Weggis
Weggis, Central Switzerland
On the banks of Lake Lucerne, less than an hour by boat or car from Lucerne, Weggis is sometimes referred to as Central Switzerland's Riviera due to its slightly warmer climate and lakefront views. It's also a popular base for visiting the Rigi, a towering mountain great for summertime hikes and wintertime snow activities.
The basics
The Weggis area has a solid tourist infrastructure, attracting visitors with its cozy hotels, restaurants, day spas, and fantastic lake and mountain views. You can take a horse-drawn carriage ride to the family-run Stalder Distillery to taste spirits or learn about the area through a family-friendly scavenger hunt. The Rigi is another big draw, offering hikers, snowshoe enthusiasts, and Nordic skiers well-maintained trails that lead to incredible viewpoints.
Things to know before you go
- You don’t have to be outdoorsy to enjoy Weggis, and it’s an excellent place just to relax and check out local restaurants.
- If you plan to hike in the area, pick up a topographical map published by the Swiss Hiking Federation.
- A cable car runs from Weggis to the Rigi, but service may be disrupted if there's a severe storm.
How to get there
The most scenic way to get to Weggis from Lucerne is by hopping aboard one of the regularly scheduled boats that link the two cities. Alternatively, take train S3 from Lucerne’s railway station to Küssnacht am Rigi and take bus 502 toward Steinen. Driving between the two cities takes around 30 minutes.
When to get there
Weggis is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own charm. Come in the winter if you want to enjoy sledding and winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Opt for a summer visit if you'd prefer to spend your time boating or outdoors, relaxing by the lake.
Hiking in Weggis
Hiking options abound in Weggis. If you’re in the mood for a short hike, take the 2.7-mile (4.3-kilometer) Weggis Rigiblick that leads up to the Rigiblick lookout, where you can take in incredible views of the Weggis and its surroundings. For something more challenging, opt for the 6.7-mile (10.8-kilometer) Path of Mark Twain, which follows the footsteps of the author’s ascent of the mountain, as chronicled in his book A Tramp Abroad.
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