Mount Rigi - Central Switzerland

Queen of the Mountains

Mount Rigi views
 
About Mount Rigi

Available: all year

Example travel costs

Tell Pass: FREE 

Swiss Travel Pass: FREE

Half Fare Card: 65 Sfr return from Lucerne via boat

Mount Rigi is one of the most popular mountains in Central Switzerland for holidaymakers and is often referred to as the 'Queen of the Mountains' by the locals. It is a mountain for all seasons and its peninsula location enables visitors not only to cast their eyes down the sweeping mountain slopes, but also to enjoy Rigi's impressive and renowned panoramic views. The characteristic shape of the mountain is visible from all parts of the valley. Queen Victoria took a journey up to Mount Rigi in 1868 and J.M.W. Turner completed several watercolours of this inspiring sight. 

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Contact us to book your holiday

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com


Highlights

Steam train

Enjoy the scenic Rigi rail journey as visitors would have done over 150 years ago - by steam! This fantastic experience is available on selected dates in 2025 and must be pre-booked. Please ask us for details.

  • 26 January
  • 23 February
  • 23 March
  • 27 April 

More dates will be added in due course.

150 year history of the Rigi railway

When engineer Niklaus Riggenbach planned the first mountain railway in Europe from Vitznau to Rigi Kulm, his project was generally considered to be outrageous. However, in 1863 his invention for guiding trains uphill using cogwheels and racks was patented and in 1871, the first mountain railway in Europe hissed and steamed its way up Mount Rigi.

The 150 year anniversary was celebrated in 2021 with the Steam Locomotive #7 taken out of its home in the Museum Of Transport, refurbished and in operation for the first time since 1937! 

Walking on the Rigi

There are 120km of trails on Mount Rigi, a good range of which are scenic but easy walks with fantastic views. Autumn is traditionally considered the perfect season for more strenuous hiking although the extensive network of trails above the misty valleys serves up fantastic views of the Alps all year round. Even in winter, there are 35km of prepared trails to enjoy amongst the snowy scenery. 

Stunning views from 1,800m

After your trip to Rigi Kulm on Europe's first ever mountain railway route, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking 360° panoramic view. This is a majestic location! The combination of the snow-capped Alps, the lowlands with 13 lakes, views of Germany and France and a bird's-eye view of the cities of Lucerne and Zug makes it truly unique.

Restaurants and shopping

The vast Mount Rigi region has 30 fabulous restaurants and inns to suit every taste from exclusive Gault & Millau dishes to simple snacks. Enjoy spectacular views from sun-kissed terraces and soak up the alpine atmosphere. There is a souvenir shop at the summit Rigi Kulm and a number of stores in the small resort of Rigi Kaltbad.

Barbecue & picnic areas

Constucted by fallen timber gathered after a huge storm, the log cabin-style shelters dubbed 'Gruebis' by the locals provide protection from sun and rain while you picnic. If you prefer to grill your own sausages, simply head to one of Mount Rigi's convenient barbecue areas, which are equipped with firewood, tables and benches and can be used by all visitors.

Rigiland

The beautiful natural playground of Rigiland is just a few minutes' walk from the Rigi Kaltbad station. Set amid idyllic scenery, there are lots of different things in the playground for children to explore. Younger children can enjoy the slide, swings, roundabout and sand-pit, while older ones will be keen to try the tricky rock climb. When they're ready for a rest, there are plenty of shady benches, picnic areas and barbecue spots.

Mineral baths & spa

Renowned for its architecture and its pool with a view of the sweeping mountain landscape, this is an amazing place to go for relaxation and rejuvenation. Entrance payable locally.

Rigi Scheidegg

From Arth-Goldau, alight from the cogwheel train at Kräbel and take the NEW cable car up to Rigi Scheidegg. At this alternative beauty spot, you can enjoy the traditional Swiss restaurant and fabulous views in quieter surroundings. There is an easy, relatively flat hiking trail from Rigi Scheidegg to Rigi Kaltbald, where you can take the cable car back down to Weggis, or join the mountain railway up to the summit, Rigi Kulm. 


Directions

The most popular and scenic way to get to the Rigi is to take the lake steamer to Vitznau and change on to the famous cog railway up to Rigi Kulm for stunning views of the Alps and 13 lakes. Return to Rigi Kaltbad and then take the cable car to Weggis from where there is a 15 minute walk to the lake steamer back to Lucerne.

An alternative return from Rigi Kulm is by mountain railway to Goldau and train to Lucerne. Whichever route you choose this is a real 'must do' during your stay. 

Please check before travel for maintenance closures.

 

Request your holiday quotation

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com

Great views from the Rigi train

More excursions in the region

There are numerous wonderful days out to enjoy in this beautiful area. From incomparable mountain vistas to leisurely cruises on a nostalgic paddle steamer, walks through stunning scenery and a whole host of fabulous journeys on mountain railways, cable cars and funiculars.

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Your choice of resorts

Steamer at Seelisberg on Lake Lucerne

The heart of Switzerland is blessed with beautiful lakes and mountains views. You can choose to stay in charming Lucerne, from which it is all easily accessible, or opt for a more peaceful village beside the lake or up in the mountains.

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Rigi video