Vitznau has a wonderful location at the base of stunning Mount Rigi. This is the perfect lakeside village if you are looking for a quiet stay yet with the restaurants and shopping of Lucerne within easy reach. Indeed, the area is known as the Lucerne Riviera and thanks to its sheltered position under the Rigi, there is a mild climate with flourishing palm trees and orchids.
You can take the historic cogwheel railway car from Vitznau to Rigi Kulm at 1,800m, with magnificent views as far as the Black Forest and many popular walking trails. Extend your day with a return by cable car to the village of Weggis and then by boat back to Vitznau. The regular timetable of nostalgic lake steamers and modern ships also connect Vitznau to historic Lucerne in just 55 minutes, as well as to popular excursion locations such as Bürgenstock, Pilatus, Klewenalp and Stanserhorn.
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Vitznau holiday ideas 2026
Stay in our handpicked Vitznau hotel
What to see and do in Vitznau
With Mount Rigi 'the Queen of Mountains' on your doorstep, this is a must do. The cogwheel railway transports you from Vitznau to the summit, from where you can fully explore the mountain's walking trails and amazing views. 2021 saw the 150th anniversary of the Rigi mountain railway! Mount Pilatus is also well worth visiting, via the world's steepest cog railway. A cruise on the beautiful lake is a real highlight with plenty more picturesque villages to visit for lunch, such as Stansstad, from where you reach the amazing open topped cable car to the Stanserhorn. Beckenried is a stopping off point for the Klewenalp and after Brunnen the lake flows into Lake Uri where you will be enchanted by the history and legends of Wilhelm Tell.
Why not visit the dramatic Mount Titlis at over 3,000m - a train journey brings you to pretty Engelberg and from here it is an incredible journey to the summit, including an amazing rotating cable car which glides above the glacier. Please click here for our summary of the best the region has to offer.
Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site from Vitznau
There are a number of day trips you can undertake from Vitznau to visit a UNESCO site. The Old Town of Bern is a most charming place to browse around and there's more history to be found in the Abbey Library of St. Gallen. The Entlebuch Biosphere is a natural paradise just minutes from Lucerne. Find more Swiss World Heritage Sites here.
Explore the Central Switzerland region with our great value travel passes
Enjoy a fantastic two or multi centre holiday, with a scenic rail journey connecting your resorts.
Vitznau is on the route of the scenic boat and rail journey Gotthard Panorama Express (for Lugano). You can also take the short transfer to Lucerne which has connections to the Luzern-Interlaken Express (for Interlaken) and the Pre-Alpine Express (for St. Gallen).
If you prefer to be based solely in Vitznau, there are many lakes and mountains journeys to be enjoyed locally. We can tailor make any itinerary you choose, please contact us for details on 0800 619 1200.
How to get to Vitznau
Your ticket wallet will contain comprehensive travel instructions to help you reach your destination with ease, including recommended rail connection times and platform numbers. These are the most common routes for your Vitznau holiday.
Fly to Zurich
Flights available from London, Luton, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow.
Swiss Railways: Zurich Airport > Lucerne (and boat journey to Vitznau) with a transfer time of around 2 hours 20 minutes.
Fly to Geneva
Flights available from London, Luton, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle.
Swiss Railways: Geneva Airport > Lucerne (and boat journey to Vitznau) with a transfer time of around 4 hours 20 minutes.
Travel by international rail
Rail from London St. Pancras via Paris to Basel.
Swiss Railways: Basel > Lucerne (and boat journey to Vitznau) with a transfer time of around 2 hours 20 minutes.
Request your holiday quotation
Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com