mt rigi day trip from zurich

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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Mount Rigi: Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting The Queen of the Mountains

If you’ve ever seen a photo of Lake Lucerne, you must have noticed the mountain that towers in the background. That’s Mount Rigi, the home of Europe’s first cogwheel railway and one of the most-visited mountains close to Lucerne .

People have been traveling to Mt. Rigi since even before the cogwehel railway was constructed thanks to the easy trails to the summit. Whether you want to go hiking, ride cable cars, visit a cheese dairy, or just enjoy the fabulous panoramic views of the region, Mount Rigi is a destination that won’t disappoint.

This detailed guide will tell you everything you need to know before planning your trip to Mt Rigi, from the cost of train tickets to the best restaurants on each of the summits!

Table of Contents

General Information

Where Is Mt. Rigi Located?

Mt. Rigi overlooks the northern shore of Lake Lucerne. It is north of Weggis and Vitznau but south of Arth and Kussnacht in central Switzerland. The mountain belongs to the Schwyz Alps mountain massif, but Rigi Kulm is one of the lower summits in the range.

Due to Mt. Rigi’s location in central Switzerland, it is easily accessible by public transport from all the bigger cities nearby. Vitznau is the closest town to the mountain as well as the first station of Rigi’s cogwheel railway, which is the main (but not the only) public transportation to the mountain.

How to Get To Mt. Rigi

People have been traveling to Mount Rigi since the late 19th century. This majestic mountain is home to Europe’s first cogwheel railway, and over the decades it has become even easier for travelers from all over the world to reach Mount Rigi. Here’s how you can get there from Lucerne and Zurich.

From Lucerne

Traveling to Mount Rigi from Lucerne is simple and you have at least four different options. The most popular route is through Vitznau because it’s the perfect excuse for a boat ride on Lake Lucerne. Boats run between Lucerne and Vitznau, and there are nine connections per day even in the winter season.

The boat ride is about an hour long and the boats dock directly at the bottom station of the Rigi Kulm funicular. From there, it’s about 32 minutes to the top of the mountain, so in total it takes around an hour and a half to travel to Rigi Kulm from Lucerne, via Vitznau .

Traveling via Weggis is the second option. There are 10 boat connections between Lucerne and Weggis even in the winter season, starting at 6:20 AM. The boat ride to Weggis is shorter (about 45 minutes), but the total travel time to Rigi Kulm is still an hour and a half.

That’s because you need to get from the harbor to the bottom station of the Weggis cable car , which is a 15-minute walk or a 2-minute bus ride. From there, the cable car will take you to Rigi Kaltbad, which is a stop on the Mt. Rigi funicular. Once you board the train, there are only three more stops to the top of the mountain, and the ride should take about 12 minutes.

It’s also possible to travel by train via Arth-Goldau . The ride from Lucerne is non-stop and takes only some 25 minutes. The train station in Goldau is right next to the bottom funicular station, and the ride to the top of the mountains shouldn’t take more than 40 minutes.

From Zurich

You can easily visit Mount Rigi on a day trip even from Zurich. Just take a train from the main station to Arth-Goldau – it takes just 45 minutes if you manage to grab a seat on the trains heading to Milan or Locarno because those only stop in Zug before Arth-Goldau. From there, it’s another 40 minutes to the top of Mount Rigi.

This is not the only way of traveling to Mt Rigi from Zurich, but it is by far the fastest one. You can also travel to Weggis or Vitznau on the other side of the mountain, but that will take much longer. It’s more than an hour from Zurich to Weggis, and you’d have to take a train to Rotkreuz and then board a bus (line 528) to Weggis there.

It’s similar if you want to get to Vitnzau. Ride a train from Zurich to Rotkreuz, where you will board the same bus (line 528) to the Vitznau station.

Mt Rigi Tickets & Prices

The standard price of funicular railway tickets to Mt. Rigi is 49 CHF for a one-way journey and 78 CHF for a return trip. This is the price for train tickets from Weggis, Vitznau, and Goldau, which are the most popular starting points for the journey.

In case you’re traveling from Weggis via cable car and funicular, expect to pay 36 CHF for a one-way ticket for the cable car and 24 CHF for the train ride up to the top of the mountain.

If you want to purchase a return ticket, I highly recommend you just get a day pass for the Mount Rigi Railways . It includes free transport on the cogwheel trains from Vitznau and Goldau, and also the cable car from Weggis to Rigi Kaltbad and from Kräbel to Rigi Scheidegg.

Ticket Discounts

Trains in Switzerland are expensive so most people who plan to explore the country by public transport end up getting some sort of travel pass for Switzerland. There are loads of options including the Interrail pass, the Swiss Travel Pass, the Half-fare card, the Tell Pass, the GA Travelcard, and many others.

The good news is that you’ll get a discount for the trip up to Mount Rigi with any of these passes. In fact, the journey will be free with any of these passes except for the half-fare card, which will get you a 50% discount on the tickets.

Children under the age of 15 who are accompanied by adults get to travel on the funicular free of charge, as do dogs.

Additionally, anyone who is staying in towns in the region and is eligible for a visitors card can claim a discount on Mt Rigi Railway tickets. It’s a 20% discount if you have a visitor’s card from Lucerne, Grappen, Vitznau, Weggis, or the Schwyz region.

Travelers who stay at hotels on Mount Rigi get Guest Cards that give them a 50% discount on tickets for the Rigi Railways. Anyone who has a student or apprentice ID and is under the age of 24 can get a 50% discount on the tickets.

Dates of Operation

Mount Rigi funicular operates year-round and closures happen only during maintenance or severe weather. Vitznau has the most connections to Rigi Kulm, with the first departure of the day around 6 AM, and the final descent from the mountain at around 10 PM.

Goldau is the second town with the most connections to Rigi Kulm, starting with trains at approximately 8 AM, and ending with departures from Rigi to Goldau at around 7 PM.

The Weggis cable car to Rigi Kaltbad operates year-round except for two maintenance periods in the spring and autumn. The cable car runs every 30 minutes from 6:30 AM until 11:20 PM, and the cars run continuously when there is a high volume of visitors.

Weather on Mt Rigi

Mount Rigi features an elevation of 1,798 meters above sea level, so it’s going to be a bit colder and wetter than the towns and cities at its feet. The period from May to September is the only time when the temperature stays above zero throughout the month. Even in April, the temperatures will drop below zero at night.

The average temperature in the summer is 5-15 degrees Celsius, so even if you visit the mountain in August, you will need warm clothes.

In December and January, temperatures rarely rise above zero even during the day. It’s very cold on the mountain and there’s lots of snowfall, which are pretty good conditions for skiing and snowboarding.

Best Time For A Trip to Mt Rigi

The best time to visit Mount Rigi is either summer or winter, depending on what you like to do. For me, it would have to be summer because I thrive in warm weather and I much prefer exploring when it’s sunny and the flowers are in full bloom.

Summer is also a great season to visit because the days are longer and sunnier, so you can spend more time outside. It’s much easier to explore the hiking trails if there’s light out until at least 8 PM, and there’s less of a chance of fog obstructing the panoramic views.

However, winter is the better season for all of you who enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, and any other winter activities that Switzerland is known for. Many of the trails atop the mountain remain accessible in the winter, and it’s perfectly possible to explore Mout Rigi’s wonderful landscapes. You will need snowshoes for some of the trails, but you can rent those at several locations at Mount Rigi.

Summer Activities on Mt Rigi

Mount Rigi is very popular for its countless hiking trails in the summer. If you scroll down a little you’ll see a more detailed list of all the most popular hiking trails in the area, but for now, suffice it to say that there are more than a dozen different trails on the mountain. And that does not include any trails from the towns on the shore of the lake, which can take you all the way to Rigi Kulm.

The trails atop Mount Rigi range from easy and suitable for hiking newbies, to very challenging ones that should be attempted only by the most experienced hikers. There are trails for everyone’s skill level, so you can really have fun on this mountain regardless of how much time you spend hiking in your free time.

Cogwheel Railway

I’ve already mentioned that it’s possible to hike to the top of this mountain from most of the towns on the shore, but not that many people choose to travel to Rigi this way. Most ride the trains, and the cogwheel train from Vitznau is the most popular option.

For one, it’s the fastest way of reaching the summit so it’s best if you don’t want to waste any time in Switzerland. And two, the ride is very scenic and you’ll get to enjoy some spectacular views along the way, as you climb the mountain from the lakefront town of Vitznau. A stunning panoramic view stretches from the top of the mountain, and not only can you see Lucerne, but even the Alps in the background.

Cheese Farm

One of my favorite things at Rigi Kulm is the cheese farm. The local dairy is also a tavern and a place where you can spend the night, so there’s really no excuse not to visit. You can meet the local herdsman who manages to produce 12 tonnes of cheese every summer, and you can even get to see the cows who provide high-quality milk.

Anyone who visits the dairy can tour the place for a fee of 2 CHF. You can also get a private tour from Franz-Toni Kennel , the herdsman, but that tour must be booked in advance and it has a fee of 50 CHF.

Also, it goes without saying that a trip to the cheese dairy inevitably includes some cheese tastings. Fondue, raclette, and grilled cheese sandwiches are all on the menu, and everything is made with the best locally made cheeses.

Kanzeli Viewpoint

Kanzeli Viewpoint is an observation deck at Rigi Kaltbad and the perfect destination for all travelers who want to admire the scenic views, but aren’t that into hiking. You don’t have to walk up the mountain for hours to find the perfect scenic spot because this observation deck is just a 15-minute walk from the Rigi Kaltbad Hotel .

The view is surreal, and there’s a detailed map at the observation deck that tells you exactly what you’re seeing. One thing I will say is that there’s no point in going to the observation deck on a foggy or cloudy day – sometimes, the clouds are below you and all you can see is a sea of fluffy clouds.

Lake Lucerne Cruise

A cruise on Lake Lucerne is something you must do if you’re ever in the area. It’s a fabulous experience, and it can be done in many different ways. You can just book a ticket on the ferry to transport you from the city of Lucerne to Vitznau on your way to Mount Rigi, or you can book a more elaborate cruise with dinner and drinks.

Lake Lucerne cruises are also part of the Gotthard Panorama Express scenic train route. The trains from Lugano and Bellinzona take passengers to Fluelen, where they board a boat to continue their journey to Lucerne. It’s truly a wonderful experience that offers spectacular views of Mount Rigi and other summits.

Winter Activities on Mt Rigi

If you buy a daily pass for the Rigi Railways, you can go sledding for free. There are five main toboggan runs atop the mountain, and they’re all incredibly fun. One run is easy, one is difficult, and the rest are moderate and suitable for anyone.

The only difficult run is from Rigi Kulm to Staffel to Klösterli , and it’s by far the most popular run down the mountain. It takes about 30 minutes and it’s very thrilling with fast descents and switchbacks. The run from Rigi Burggeist to Gschwänd is the longest of the bunch. It’s 3.8 kilometers which takes about half an hour, and the total descent is 538 meters.

Winter Hiking

Although many of the hiking trails on Mt. Rigi are closed in the winter because of snowfall, around 35 kilometers remain accessible in the colder months. The Rigi Panorama Trail can be done even in the winter, and you can choose from multiple variations of the trail. Easier versions of this hike only cover a section of one kilometer, and the longest route doable in the winter is roughly nine kilometers.

You can also hike from Rigi Kulm to Rigi Kaltbad, from Rigi to Klosterli, and from Rigi to First. The Kanzeli observation deck is open and accessible even in the winter, for fabulous views of the snow-covered Alps.

Most hiking trails on Mount Rigi that are accessible in the winter can be completed in under an hour, with a few longer routes that take up to two hours.

Mount Rigi has five ski lifts and a few more children’s lifts, so it offers some great skiing opportunities. It’s far from being the best ski resort in the region, but the trails are in good condition and exciting enough that you’ll want to get out and spend a couple of hours rushing down the slopes.

The Scheidegg-Burggeist skiing area is popular for the panoramic views that serve as the backdrop of the trail, while the Rigi Staffel skiing area features some of the more challenging trails on the mountain.

It’s important to note that skiing and snowboarding are available free of charge to anyone in possession of the Mount Rigi Day Pass.

Snowshoe Hiking

Strap on a pair of snowshoes and you’ll be able to explore parts of Mount Rigi that would remain inaccessible otherwise. You’ll be able to walk through the mountain’s snow-covered forests, across meadows, and see all the places on the mountain that remain undiscovered to skiers and hikers.

A snowshoe tour of Rigi Kulm is one of the easier paths you can explore. It takes about an hour and a half to complete the loop trail, and it doesn’t require any special skills or technical knowledge. You’ll most likely be alone on the trail and you’ll have the stunning views all to yourself.

Other popular snowshoe trails on Mount Rigi are the Gratalp trail, the Feissenboden trail, the Rigi Scheidegg trail, and the loop tour of Rigi Burggeist. Snowshoe rental is available at multiple places, including at Rigi Kulm, Rigi Kaltbad, Rigi Scheidegg, and Vitznau.

Cross-Country Skiing

Many of Mount Rigi’s popular summer hiking trails turn into epic cross-country skiing trails in the winter. If you enjoy cross-country skiing, you can have heaps of fun on Mt. Rigi. One of the most popular cross-country skiing trails is the panorama path from Rigi Kaltbad to Rigi Scheidegg.

It takes about two and a half hours to complete the trail, which gets quite steep at the end. The trails follow the route of the old Rigi-Scheidegg railway, and the views along the way are out of this world.

Seebodenalp also offers cross-country skiing. The loop trail starts near the Küssnacht-Seebodenalp cable car and offers stunning views of central Switzerland along the entire route. The terrain is mostly flat, making this the perfect easy route for those who are somewhat new to cross-country skiing.

Spa on Rigi Kaltbad

Mineralbad & Spa Rigi Kaltbad is the place to be if your idea of a winter excursion on a mountain includes a sauna and thermal baths. This is a very popular chain of spa centers in Switzerland, with locations in some of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, Rigi Kaltbad included.

The spa center has a warm indoor pool, herbal steam baths, and a heated outdoor pool so you can swim with central Switzerland in the backdrop. The place also offers massages and other cosmetic treatments, so you could easily spend the entire day here getting pampered and relaxing into oblivion.

Best Hiking Trails on Mt Rigi

I promised you a more detailed look into the best hiking trails on Mt Rigi, so here are the top six ones that can be done in up to two hours.

Rigi Panorama Path, Rigi First – Rigi Scheidegg section (2 Hours 10 Mins)

The Rigi Panorama path from Rigi First to Rigi Scheidegg follows the former railway route of the Rigi-Kaltbad-Scheidegg railway. It’s an easy trail with a very small elevation gain, so anyone can attempt this stunning panorama hike and experience the scenic vistas along the way.

Rigi Känzeli Hiking Tour (30 Mins)

Rigi Känzeli Hiking Tour is the perfect trail for non-hikers. It’s a short walk to the Känzeli observation platform from the Rigi Kaltbad station, and it’s just a 15-minute walk in either direction. There’s even a ramp for wheelchair users, so truly anyone can do this short and easy hike.

Rigi Kulm to Rigi Kaltbad (1 Hour 10 Mins)

Although you can ride the funicular from Rigi Kulm to Rigi Kaltbad, it’s much more satisfying to walk down the mountain and explore your surroundings. It’s only about an hour in either direction, and you can follow two distinct paths – descent down the mountain ridges, or follow the funicular railway.

Rigi Staffel to Rigi First (1 Hour 30 Mins)

Rigi Staffel to Rigi First is also known as the Rigi Floral Trail because you can see roughly 200 different species of flowers on the side of the trail if you’re hiking in the spring. This easy hike offers great insight into the flora of Mount Rigi and it’s even suitable for prams and wheelchairs.

Rigi Scheidegg Animal Tracks Trail (20 Mins)

The Animal Tracks trail is a short and easy loop hike at the top of Rigi Scheidegg. It takes just 20 minutes to walk the trail, but you’ll want to stay a little bit longer on the trail to see the animals in their natural habitat. The animals most commonly seen on this trail are squirrels, foxes, badgers, and chamois.

Rigi Kulm to Rigi Klosterli (1 Hour 45 Mins)

Rigi Kulm to Rigi Klosterli is one of the longer hikes you can do, but it’s still a pretty easy trail because you’re only going downhill. The trail features stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and you might even experience what it’s like to be above the clouds. Return is possible via the same route or a cable car.

Where to Eat on Mt Rigi

The majority of restaurants on Mout Rigi are at Rigi Kaltbad, so you should plan to stay in the lower region of the mountain if you want to have options. Rigi Kulm has a few restaurants but the choices aren’t as abundant, and frankly, they aren’t quite as great either.

However, one thing that Kulm has that the Kaltbad doesn’t is the cheese dairy, and I would not shy away from eating most of my meals there. In addition to the dairy, there are Kessiboden and Rigi Bistro close to the top railway station.

Rigi Kaltbad, on the other hand, has a Crêperie that’s a must-visit for anyone who loves chocolate as much as I do. Think crepes stuffed with Nutella, sliced into sushi pieces with whipped cream on the top. They also serve crepes with alcohol, as well as savory crepes that are great for lunch.

All the hotels at Rigi Kaltbad have their own restaurants, and there are a few more locales up the mountain. Gratalp Stübli , Bärenstube , and Heirihütte are some of the best restaurants at Rigi Kaltbad, which serve traditional Swiss cuisine.

Additionally, there are a few restaurants between Rigi Kaltbad and Rigi Kulm. Restaurant Bahnhöfli is at the Rigi Staffel station, and Restaurant Lok 7 is closer to Kaltbad. Both are Swiss restaurants with a menu classic for the region, so lots of cheese and sausage.

Where to Stay on Mt Rigi

You’ve got a few different options if you want to spend your entire trip on Mount Rigi and the choice you need to make is whether you want to stay at Rigi Kaltbad or Rigi Kulm. Rigi Kulm is a taller summit with fewer accommodation options. There’s only one hotel and several lodges for hikers, which don’t offer the nicest facilities.

Rigi Kulm Hotel is the best option if you want to be as high up as possible. It’s a decent hotel with 33 rooms and nightly rates that start at 168 CHF for a single room. The average rate for a double room is 250 CHF with a buffet breakfast included.

Rigi Kaltbad is the better destination for most people because there’s more infrastructure. There are several hotels – Rigi Kaltbad Hotel , Hotel Bergsonne Rigi , Restaurant & Hotel Alpina , and Kräuterhotel Edelweiss – as well as a few private apartments and cabins you can rent.

Hotel Alpina is the most affordable option at Rigi Kaltbad, with double rooms starting at 165 CHF per night. The other hotels are approximately 250 CHF per night, but it’s worth noting that Alpina is a 2-star hotel, whereas the rest are 3-star hotels.

Also, keep in mind that if you stay at any one of the hotels on Mount Rigi, you’re entitled to a Guest Card that provides you with a 50% discount for the Rigi Railways.

What to Pack For A Mt Rigi Trip

No matter when you’re visiting Mount Rigi, you should pack a pair of waterproof hiking boots . They’ll allow you to get around the mountain easily regardless of the weather and terrain conditions. If you’re traveling in the winter make sure that your boots are insulated, and for a summer visit just prioritize waterproofing.

Pack t-shirts, long-sleeve tops, warm sweaters, hoodies, jeans, tracksuits, and pretty much any other clothes that you feel comfortable wearing. If you’re going to spend most of your time hiking and exploring, comfort and ease of movement should be your top priorities.

If you’re traveling to Rigi in the winter and you enjoy skiing and snowboarding, don’t forget to pack your ski suit. A heavily insulated jacket will also be necessary for exploring the mountain in cold weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is mount rigi called queen of the mountains.

Mount Rigi is known as the Queen of Mountains because humanist Albrecht von Bonstetten called it Mons Regina in his chronicles. There is some debate on what the phrase represents, but most people agree that it wasn’t initially supposed to mean Queen of the Mountains, but rather that it was referencing a local phrase for Rigi’s flora and geology. 

Why is Mount Rigi famous?

Mount Rigi is famous for its unique location in central Switzerland, but also because it was the home of the first cogwheel railway in Europe. The Vitznau-Rigi railway has been around since the late 19th century, and people have been traveling to the top of Mount Rigi for more than a hundred years. 

Is Mount Rigi worth visiting?

Yes, Mount Rigi is absolutely worth interesting even if it’s on a quick day trip from one of the nearby towns. It features some of the most beautiful landscapes in Switzerland and offers a plethora of things to do if you choose to stay on the mountain for more than a day. 

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Mount Rigi Winter Day Trip from Zurich

• Relax with prearranged travel plans to Mount Rigi and the lake city of Lucerne
• Travel to Weggis with a guide
• Avoid language difficulties with prebooked cable car, train, and boat tickets
• Spend time in Lucerne Old Town as you wish, perhaps shopping or eating
• See itinerary
• Aerial cable car, cogwheel train
• Boat ride from Vitznau to Lucerne
• Transportation by air-conditioned coach from Zurich to Weggis and from Lucerne to Zurich
• Partly guided tour by professional multilingual guide as per description
• Carbon-balanced operations certified by myclimate
• Hotel pick-up and drop off
• Meals and drinks
• Personal expenses
• Best of Switzerland Tours AG, Sihlquai Coach Parking, Limmatstrasse 4, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland The official departure point for all tours departing from Zürich is Sihlquai Coach Terminal, close to Zurich’s main train station (Zürich HB). Please check in at least 15 minutes prior to departure at the white ticket office marked with “Best of Switzerland Tours” or “City Tours & Excursions”.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Pushchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infant seats available
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• 18.-22.11.2024 | 25.-29.11.2024 | 10.03-04.04.2025 | 17.11.-21.11.2025 | 24.11.-28.11.2025: the round-trip up and down Mt Rigi will be by cogwheel train due to cable car maintenance.
• The tour is accompanied from Zurich to Weggis and from Lucerne to Zurich. For the individual stay in Mt Rigi and Lucerne, tickets and a written itinerary are provided.
• This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 48 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Best of Switzerland Tours AG Sihlquai Coach Parking, Limmatstrasse 4, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland The official departure point for all tours departing from Zürich is Sihlquai Coach Terminal, close to Zurich’s main train station (Zürich HB). Please check in at least 15 minutes prior to departure at the white ticket office marked with “Best of Switzerland Tours” or “City Tours & Excursions”. See address & details
• Pass by Zurich
• 1 Weggis Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 2 Mt. Rigi Stop: 3 hours See details
• 3 Vitznau Stop: 60 minutes See details
• 4 Lucerne Stop: 2 hours See details Pass by Zurich
• You'll return to the starting point

• etisk2022 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Worth every cent!! We highly recommend doing this tour if you're going to Zurich. We loved the whole tour, the views were literally postcards. Even though my family and I did the tour in the end of May, the mountains were still filled with snow and temperature was really low (make sure to bring snow clothes with you so you're not freezing). The tour staff, especially Raphael and Luisa were so sweet and explained everything regarding the history, recommendations and everything else. We did an hour stop in Lucerne where we did a bit of sightseeing, shopping and stayed by the lake. Everything was beautiful. Totally recommend choosing ''Best of Switzerland Tours''. Read more Written 27 May 2024
• PatD297 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles You can’t fight Mother Nature….. The tour was well organized but we had to cancel the cog train ride due to weather. Unfortunately, Mt. Pilatus was covered in fog, so there was little to view. It’s a nice way to see the mountain and the lake for someone not familiar with the city. Read more Written 27 May 2024
• Chhaya G 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The rides for glider, flyer and mountain trotter bikes is usually very long so make sure you have enough time Excellent trip, wish we were not so rushed and had more time on each spot. The viewing areas is gorgeous. Must see…………../ Read more Written 27 May 2024
• BurtHonolulu 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Skip This Tour I went on a Grindelwald and Grindelwald First tour that I purchased from the tourist office at the main train station. It was a roughly 12-hour tour with a full double decker bus. There was very little narrative over the round trip bus ride. The worst thing was that just before arriving in Grindelwald, the guide advised the tour participants that there would not be enough time to do any of the major activities. Our choices were to go to the top to the free Cliff Walk or do a short hike. There were tour just to Grindelwald, so obviously those on this tour hoped to try some of the adventures, like the flyer, glider, or trotti bike. The Best of Switzerland Tours should let people know ahead of time that the activities in Grindelwald first will be very limited. Also, in our time in Interlaken before and after the trip up to Grindelwald, the guide never mentioned how wonderful Harder Klum was. That certainly would have been an alternate activity for some. I did not even find out about it until going back to Interlaken on my planned train tour a few days after this tour. My advice is not to do it. Don’t waste your money. Read more Written 26 May 2024
• 7161988 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Magnificent Day on top of Mt. Pilatus!!! What a truly magnificent day on top of Mt. Pilatus. You take 3 different types of transportation to get up to the top and 2 different types to return. It was fantastic and so much fun! Roberto, our tour guide was excellent and was able to keep an enormous group together for each transport change. The views of the Swiss Alps are just gorgeous and up on top of Mt. Pilatus you could see Everything, including, Ultra light parasails! What a FANTASTIC DAY!!!! Read more Written 26 May 2024
• tawney79 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Views of Zurich Wonderful Tour of the area! Tour guide was knowledgable and very friendly. Tour driver was extremely talented and even saved the day by backing up the bus through an entire parking lot full of vehicles when one bad parking Audi blocked the exit for all buses. Would recommend this for anyone wanting a good tour of Old Town, the Lake, a wonderful view down over the lake and downtown from the top of the mountain after the cable car ride. Pass on the expensive top of the mountain food and just enjoy the views. The ferry ride is more a means to get from one side to another and not a real sightseeing opportunity. Read more Written 26 May 2024
• adampU8448BH 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Nice Fast Pace Experience Really nice fast paced tour. Bus takes you downtown for a quick walking tour, then bus ride around the City to show you some sites that you might like to see on your own time. Then finished off with a nice mountain tour just outside of Zurich. Read more Written 26 May 2024
• Elizabeth O 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Trust the guide Let me start with - this tour is well worth it & recommend The tour is busy Have cash to pay for boat ride tickets Be prepared to be time limited to squeeze it all in to half a day. The falls are very popular and a lot of people to navigate and shiffle through. Our guide was pushy for all the right reasons to ensure attendees got the best out of the tour. Read more Written 25 May 2024
• 968mmac 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles On top of the world This was a fun trip with a great and very entertaining guide. He made sure we got pictures we’d never think to take. Going thru the ice castle and getting up to the top of the mountain with all that snow was a lot of fun. Be aware though that It’s very crowded even in May and the way down by Gondola is ridiculously mismanaged and crammed. Read more Written 24 May 2024
• 968mmac 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Lots of fun Such a fun trip at the falls and walking around the mid evil town. We could have done this solo but would have missed too much not knowing all there was to do. Read more Written 24 May 2024
• DayTrip325305 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Mt Pilatus and Lucerne This an excellent full tour . The bus trip to Lucerne is lovely and the free time to wander perfect. . The return trip to the top of Mt Pilatus On The 3 modes of transport was spectacular - you can even hear the cue bells On the way up. Free time at the top is easily filled . The boat trip at the end in Lake Lucerne was beautiful . The guide Dario is excellent very informative and one of the best I have ever experienced. I highly recommend this value for money tour. Read more Written 22 May 2024
• K6409FYrachelr 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Avoid! Awful. Looong quees. Tourist hell. Would not recommend. Not worth it. Avoid this trip for tour for your own sake. Take my word for it. Read more Written 22 May 2024
• Traveler32362212439 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent adventure Rolf was very pleasant and informative. The connections between the various mods of transportation were spot on. No wasting of time. Just the right amount of time to leisurely explore the area. Read more Written 21 May 2024
• LeeVaughan 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Absolutely magical! Absolutely loved the views!! Just stunning!! Crowds are crazy though. Especially using the lifts. Allow extra time to see everything is my advice. It was an experience we will never forget. Read more Written 21 May 2024
• johnnyobig 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Thomas was an amazing guide who looked after all his guests as if they were family. He was knowledgeable and friendly!!! Thomas was great. He helped us see the city and assisted us with our transportation home. He was simply the best! A great guide! Read more Written 20 May 2024

More to explore in Zurich

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Mount Rigi Winter Day Trip from Zurich provided by Best of Switzerland Tours

Mt. Titlis, Mt. Pilatus or Mt. Rigi – Which makes the best day trip from Lucerne?

With their spectacular setting between the serene waters of Lake Lucerne and the snowy peaks of the Alps, the mountains make for an attractive day trip from the colourful medieval streets of Lucerne . 

However, many travellers find it difficult to choose between Mount Titlis, Mount Pilatus , and Mount Rigi and whilst they all make wonderful Lucerne day trips, most folks only have time to visit one.

In this guide, we compare the three most popular day trips from Lucerne, so you can decide which is the best for you.

Rest assured – no matter which of the Lucerne mountains you choose to visit, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Alps (weather permitting!).

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

Mt. Titlis vs Mt. Pilatus vs Mt. Rigi comparison chart

Mount titlis day trip from lucerne.

Highlights: Rotating cable car, highest suspension bridge in Europe, year-round snow, central Switzerland’s only publicly accessible glacier,

Best suited to: Those who wish to see and touch snow, regardless of the time of year

Summary of activities available: Titlis Cliff Walk, Ice Flyer, Glacier Cave, Titlis Glacier Park, Titlis Adventure Park, Trübsee Flyer zipline, hiking, scooter bikes, row boats, alpine flower park, mountain biking, Trübsee snow park, skiing, snow shoeing, tobogganing (not all activities available year round).

Pre-booked transport option: We like the Titlis Eternal Snow World full-day tour – click here for details and prices .

🇨🇭 Read our full guide to visiting Mt. Titlis here .

First ascended in 1739, Mount Titlis lies to the south of Lake Lucerne and is often visited as an alternative to the Jungfrau. It is the highest peak in Switzerland’s Uri Alps north of the Susten Pass, rising to 3,238 metres above sea level.

It is also home to the world’s first rotating cable car, known as the Titlis Rotair , which offers dazzling panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

At the top station, an illuminated tunnel carved through the ancient blue ice of the glacier leads to the Glacier Cave, while for the more actively-minded, there are various hiking trails that start at the end at the Trübsee cable car station. 

If that’s not enough, the Titlis Cliff Walk boasts the highest suspension bridge in Europe.

During the summer months, it’s possible to rent a row boat and explore Trübsee lake at a relaxed pace, or zoom across the sky attached to the Trübsee Flyer zipline.

Opting to make the journey from Lucerne to Mount Titlis also gives visitors the chance to get a bird’s eye view of the mountain’s glacier – the region’s only accessible glacier – from the Ice Flyer chairlift. 

Operating over both the summer and winter months, when it doubles as a ski lift for the ski run, the Ice Flyer Titlis provides a unique means of getting to the mountain’s free, child-friendly snow tubing and sledging run.

When it comes to warming up, there are a number of cafes and restaurants dotted about the mountain, generally around the cable car stations, which offer hot drinks, snacks, and traditional Swiss mountain cuisine.

How to get to Mt Titlis from Lucerne

• Lucerne to Engelberg – train (or car)
• Engelberg to Stand to Titlis – cable car 
• Titlis to Stand to Engelberg – cable car
• Engelberg to Lucerne – train (or car)

Getting from Lucerne to Mt Titlis is easy, whether you travel by car or train.

Train travellers can reach Engelberg station on the railway operated by Zentralbahn in just 45 minutes, 

A free shuttle bus transfers passengers from Engelberg to the valley cable car station in just a few minutes more.

By car, Engelberg can be reached from Lucerne in around 40 minutes.  There is a large car park at the valley cable car station.

From the valley station, the Xpress cable car travels via Trübsee before reaching Stand station at 2,400 metres. Passengers then change to the Rotair cable car for the final leg of the trip to the Titlis summit at 3,020 metres.

Reaching the summit takes approximately 30 minutes from the valley station in Engelberg.

• Buy your tickets from Engelberg to Titlis here .
• Swiss Travel Pass holders receive 50% off tickets to Mt. Titlis – Buy your Swiss Travel Pass here .
• Swiss Half Fare Card holders receive 50% off tickets to Mt. Titlis – Buy your Swiss Half Fare Card here .
• Berner Oberland Pass holders receive 50% off tickets to Mt. Titlis – Buy your Berner Oberland Pass here .
• Tell Pass holders can travel to Mt. Titlis for free – Buy your Tell Pass here .

The two cable cars are open throughout the year, except for a short period at the beginning of November when the Rotair car is closed for maintenance.

Click here to check cable car closure dates for this year.

Another way to travel from Lucerne to Titlis is by joining an organised Mount Titlis tour.

We like this tour which includes return coach travel from Lucerne, tickets on the Titlis cable cars, a ride on the Ice Flyer chairlift and the services of an experienced guide.

Staying overnight at Mount Titlis

Those wishing to stay overnight at Mt. Titlis can stay at Trübsee Alpine Lodge which is located at the intermediate station of Trübsee (at 1800 metres). 

The lodge, which is also known as Berghotel Trübsee, offers comfortable, modern rooms for overnight guests. Click here to check details and prices .

Mount Pilatus day trip from Lucerne

Highlights: World’s steepest cogwheel railway, Golden Round Trip offers multiple transport methods to reach the summit, incredible sunset and sunrise views for overnight guests,

Best suited to: Those who would like to experience various modes of transport, visitors who would like to stay overnight on a mountain summit

Summary of activities available: Christmas Market, Dragon Glider zip line, Flower Trail, Pilu Land, Pilatus Rope Park, Fräkigaudi summer toboggan run, Dragon Trail, sledding, bobsledding, snowshoeing (not all activities available year round).

Pre-booked transport option: Our top pick is the Mt. Pilatus Golden Round Trip – click here for details and prices .

Self-guided transport option: If you prefer more flexibility, you can pre-purchase your tickets but travel when it suits you – click here to check details and prices .

🇨🇭 Read our full guide on How to Visit Mt. Pilatus here .

Mount Pilatus, or Monte Pilatus, is a mountain massif consisting of several individual peaks that is easily-identifiable from its position overlooking Lucerne. Its highest peak is Tomlishorn, which rises to a height of 2,128 metres above sea level.

One of the main activities to enjoy while taking in the incredible views is hiking.

There are some 20 different routes, ranging from easy trails lasting an hour and a half to those rated difficult, which shouldn’t be tackled without the appropriate equipment and experience and can take six hours to complete. 

Winter sees many of the hiking trails closed, however, there are still plenty of activities on offer on the mountain, including skiing, tobogganing, and sledging.

Mount Pilatus also has the longest summer toboggan run at Fräkmüntegg, while Pilatus Rope Park has all manner of ropeways to clamber up and across.

How to get to Mt Pilatus from Lucerne

• Lucerne to Alpnachstad or vice versa – boat or train
• Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm or vice versa – cogwheel train
• Pilatus Kulm to Fräkmüntegg to Kriens or vice versa – cable car
• Kriens to Lucerne or vice versa – bus

The heights of Mount Pilatus can be reached by the Pilatus Railway, which runs from Alpnachstad on Lake Lucerne to the summit at 2,132 metres.

With an average gradient of 35% and a maximum gradient of 48%, the railway holds the record for being the world’s steepest cogwheel railway line. 

Alpnachstad can be reached from Lucerne via the lake’s steamer services, giving you the chance to enjoy a Lake Lucerne cruise, or by trains on Zentralbahn’s Brünigbahn line.

The Pilatus Railway operates from May to November, weather permitting.

Getting from Lucerne to Mt Pilatus outside of these months is still possible, however, thanks to the cable cars running from Kriens (which can be reached by bus number 1 from Lucerne) that take passengers to the summit.

Round trip tickets from Kriens cost CHF 78 per adult – Buy your tickets here . Round trip tickets from Alpnachstad cost CHF 78 per adult – Buy your tickets here . Swiss Travel Pass holders receive 50% off tickets to Mt. Pilatus – Buy your Swiss Travel Pass here . Swiss Half Fare Card holders receive 50% off tickets to Mt. Pilatus – Buy your Swiss Half Fare Card here . Tell Pass holders can travel to Mt. Pilatus for free – Buy your Tell Pass here .

Cable car closures are limited to a short period in October/November. ( See closure dates here .)

During the summer months, visitors can purchase a Pilatus Golden Round Trip ticket , which entitles them to take a boat from Lucerne to Alpnachstad, ride the cogwheel railway up the mountain, and return to Lucerne via the cable car and a bus ride.

> Click here to check details and prices.

Staying overnight at Mount Pilatus

When it comes to accommodation at Mount Pilatus in Switzerland there are two options –  Hotel Bellevue or the historic mountain Hotel Pilatus-Kulm.

• Hotel Bellevue Pilatus is situated at the summit of Mt. Pilatus and offers twenty comfortable rooms with views of the Alps and Lake Lucerne.  Click here to check further details and prices.
• For a bit more luxury, the other Pilatus hotel, Pilatus-Kulm should be your choice.  With thirty superior rooms and junior suites, this is the ideal location to a restful night’s sleep surrounded by a stunning alpine panorama.  Click here to check further details and prices .

Mount Rigi day trip from Lucerne

Highlights: Oldest mountain railway in Europe, thermal spa,

Summary of activities available: Mineralbad & Spa Rigi Kaltbad, toboggan runs, hiking, paragliding, horse-drawn carriage rides, rope park, cross-country skiing, sledging, skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding (not all activities available year round).

Best suited to: Visitors who would like to experience various modes of transport, railway enthusiasts,

Pre-booked transport option: Enjoy the Classic Rigi Round Trip – click here for details and prices .

🇨🇭 Read our full guide on How to Visit Mt. Rigi here .

Sometimes known as ‘the Queen of the mountains’ (Rigi comes from Regina, the Latin word for queen), Mount Rigi is another mountain massif. 

It is surrounded by lakes Lucerne, Zug, and Lauerz, and on a clear day, it’s possible to see seven different bodies of water from the top. 

The summit, Rigi Kulm , lies 1,798 metres above sea level, in the Schwyzer Alps, due east of Lucerne across the lake.

The mountain claims ownership of not only the oldest mountain railway in Europe, but also the highest standard gauge lines on the continent – the Rigi Railways.

Like Mounts Titlis and Pilatus, Rigi is a popular site for hiking in summer with skiing and tobogganing possible in winter. 

Mt. Rigi boasts a hiking area of 90 square kilometres, covering some 120 kilometres of marked trails, which offer various viewpoints with expansive vistas across the region. 

The Classic Trail remains popular and leads from Rigi Kulm to Rigi Kaltbad (where you can relax with a hot drink or ice cream, depending on the time of year and prevailing weather conditions) via Staffel.

At just four kilometres in length, with a difference in altitude of only 300 metres and well-maintained paths leading down, it’s a great route for families looking to get a sense of the mountain.

How to get to Mt. Rigi from Lucerne

Classic Rigi Round Trip:

• Lucerne to Vitznau – boat or train
• Vitznau to Rigi Kulm – cogwheel train
• Rigi Kulm to Rigi Kaltbad – cogwheel train
• Rigi Kaltbad to Weggis – cable car
• Weggis to Lucerne – boat or train

There are a couple of different ways to travel from Lucerne to Mt. Rigi. You can travel either via Vitznau, Arth-Goldau or Weggis.

The first option is to take a train and bus, or boat, to Vitznau which takes about an hour. Services operate year round. You can then board the Vitznau-Rigi-Bahn rack railway to Rigi Kulm (via Rigi Kaltbad).

The second option entails catching a train from Lucerne to Weggis, a gondola lift from Weggis to Rigi Kaltbad, a resort town at 1,400 metres, and then a cable car for the final leg to Rigi Kulm.

Combining route options one and two above results in what is commonly known as the Classic Rigi Round Trip .

The third option is to get to Arth-Goldau which can be reached by train in around 35 minutes from Lucerne. From there the Arth-Rigi-Bahn rack railway transports passengers to Krabel where they join a cable car to travel on to Rigi Kulm.

The Weggis cableway is closed for a short period in November and then again in March/April. Click here for closure dates.

Mt Rigi ticket prices depend on the route you choose to travel. To save time queuing for tickets at the station, you can buy your train tickets here .

If you’d rather travel one way by train and the other by cable car, round trip tickets can be purchased here .

• Swiss Travel Pass holders travel to Mt. Rigi for free – Buy your Swiss Travel Pass here .
• Swiss Half Fare Card holders receive a 50% discount – Buy your Swiss Half Fare Card here
• Tell Pass holders can travel to Mt. Rigi for free – Buy your Tell Pass here .

Staying overnight at Mt. Rigi

For an unforgettable overnight stay on Mt. Rigi, book a room at Hotel Rigi Kaltbad . 

A member of the Swiss Quality Hotels group, Hotel Rigi Kaltbad offers stylish 3-star superior accommodation and fine dining with a spectacular view.  Guests also have direct access to the Mineralbad and Spa Rigi Kaltbad. Click here for more details and prices.

Planning a trip to Switzerland? At Holidays to Switzerland we are passionate about sharing our love of Switzerland and helping you to plan the perfect trip. Read our guide to planning a trip to Switzerland to kick start your travel plans and join our free Switzerland Travel Planning group on Facebook to chat with other past and future travellers. Want monthly news and podcast updates, helpful travel tips and special deals sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to Holidays to Switzerland and we’ll send you a bonus copy of our 10 Useful Things to Know Before You Visit Switzerland guide. 🇨🇭 Check out our exclusive discount offers and save on your Swiss vacation. 🇨🇭

Preparing yourself for the mountains

As each of these mountain peaks lies high above the snowline, and often above the cloud-line, you should not expect that the weather in Lucerne to be indicative of that on the mountains themselves. 

While you should prepare for low temperatures, it can get warm on the peaks, particularly in summer, so the best option is to dress in easily added or removable layers.

Gloves, sunglasses, and a warm hat shouldn’t be forgotten, alongside sturdy, closed shoes. 

Keep a close eye on the Mount Rigi, Mount Titlis, or Mount Pilatus weather before considering any trip into the mountains.  

Many hotels in Lucerne, as well as the Tourist Office, have webcams showing live video from the mountain summits. 

These live-streamed images can help you to determine if the Mt. Pilatus, Mt. Rigi or Mt. Titlis weather is suitable for a day trip.

Visiting Mt. Titlis, Mt. Pilatus and Mt. Rigi from further afield

Whilst the transport details above are for visitors wishing to start their excursion to the mountains from Lucerne, it is also possible to enjoy a day trip to Rigi, Titlis and Pilatus from other locations.

You should allow a full day for a Zurich to Mount Titlis day trip or an Interlaken to Mount Titlis excursion. Day trips from Zurich to Pilatus and Zurich to Rigi tours are also best enjoyed over a full day.

Private tours to all three mountains are also available from Lucerne, Zurich, Interlaken and other destinations in Switzerland.

I hope this guide has helped you to choose between Mt. Pilatus, Mt. Titlis and Mt. Rigi for your day trip from Lucerne.

🇨🇭 To read our full guide to Lucerne  > click here . You can also read our Lucerne Hotels 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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Guided Day Trips from Zurich to the Alps

Anyone who visits Switzerland should not miss an excursion into the Swiss mountains. A day trip to the Jungfraujoch or Mount Titlis – surrounded by perpetual snow and ice at over 3,000 meters (9,840 ft) above sea level – is a truly breathtaking experience. On Mount Rigi, Mount Stanserhorn, and Mount Pilatus, too, on clear days visitors can delight in the magnificent panoramic views extending far beyond Central Switzerland and the Bernese Oberland.

The guided day trips depart from Zurich. From here, the tour bus heads towards the mountains, after which a mountain cableway or a cogwheel train will transport you in comfort up to the Alpine peaks. The full-day excursions for both individuals and private groups can be booked at the Tourist Information or online.

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An unforgettable excursion to Lucerne and into the magnificent glacier world of Mt. Titlis.

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From Zurich to Mt. Rigi

A visit to Mt. Rigi, a popular excursion destination among the Swiss.

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On this day trip, guests can explore the Swiss Alpine world on and around Mt. Pilatus.

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Trip to two popular summer and winter spa resorts in the heart of Central Switzerland.

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This excursion combines visits to Lucerne and the Bürgenstock mountain

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A day trip to Mt. Stanserhorn with a ride on the cabriolet cable car, and some free time in Lucerne.

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Jungfraujoch 8 am

The highlight of any trip to Switzerland is this unforgettable full-day excursion to the Jungfraujoch

Jungfraujoch 8.30 am

A trip to the world of the Jungfraujoch – the UNESCO World Heritage site in the Swiss Alps.

Skiing in Grindelwald

On this amazing excursion, ski novices can learn how to ski in the winter sports resort of Grindelwald.

Grindelwald & Interlaken

The unforgettable day trip to one of the most stunning Alpine regions in Switzerland.

Other Regions

Chocolate, Cheese, Mountains

A visit to the idyllic Appenzell region, where age-old traditions are still actively lived.

Stoos Summit Experience

From the Fronalpstock high above Stoos, guests can look out over the Swiss Alps and 10 Central Swiss lakes.

Heidiland & Liechtenstein

The highlights of this adventure tour are Switzerland´s diversity and a visit to Heidiland.

Private Guided Excursions

Private guided excursions from Zurich to Swiss highlights such as Mt. Pilatus, Mt. Rigi, and Lucerne.

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Home » Destinations

Rigi Classic Round Trip from Lucerne (boat + mountain train)

• Lake Lucerne Region
• Last Updated: 14 May 2022
• By Tanya, Founder of 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 Rigi “Classic Round Trip” is an easy day trip from Lucerne, visiting nearby Mt Rigi. Your journey starts with a relaxing boat ride on Lake Lucerne to a small village at the base of the mountain. Then ride a vintage cogwheel mountain train to Rigi Kulm at 1,798 m. You can wander around the top, enjoying panorama views of many mountains and lakes.

If you feel like walking, you can do a short hike partway down the mountain. Then ride a cable car down the lake and a boat back to Lucerne. This outing is a perfect way to enjoy the best of the Lucerne region.

Keep reading for all the information you need to plan this Mt Rigi outing.

Excursion overview

Ticket prices, how to get there, operating times, half-day trip without hike, full day trip with hike, outward journey – lucerne to vitznau to rigi kulm, return trip – rigi kaltbad-first to weggis to lucerne, hiking options, 1. taking boat from lucerne, 2. arriving in vitznau and riding mountain train, 3. rigi kulm, the top of the mountain, 4. hiking the panorama trail, 5. rigi first & cliff walk, accessibility, where to eat, what to wear, can i bring my dog to rigi, what if i miss the last boat.

Here is the Mt Rigi summer map showing the important points on this journey.

1.Ride the boat from Lucerne to Vitznau. where you transfer to the mountain train.

2.Ride cogwheel train about 30 mins train up to Rigi Kulm. Exit the the train and explore the top enjoying the views. There is a restaurant here.

3.Ride the train back down or hike Panorama trail (yellow line), following signs to Rigi Staffel (3).

4.Continue trail to Rigi Rotstock viewpoint.

5.Continue trail to Rigi First and do cliff walk (red line).

6.Finish hike at Rigi Kaltbad.

7.At Rigi Kaltbad, ride the cable car down to Weggis (7).

8.Short walk through the village to the boat dock, then ride the boat back to Lucerne.

In 2023, a Classic Rigi Round Trip ticket (including boat and Rigi mountain railways) costs:

• Adult – CHF 123
• Adult with Swiss Travel Pass , Tell-Pass , GA, SBB Day Ticket – free
• Adult with SBB Half Fare, Interrail, Eurail Pass – CHF 61.50

You can pay extra for 1st class, which allows you to sit on the upper deck on the boat ride. The mountain train does not have a 1st class car.

Children under 16 ride free with parent on the Rigi mountain railways. But children aged 6 – 15 need a ticket for the boat ride, which in 2023, costs CHF 12. You can purchase the child’s boat ticket online or on the boat.

Book your adult Rigi tickets below or in person at the boat dock. You cannot make reservations unless you are a group of 9 or more.

Learn more about Rigi prices & discounts and Lake Lucerne Boat prices .

Mt Rigi is a mountain peak located just east of Lucerne ( see on Google Maps ). 

This round trip excursion starts in Lucerne at the ferry dock near the main train station.

By public transport: Take a train to  Luzern, Bahnhof . From the main exit, walk straight ahead to the water. The boat usually leaves at Pier 1. 

By car: Drive to Lucerne. The closest parking garage to the boat docks is at the Luzern train station ( Bahnhofpl. 1, 6002 Luzern ). We suggest the P3 lot, which is slightly cheaper than the others – CHF 4 for the first hour, CHF 2 for each additional hour. After parking, you walk through the train station and exit to the city above.

See all Lucerne parking options and download a PDF with a price comparison between all garages.

Planning your day

The Rigi round trip from Lucerne is possible from late May through mid October when the lake ferry is running. The boats have different schedules for spring (mid April to late May), summer (late May to mid Sept) and fall (mid Sept to mid Oct). Make sure to check the correct schedule for when you are traveling. Current boat timetable .

Outside of this time, you can still visit Rigi, but you have to ride a train to Arth-Goldau, where you can catch a different mountain train up to Rigi Kulm. Learn more .

The Rigi mountain railways run mostly year round but do take short maintenance breaks in spring and fall. Check the current schedule .

Sample schedule

I suggest you plan for a minimum of 5 hours for your trip, more if you plan to hike and/or eat a restaurant. The following sample is based on the 2022 summer schedule. Your times and schedule may vary. Check current boat schedule .

• 9:12 – board boat in Lucerne
• 10:09 – arrive in Vitznau, transfer to mountain train
• 10:15 – mountain train leaves Vitznau
• 10:47 – mountain train arrives at Rigi Kulm
• spend 1 hour exploring the top, eating at the restaurant, etc.
• 12:00 – mountain train from Rigi Kulm down
• 12:15 – mountain arrives at Rigi Kaltbad-First, walk to cable car
• 12:40 – cable car leaves Rigi Kaltbad (10 mins ride)
• 12:50 – cable car arrives Weggis, walk to boat dock about 15 mins
• 13:05 – boat leaves Weggis
• 13:47 – boat arrives in Lucerne
• about 30 mins exploring the top
• about 2 hours hiking down to Rigi Kaltbad-First
• about 1 hour for picnic or restaurant lunch
• 14:40 – cable car leaves Rigi Kaltbad (10 mins ride)
• 14:50 – cable car arrives Weggis, walk to boat dock (about 15 mins) and explore village
• 15:05 – boat leaves Weggis
• 15:47 – boat arrives in Lucerne

From Lucerne, boats generally leave hourly on the xx:12, first boat at 9:12. During summer holidays and weekends, there is an earlier boat at 8:12. Here is a sample schedule for summer: 26 May to 11 Sept 2022.

The boat ride takes about 57 mins, arriving in Vitznau on the xx:09. The mountain train is coordinated with the boat schedule, leaving on xx:15. The train ride takes 32 mins.

You can return the same way you came by riding down the mountain train to Vitznau and catching the boat back to Lucerne. But if you want to see something different on the way down, you can ride a cable car down to Weggis and catch the boat to Lucerne there. I will describe this route below.

If you hike, make sure your hike ends in Rigi Kaltbad-First (see hiking options below) and walk to the cable car. The cable car leave Rigi Kaltbad every 30 mins on the xx:10 and xx:40.

If you did not hike, ride the red mountain train from Rigi Kulm to Rigi Kaltbad-First. This train leaves Rigi Kulm on the xx:00 and arrives at Rigi Kaltbad on the xx:15. Then a short walk to the cable car as shown below. The way is clearly marked. The cable car leave Rigi Kaltbad every 30 mins on the xx:10 and xx:40.

The cable car brings you to Weggis. 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 ( see interactive map ). 

The boat leaves Weggis on the xx:05, last boat at 19:05 in summer. The boat ride takes about 42 mins to reach Lucerne.

In both directions, the boat schedule varies slightly based on season, with a few more boats in summer. Check current boat schedule . If you want to ride on a vintage steamboat (recommended!), make sure to choose a time with special boat symbol above it, as shown below.

For a classic Swiss experience, you should include a hike in your day. The hiking map below shows my suggested route for the best views. It starts at Rigi Kulm, visits the Rigi Rotstock viewpoint and panorama cliff walk. It ends at Rigi Kaltbad-First, where you can catch the cable car down to the lake. ( See interactive map ). 

Shorter hike: Hike just 1 km down from Rigi Kulm to Rigi Staffel and catch the red train here down to Rigi Kaltbad.

Easier hike with strollers: For strollers, skip the Rigi Rotstock hill and follow the lower path instead to Rigi First. And also skip the cliff walk and just walk back to the Rigi Kaltbad train station and cable car. That would be about 4 km and 90 mins and almost no elevation gain. See more obstacle-free trail options .

Photo story of Rigi Round Trip

Getting on the boat at Lucerne Pier 1.

Nice views of Lucerne city as you leave.

Great views of the mountains along the way, including Mt Pilatus shown here. You should visit that another day.

If you are on a vintage steamship, you can see the machinery working as shown here.

There is a restaurant on board.

Now approaching Vitznau with Mt Rigi in view.

The boat drops you directly at the mountain train station.

View of Lake Lucerne as you riding up the mountain on the cogwheel train.

More views from the train ride

The train line ends at Rigi Kulm. There are toilets and a kiosk next to the train station. Walk up the short paved paved shown below to the hotel/restaurant and observation terrace.

Here’s another view of the station at Rigi Kulm.

Here is the restaurant and hotel.

Keep walking further up to the fenced-in viewpoint shown here. This is looking in the direction of Lake Zug.

Take your time wandering around the top, taking lots of pictures. This is looking south towards the Mythen Region.

When you are ready to hike, walk back towards the train station and follow the path parallel to the train tracks. To do the trail I suggest above, start by following signs to Rigi Rotstock. See hiking map.

When you reach the Rigi Staffel station, walk parallel to the tracks for the bit. Then head up that hill ahead, which is Rigi Rotstock. If you’re not up for the climb, instead follow the lower path to Rigi First.

Here’s looking back at Rigi Kulm

Here’s the view from Rigi Rotstock. 

The path down from Rigi Rotstock to Rigi First.

As you descend, you’ll pass a picnic area with tables and fire pit.

At Rigi First, you’ll find the Chalet Schild restaurant, with nice Swiss food. To the right, follow signs to the Felsenweg, aka cliff walk.

Here is the entrance to the cliff walk portion. No strollers here because the path is too narrow. They close this section in winter. This little detour is optional. If you don’t want to do this part, just turn right and follow signs to Rigi Kaltbad.

The cliff walk is a walkway built into the side of the cliff with views like this. 

You can just walk there and back before rejoining the path to Rigi Kaltbad.

In Rigi Kaltbad, there are a couple playgrounds to entertain the kids while you wait for the cable car.

The boat and mountain train are both accessible for wheelchairs. At the top of Rigi Kulm there is an obstacle free path that allows wheelchairs to explore the panorama viewing area. The full trail I suggest below is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. But there are obstacle-free trail options .

There are many restaurants along the way including

• the self-service cafe at Rigi Kulm
• Chalet Schild at Rigi First – a little step from
• Hotel Alpina at Rigi Kaltbad – classic Swiss dishes like Rösti

See all Rigi restaurants .

Check the forecast and wear clothing appropriate for the weather. In summer, you can often wear a T-shirt and shorts if the weather is sunny. If there is a chance of rain or clouds, bring a light rain jacket and perhaps a fleece jacket, as weather can change quickly in the mountains. Bring a sun hat and wear sunscreen. The hike is pretty easy and can be done with comfortable shoes that have some tread. You don’t necessarily need hiking shoes. 

Yes, dogs are allowed on all modes of transport including the boat, mountain train, and cable car. Dogs are free on Rigi mountain railways – see dog rules . Dogs need a ticket for the boat. 

Don’t worry. From the Weggis cable car station, walk to the Weggis, Seilbahn bus stop adjacent to the parking. Ride 502 to Küssnacht am Rigi, Bahnhof . Then take the S3 train to Luzern, Bahnhof. If you are at the Weggis boat dock, walk to the Weggis, Dorfplatz bus stop where you can catch this same bus 502. Current schedule on SBB.ch .

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8 Responses

We will have the Swiss Travel pass and only available on Sun June 2nd to do this excursion. Do the boats often sell out departing from Lucerne to Vitznau on Sunday’s?

As far as I know, the boats never sell out. They might be crowded and probably have a theoretical max capacity. But I’ve never heard of someone not being able to get on the boat. Also, you cannot reserve a spot anyway. So you have to take your chances.

Hi there I’m in the early stages of planning our trip to Switzerland in 2025 your article has great information thankyou + I’m looking forward to reading more on other places we are planning on visiting Cheers Vicki from Australia

Thank you so much for this wonderful site. It has been extremely helpful and I look forward to my solo adventures in the mountains in September. Can I do the round trip to Mt Rigi on just a Swiss day pass from SBB? If so that is a huge saving. Thanks

Hi Anne. So glad you are finding our info helpful. Yes, Mt Rigi railways and boat on Lake Lucerne are free with a SBB Day Pass, a fantastic value! Have fun.

As far as I know, the trip is free also with SBB GA and Day Ticket. See: https://www.rigi.ch/en/inform/prices/discounts-for-individuals https://www.lakelucerne.ch/en/your-cruise-experience/timetable-fares/faq/questions-about-tickets/

Thanks for correcting me on this. Not sure why I didn’t include those under the free section.

This was an amazing detailed article- so helpful! I will be following this almost exactly within the next couple days and I can’t wait, thank you thank you!!

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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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20 Super Things to Do In Lucerne, Switzerland

D iscover the heart of Lucerne, Switzerland as you stroll along Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge—a famous landmark in Switzerland), explore Old Town, hike on Rigi Kulm, cruise on Lake Lucerne, and paraglide from Mount Pilatus.

Need more ideas? Explore my recommendations for 20 super things to do in Lucerne and Switzerland.

20 Things to Do In Lucerne

As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This page may contain affiliate links. I would love your support through clicking on the links. Read the full  disclosure  here.

Lucerne, where residents speak the Swiss German dialect, offers dramatic views of the Swiss Alps, including Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi.

From the moment Chris and I walked out of the train station in Lucerne, we were captivated by this lovely, colorful Swiss town.

You'll find that the train station in Lucerne offers a central location for visitors wanting to take the train to many destinations within Switzerland as well as a central location to begin exploring the many fascinating sites of Lucerne.

If you have a day or two to spend exploring, discover a variety of unique things to do in Lucerne.

1. Stroll Across the Chapel Bridge or Kapellbrücke

You may recognize Chapel Bridge or Kapellbrücke as a famous landmark in Switzerland.

First and foremost, you should start your exploration of Lucerne strolling along Kapellbrücke of Chapel Bridge. It is one of the outstanding Instagram Worthy spots where the flowers and beams make for some stunning photographs.

You may be interested in knowing that the tower at the center of the bridge has been used for defense over the years as well as a prison and a torture chamber. 

2. Explore the Musegg Fortification

In our wandering and searching for things to do in Lucerne, Chris and I found ourselves at the Musegg fortification with its mighty towers and bastions. The fortification was free to tour, so we climbed a tower or two and enjoyed the view.

The final tower—Mannliturn—has a parapet at the top where you can enjoy a sweeping view of Lucerne.

3. Stroll Around Lake Lucerne

Visitors from all over the world love to stroll along Lake Lucerne and enjoy the tranquility of Lucerne surrounded by majestic mountains.. The lake with its central location is often referred to as the "heart of Switzerland".

"Although the lake is reminiscent of a fjord landscape, it is mainly characterized by a mild microclimate. Its shoreline consists of fertile hillsides, meadows and valleys. Its shores are home to forests inhabited by deer, chamois, foxes and marmots. Mount Rigi is covered in chestnut and almond trees as well as alpine flowers on the sunnier slopes." Lakepedia

4. Explore Old Town Lucerne

Wander around old town Lucerne getting lost in its narrow alleyways. Did you know that it is completely free of traffic? Don't pass by a great spot for lunch at XXL Kebab and Vegan . Chris and I settled on a bench nearby to enjoy a tasty lunch and do a little people watching. It’s completely free of traffic, so the best way to do it is by wandering around and getting lost in its narrow alleyways.

5. Discover the Lion of Lucerne

The Lion of Lucerne is a rock carving in a small park in Lucerne, designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen (sculptor of the Christus). This monument of a dying lion was hewn between 1820–21 by Lukas Ahorn and was commissioned to commemorate the massacre of Swiss Guards in 1792 during the French Revolution. As one of the most famous monuments in Switzerland, this powerful memorial is visited each year by about 1.4 million tourists.

As Mark Twain famously stated, “The Lion of Lucerne (is) the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.”

6. Visit Cathedrals

Lucerne is home to a variety of cathedrals.

• Jesuitenkirche
• Markuskirche
• Franziskanerkirche
• St. Gallus Catholic Church
• Peter's Chapel
• Matthauskirche
• Stiftung Flammarion der Romisch Katholischen Pfarrei

7. Take the Steamboat from Lucerne to Mount Rigi

You will want to catch the steamboat (or another boat) to Vitznau. Don't be like Chris and I though; we raced to the boat and settled in with one minute to spare! The ticket office is located across the street from the train station in Lucerne.

When you get off the boat at Vitznau and you plan to ride the cog rail up to Mt. Rigi, catch the next cog rail as soon as you get off the boat. It is just steps from where you get off the boat. Otherwise you’ll be waiting for an hour for the next rail. There isn’t much to see in Vitznau. 

8. Ride the Cog Rail to Rigi Kulm

The ride from Vitznau to Rigi Kulm is beautiful—there isn’t much of Switzerland that isn’t stunning and picturesque.

Chris and I finally made it to the top of the mountain and decided to move away from all of the tourists. We took another cog train over to Rigi Krabel where we planned to walk back along a flat path to Rigi Kulm ( Kulm means rounded mountain ).

9. Hike Around Rigi Kulm

Once Chris and I reached Rigi Krabel, we took a gondola up from Krabel where we stopped for a snack at a little cafe just off the path.

Our walk back to the Mount Rigi gondola took us about an hour and a half. We passed a lot of cows, heard a lot of cowbells, and saw very few people. Those that we did see taught us a new Swiss German greeting, “Gruezi” for hello. 

10. Ride the Cog Rail Train to Mount Pilatus

The cable car ride from Kriens to Mt. Pilatus actually involved two different cable cars—a small 4-person gondola to Frakmuntegg, followed by the Dragon Glider (a larger aerial cableway) to Mt. Pilatus. The entire journey to the top took about a half an hour. 

If you plan to visit Mt. Pilatus as a day trip , many tourists ride either the gondola or cogwheel train to the top of Mt. Pilatus and explore, hike, and take pictures.

The cogwheel rail to Pilatus is the steepest in the world!

Be sure to check the timetable for the last trip down the mountain each day.

It is a loooooong way down the mountain if you have to hike!

11. Hike to Tomlishorn on Mount Pilatus

The hike to Tomlishorn took about an hour and a half. Chris and I hiked later in the afternoon and saw only one other person on the trail. As we walked along, we could hear the cowbells clanging from the valley below.

The hiking path skirted the edge of the mountain, and was clearly marked with a railing. The last section of the trail was rockier, so you'll want to watch your step along the way.

The views though? Stunning.

12. Climb to Oberhaupt on Mt. Pilatus to Watch the Sunset

If you are spending the night on Mount Pilatus, be sure to climb to Oberhaupt to watch the sunset. Many people leave the Pilatus Hotel dining room part way through dinner to catch the sunset; it was an option our check-in agent suggested for us and highly recommended we do.

I suggest you leave the dining room at least 15-20 minutes before sunset to make the 10-15 minute climb. You'll catch the gorgeous evening views. It is totally worth the effort!

13. Spend the Night on Mt. Pilatus

Chris and I were excited for this overnight stay. We easily traveled up the mountain with our luggage in tow and deposited our bags and backpacks in our room before checking out the view and the mountain.

As it was close to the end of September, the hotel was not packed at all.

14. Paraglide from Mt. Pilatus

You might say that paragliding is the proper way to see Switzerland ! Just remember these tips:

• Fly tandem with a licensed guide
• Be aware that your flight is dependent on the weather conditions. Your guide will monitor the weather conditions prior to your take off.
• The guides will bring all of the necessary paragliding equipment.
• Wear closed toed shoes
• Wear long pants
• Wear a warm jacket . We didn't bring puffy jackets for this end of summer trip, but would have appreciated the warmth while paragliding. As it was, our guides provided extra jackets as another layer that we gratefully wore.
• Do not drink alcohol or take drugs before your flight
• Listen to your guide. When he says, "Run!", you run to catch the thermals.
• Legs out straight on the landing unless your guide says otherwise. The tandem pack comes with substantial padding to soften your landing.

Are you wondering if paragliding is safe? Be sure your tandem paragliding guides are fully licensed and insured. Schedule with a reputable company.

16. Take a Day Trip to the Lindt Chocolate Factory in Switzerland

We learned a lot about the beginnings of chocolate making and perfecting the art of the smooth and creamy chocolate that we have today.

Chris and I may have taken advantage of the samples at the end of the tour and ate our admission ticket worth of samples. We spent about 2.5 hours at the factory, picked up a few chocolates to take home and then walked to the train station.

Tour the Lindt Chocolate Factory in Switzerland

17. Take a Day Trip to Lugano

The picturesque city of Lugano , in the heart of the Ticino canton of Switzerland, is tucked along the shores of Lake Lugano surrounded by majestic mountains. Ticino is the most Mediterranean of all of the Swiss cantons.

As the biggest city in the Ticino region with approximately 63,000 residents, Lugano is often referred to as  Switzerland’s “Little Italy” . Lugano blends the Swiss and Italian cultures with its Italian-speaking residents, customs and food .

Things to do in Lugano:

• Take photos along Lake Lugano
• Take a funicular to Monte Brè
• Hike from Monte Brè to Gandria
• Hike the Olive Grove Trail
• Visit San Lorenzo Cathedral
• Check out the shops and boutiques in Piazza della Riforma
• Take the ferry around the lake
• Make dinner reservations across the lake
• Stroll through Parco Ciani
• Get a massage

18. Ride the Bernina Express

The Bernina Express is a fantastic scenic rail journey from Chur, Switzerland to Tirano in Italy through the heart of the Swiss Alps. You'll marvel at the beauty of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, the sparkling lakes, and charming alpine villages. Riding the Bernina Express is one of the fantastic things to do in Lucerne (and Switzerland). Chris and I both highly recommend it!

19. Photograph Fluffy Cows

20. visit zurich.

We happened to be flying home from Zurich, but if you are planning a day trip from Lucerne to Zurich, it is an easy train ride from the train station in Lucerne.

Things to do in Zurich:

• Wander through Old Town Zurich
• Visit one of the many museums
• Go to the zoo
• Stroll along the storefronts of Bahnhofstrasse
• Tour cathedrals and chapels

Top 10 Places to Eat in Lucerne

Well, you know you've gotta eat while you are traveling. Finding cool places to try before you arrive is always great advice. Yelp ranks the top 10 places to eat in Lucerne :

• Restaurant Parterre
• Fondue House du Pont
• Hotel des Alpes
• Wirtshaus Taube
• Restaurant Unterlachenhof
• Restaurant Stern Luzern
• Bellini Locana Ticinese
• Mill-Feuille
• Restaurant zum Rebstock

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some basic words to know when visiting lucerne.

Hello - Grüezi or Hallo

Goodbye - Auf Wiedersehen, Ciao, or Adieu

Please - Bitte

Thank you - Merci

You're Welcome - Gern

What is the Golden Round Trip to Mt. Pilatus from Lucerne?

The Golden Round Trip from Lucerne is the most popular option for tourists to visit Mt. Pilatus beginning from the train station in Lucerne. The ticket includes taking the bus from Lucerne to Kriens, taking the Mount Pilatus cable car, riding the cogwheel train down to Alpnachstad, and then enjoying a scenic boat ride from Alpnachstad back to Lucerne. (You can also take this tour in the opposite direction).

What is the Silver Round Trip to Mt. Pilatus from Lucerne?

Another popular option for arriving at Mt. Pilatus includes the bus ride from Lucerne to Kriens, the cable car to Mt. Pilatus, and the cogwheel train back down the mountain to Alpnachstad. Instead of taking the boat ride, you take a regular train from Alpnachstad to Lucerne. The advantage of the Silver vs. the Golden Round Trip is that it is 20% cheaper and allows more flexibility timewise.

Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?

If you have the Swiss Travel Pass , you will receive a variety of discounts and kids with a Junior Travelcard get to travel for free with a paid adult ticket.

What does the word "kulm" mean?

In case you missed it, a kulm (as in Rigi Kulm) is a rounded mountain.

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Final thoughts on 20 super things to do in lucerne, switzerland.

Whether it is spring, summer, winter or fall, there is always something amazing to see and do in Lucerne.

You'll find an abundance of landmarks and historic places to explore in Lucerne, as well as a great foodie scene, incredible architecture, history, adventure, and the great outdoors. Plan to spend a day or two exploring.

The culture of Lucerne is a blend of Swiss and German traditions with a focus on family values, quality, and precision. The people of Lucerne are friendly, welcoming and take great pride in their city.

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