheidegg cable car. There are a couple restaurants here and a great playground with a view. There are three trampolines, a slide, climbing stuff, etc.

Make sure you walk around behind the playground to get this view north, with Rigi Kulm on the left and Zugersee below.

Very often you’ll be above the clouds, enjoy the peaks popping through the fluffiness.

When you are ready to go, follow signs to the Rigi Scheidegg cable car, just a couple minutes from the playground. It runs about every 30 minutes (usually xx:00 and xx:30), but check the schedule before you go as it may have a limited schedule on weekdays and off season. The cable car only carries about 10 people, so on busy days, you might need to wait a bit.

The cable car drops you off in Kräbel where you’ll need to catch the cogwheel train back to Goldau if you didn’t park in Kräbel. That train runs once an hour so try to coordinate before riding down. There’s nothing to do in Kräbel while you wait but enjoy the view.

Can I take my dog on the Rigi mountain railways?

Yes, dog are allowed on all Rigi mountain railways and are free of charge. Learn more about Rigi rules for dogs .

Can I ride my bike on the Rigi panorama trail?

No. Bikes cannot be transported on most of the Rigi mountain railways (see bike rules here ). There is a mountain bike tour on Rigi , but it does not include the panorama trail.

• TAGS: Panorama , Playground , Popular , Spring Hiking , ztemp

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40 Responses

This article is VERY DECEIVING regarding the tickets. “For this trail, you need a DAY PASS for the Rigi mountain railways.” and so I went ahead and got the day pass even though I have half fare Travel Card. This article provides link to get the day pass right after they mention that you need a day pass. Indeed, under the link they mention you can use your SBB Day Pass too but it was too late for me as the article gave me the impression that I NEED the DAY PASS. So I ended up losing half of the money. I will go to customer service in train station to see if I can get any refund for this. SWISSFAMILYFUN I suggest you correct your wording regarding the tickets so that people don’t fall into this trap.

I’m sorry that you misunderstood my instructions regarding the tickets. To do the Rigi panorama trail, you need a Rigi Day Pass to cover the mountain railways (mountain train and cable car). Or you could use a SBB Day Pass, which Rigi currently accepts as a valid ticket for their mountain railways. You can use your SBB Half Fare Card to get a discount on either a Rigi Day Pass or SBB Day Pass. I’m not sure which day pass you purchased and why you didn’t use your SBB Half Fare card to get a discount on that ticket. I will try to reword my instructions to make this more clear.

Hi, I’m writing to you from Israel, and my family and I are excited about our upcoming trip to Switzerland in October. We wanted to let you know that we absolutely adore your website and have found it to be extremely helpful in planning our vacation.

I do have a question regarding Mount Rigi. Our plan is to park our car in Weggis and take the lift and cogwheel train up to Rigi Kulm. From there, we intend to hike the classic Rigi trail to Rigi Kaltbad and then descend to Vitznau. Finally, we’ll make our way back to Weggis to retrieve our car. I was wondering if it is possible to combine the classic trail with the cliff walk? Additionally, could you kindly provide information on the location of the cliff walk?

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Hi David, sounds like a good plan. You can do the cliff walk, then just walk back to Rigi Kaltbad for the cogwheel train down to Vitznau, instead of continuing to Rigi Scheidegg. I have updated the post to include a hiking map for this version. You can also see it here: https://www.komoot.com/tour/559084849?ref=wtd

Hi Tanya, We are planning to take the railway from Vitznau to Rigi Hulm, do the hike to Rigi Scheidegg, take the cable car to Krabel and the train from Krabel to Arth Goldau. Will the Rigi railway day pass cover each of these legs? Thank you.

Yes, the Rigi day pass covers all of these. Have fun!

Thank you so much for all this information! A friend and I (both college students from the U.S.) recently visited Zurich and Geneva, and your website was a LIFESAVER while researching hikes. The Rigi Panorama trail was beautiful in late May (and students get 50% off on the Rigi day pass! Just ask when buying the tickets at the Arth-Goldau Rigi Bahnen station).

Hello, I am planning to do this trial on 10 Nov 2023, but I saw that the aerial cable car from Rigi Scheidegg to Krabel is closed during the period: https://www.rigi.ch/_Resources/Persistent/436a6c5a7603d0e51351443e0f5f5a31542c9bbd/Timetable%20Aerial%20cable%20car%20Kr%C3%A4bel%20-%20Rigi%20Scheidegg%20%20from%2011.12.2022.pdf

Are there alternative way to get down from Rigi Scheidegg?

You could hypothetically hike down, but it would be a very long way down. If the cable car is closed, I suggest doing an amended version of the trail shown in this trail map. https://www.komoot.com/tour/559084849?ref=wtd If there is early snow, it’s possible the cliff walk portion of the trail will be closed during the time you visit.

Hi Tanya Thank you very much for your detailed update. One last question. We may decide to take the boat back to Luzern after the cable car ride from Rigi Kaltbad. Is there a bus to take from the cable car station to the ferry dock? If yes, what is the bus number? If no, how long is the walk from cable car station to the ferry dock? Thanks!

You can ride bus 502 from the cable car station to Weggis, Dorfplatz stop, then a short walk to the the boat dock. Or you can walk instead, about 15 mins walk. You can see a map of this walk in my other Rigi post: https://swissfamilyfun.com/rigi-round-trip/#Return_trip_8211_Rigi_Kaltbad-First_to_Weggis_to_Lucerne I hope this helps. Have fun!

We are from Malaysia and planning to include in our itinerary to visit Rigi Klum with our Swiss Travel Pass from Luzern in mid June 2023. We plan to take your recommendation for the Classic Round Trip. 🙂 We have some questions: (1) Is the cable car at Rigi Kaltbad (if yes, am i correct if we take the cogwheel train from Rigi Klum to Rigi Kaltbad) (2) we are planning to arrive at Rigi Kaltbad at 1415. We understand the cable car runs every half hour but couldnt find the timing for the cable car. (3) Upon arriving at Weggis, we are planning to take the bus/train at 3pm back to Luzern. Should we take the bus at Weggis Dorfplatz or Weggis Schiffstation? How long is the walk from the cable car station to bus stop and what is the bus number to take? (4) Is the Swiss Travel Pass covers the Classic Round Trip? Looking forward to your reply soon. Thank you very much.

Hi. 1/2) Yes, the cable car is at Rigi Kaltbad. You can see the timetables here: https://www.rigi.ch/en/inform/timetables It runs every 30 mins from 8:10 to 19:10. Yes, you can take the train from Rigi Kulm down to Rigi Kaltbad. 3) It looks like you can catch bus directly at the cable car station “Weggis, Seilbahn.” It’s bus 502. You could also walk into town and catch the bus at Weggis, Dorfplatz instead (about a 10 min walk from the cable car station). You can check the current bus schedule on https://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html 4) Yes, according to the Rigi website in 2023, the Swiss Travel Pass includes the boat to Rigi and all mountain transport on Rigi. Have fun!

Hi Tanya, Thank you for the detailed information. I use mainly your website for hikes and walks in Switzerland. I fund Always really helpful tips and great ideas. I have a question for this hike, can we do it the other way around, e.g. from Rigi Scheidegg to Rigi Kulm? Do you see any constrains?

Thanks Marta

Yes, you can definitely hike the opposite direction. You’ll just have more uphill walking that direction. Have fun!

Hi. im checking about the Panoramaweg trail. I was planning all the way up by the cogwheel to Rigi Kulm departing from Vitznau. Then i do the trail as explained above. Is it possible pls? thanks

Yes, you can take the cogwheel train from Vitznau to Rigi Kulm to start the hike. However, the full panorama trail ends at Rigi Scheidegg. You cannot get from Rigi Scheidegg directly back to Vitznau. From Rigi Scheidegg, you take take a cable car down to Arth Goldau and train back to Lucerne. If you want to get back to the cogwheel train that goes to Vitznau, you can alter the panorama trail by walking to Rigi First, optionally doing the cliff walk, then walking back to Rigi Kaltbad where you can catch the cogwheel train back to Vitznau. Hope this helps.

I forgot to write why I am talking about TWINT. The daily ticket now is 12 CHF, min. payment is 5 CHF for 2 hours and 1 CHF for every additional hour. We were 2 with a stroller and paid 9 CHF and made it only so so while spending only minimum time for lunch.

Wonderful route for a family 2+3. My 8, 5 & 2-year-olds enjoyed it. Thank you for posting.

Rigi Scheidegg is empty in the afternoon – remember to watch out for the timetable. We were lucky to take the last cable car down.

We needed to eat something in Goldau and can highly recommend Fratelli d’Italia – feels like Italy and is inexpensive.

Thanks for the feedback and tip about the restaurant. I agree that it’s vital to check the cable car closing times when planning your day. Missing the last one down is terrible.

Hi! Thank you for this very precise and useful post. I plan to do this trail next month. I have one question: why it is best to ride up the mountain train from Arth Goldau? Since the trail starts at Rigi Kulm, why does it matter how you got there? Any thoughts appreciated. Many thanks.

It only matters if you came by car and want to end your day at the car. If you are coming by public transportation, it doesn’t matter so much.

Your blog/website is perfection!! The info is gold and I really appreciate the maps. This has made planning our Switzerland trip so much easier.

So glad you’ve found our website helpful. So nice of you to leave this message for me.

I’ve been using your website to plan our upcoming Switzerland trip, and your website has been an amazing resource. I am wondering if we can combine the Mt Rigi Panorama hike (or part of it) with a boat trip on Lucerne? It looks like we could ride the boat from Lucerne to Viznau and then take the cable car to Rigi Kulm to start the hike, or is that not possible? Thank you!

Sorry for the late reply. Yes, I do think you can combine this trip with a boat ride. The boat schedule in winter is less frequent, so make sure to check the current schedule carefully. Also you’ll need to end your winter hike at Kaltbad so you can ride back down to the ferry dock.

Is the hike ok for people slightly scared of heights? are there extreme cliffs off the walking path? thanks!

There’s only a short section that has cliffs and there is a barrier. It’s one of the safest cliff walks I’ve done. If it makes you nervous, you can skip that part and just walk around the other side of the mountain.

Fantastic hike. We did the Panorama trail today with 3 kids in tow – 7/9/11. Packed brats and marshmallows and took a lunch break soaking in the million dollar views. Absolutely stunning on a clear day like we had in May. Your information was spot on and many thanks to you!

Sounds like a great day! Glad we could help you. Wishing you many more fun adventures this summer.

What was the total distance of this hike?

Thanks for asking. I updated the map so this is more clear. The full trail from Rigi Kulm to Rigi Scheidegg is 8.2 km, about 2hr45 walking time. I also included a shorter 4.2 km version that ends at Rigi Klösterei, about 1h30 walking time. I hope this helps.

This is great! Very informative! You mentioned that the cost is about 63 CHF, does this include the cog-wheel train from Goldau up to Kulm?

Yes. The Rigi website is a little coy about posting their prices, mostly showing packaged prices instead of individual fares. The Mt Rigi Railways Day Ticket covers all the mountain transport needed for this hike. Summer 2019 it costs CHF72 full price, discounts for various Swiss travel cards like half-fare and (details on their website). Just FYI, for this hike, You need a one-way ticket from Goldau to Rigi Kulm on the mountain train. Then you need a one-way ticket on the cable car from Rigi Scheidegg to Kräbel, then a one-way ticket on the mountain train from Kräbel to Goldau. I need to update this post with more details about the tickets.

We arrived in Zurich this afternoon and are interested in doing this hike in a couple of days. Is the price mentioned for the railway tickets or is there a fee to hike? Any information would be helpful so we can best prepare.

Thank you, Lydia & Jake

There is no fee for hiking, just for the mountain transport. This is the case in most of Switzerland. Hope you have fun!

In winter, you can take a sleigh up an go all the way from Kulm down to Klösterli. The rest of the trail is quite exhausting though with smaller children (ours are 4 and 7) so we ended up taking the train down to Kräbel and just making a short trip up to Scheidegg from there.

Thanks! We did this hike today and agree the Felsenegg part was the best!

I would just add from our experience that it was windy so we got really lucky to be able to ride the cable car down. They could have closed it if they thought it was too windy, and we would have had to walk back a bit to part of the Rigi train. The train also seemed to have limited pram space. I guess a lot of folks were taking advantage of the 2 for 1 SBB TICKETS

All-in-all, we really enjoyed the views!

We did part of this route and colored the flower walk, came across the most spectacular firepit with 180 degree views of lake Lucerne then walked via to go kaltbad to klosterli (spent 10-6 on the mountain including train from Goldau a4). Thanks for the tips!! Helped immensely

Wow, sounds like a great day! Glad I could help you with the planning.

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Hi! I’m Tanya and our family has been living & hiking in Switzerland since 2005, collecting dozens of fun hikes and activities for all ages and abilities. More about us…

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