Mt. Rigi
Arth, Central Switzerland, 6410
Encircled by a trio of lakes—Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug, and Lake Lauerz—and adjacent to the neighboring peaks of Mt. Pilatus and Brunnistock, Mt. Rigi is the enduring postcard star of central Switzerland. Nicknamed the “Queen of the Mountains,” Rigi has long captured the hearts of artists, including author Mark Twain and painter J.M.W. Turner. Hike or hop on a scenic cogwheel train or cable car to reach the summit for unforgettable views.
The Basics
The 5,899-foot (1,798-meter) summit of Mount Rigi affords spectacular views, but the journey to the top is just as impressive as the destination. Opt for a self-guided, group, or private tour and ride the aerial cable car or cogwheel railway up to the snow-covered peak. Once you’re at the top, activities such as horse-drawn carriage rides, tobogganing, and snowshoeing excursions are available. To personalize your experience, combine a trip to Mount Rigi with a scenic cruise across Lake Lucerne, a Lucerne city tour, or a hike in the alps.
Things to Know Before You Go
Visitor facilities at the Mount Rigi summit include a hotel, restaurant, and a wellness center.
Wrap up warm—the high altitude means it will be chilly on the mountaintop even in the summer months.
The cable car, cogwheel railways, and some of Mount Rigi’s hiking trails are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Mount Rigi is located in the Schwyzer Alps in Central Switzerland, overlooking the city of Lucerne and Lake Lucerne. There are three main ways to access the summit—by cogwheel railway from Vitznau (a 30-minute trip) or Arth-Goldau (a 45-minute trip), or by cable car from Weggis (a 10-minute trip). Both Weggis and Vitznau can be reached by steamboat from Lucerne, while regular trains run to Arth-Goldau from both Lucerne and Zurich.
When to Get There
It’s possible to visit Mount Rigi year-round, although the aerial cable car is occasionally closed for maintenance during low season. Summer—particularly July and August—is the busiest season, when mild weather allows visitors to explore over 75 miles (120 kilometers) of hiking trails. The winter months of December and January are also a popular time to visit, when skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing opportunities abound.
The Views from Mount Rigi
The main attraction of Mount Rigi is the panoramic view from the summit of Rigi Kulm, the highest peak of the mountain. Thanks to its central location, Rigi Kulm is one of the best viewpoints in Central Switzerland. Gaze out over the Swiss Alps, the Swiss Plateau, the Bernese Alps, and 13 different lakes; enjoy an aerial view of Lucerne city; and spot the distant peaks of the Glarus Alps, the Vosges Mountains over the French border, and Germany’s Black Forest.
Ways to explore
The 5,899-foot (1,797-meter) summit of Mt. Rigi affords spectacular views, but the journey to the top is just as impressive as the destination. Opt for a self-guided, group, or private tour and ride the aerial cable car or cogwheel railway up to the sky-high peak. Once you’re at the top, activities such as horse-drawn carriage rides, tobogganing, and snowshoeing excursions are available—depending on the season. To personalize your experience, combine a trip to Mt. Rigi with a scenic cruise across Lake Lucerne, a Lucerne city tour, or a guided hike of the Alps.
Accessibility
The cable car and cogwheel train to the top of Mt. Rigi are wheelchair accessible.
Age limits
Kids love the scenic rides up the mountain, and family-friendly hikes and activities await at the top.
What to pack
Camera and battery pack, binoculars, picnic supplies
What to wear
The temperature on the peak is significantly colder than in the valley all year-round, so check the forecast and dress appropriately.
Not allowed
Wild camping is not allowed on Mt. Rigi.
Amenities
Restaurants, hotel, wellness center, rental centers for winter gear
Address
Mt. Rigi is located in the Schwyzer Alps in central Switzerland, overlooking the city of Lucerne and Lake Lucerne. There are three main ways to access the summit: by cogwheel railway from Vitznau (a 30-minute trip) or Arth-Goldau (a 45-minute trip), or by cable car from Weggis (a 10-minute trip).
Driving
Vitznau and Weggis are located along Highway 2b on the shores of Lake Lucerne; there is a paid parking garage near the cogwheel train in Vitznau and free parking near the cable car in Weggis. Arth-Goldau is on Highway 2 between Lake Zug and Lake Lauerz, and there is a paid parking garage near the cogwheel train.
Public transportation
Both Weggis and Vitznau can be reached by steamboat from Lucerne. Regular train lines serve Arth-Goldau, departing from both Lucerne and Zurich.
Best times to visit
Visit Mt. Rigi’s peak during the warmest midday hours to enjoy the views with mild temperatures.
Best days to visit
The peak, its transportation, and its trails tend to be crowded on weekends, so visit on a weekday to enjoy a quieter experience on the mountain.
Best months to visit
Mt. Rigi offers sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and other winter sports from October to March. Summer visitors can hike the trails and picnic.
Special events
Though few events are held on the peak, the wider Mt. Rigi area offers a wide range of cultural, culinary, and sports events all year-round.
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