Mount Rigi, also called Queen of the Mountains, is one of the most popular places for people to visit and makes for an eventful day trip from Lucerne. But if you are planning a trip from Lucerne to Mount Rigi, knowing how to get there in the most convenient way possible is paramount.
There are many different ways to get to Mount Rigi. But no matter which pathway you take, the journey from Lucerne to Mount Rigi is a picturesque one with stunning views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains.
Located ideally in central Switzerland, Mount Rigi makes for one of the best day trips from Lucerne or Zurich. It provides visitors with breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps, and the diverse alpine flora.
So, if you are looking to plan the perfect day excursion from Lucerne up to Rigi mountain, continue reading. Our guide covers everything from the mountain’s central location to the top recommended activities.
Where is and what is Mt. Rigi?
Mount Rigi may not beat the Matterhorn as the most famous mountain in Switzerland. However, it still has a lot to offer. Not least is its central location in the heart of Switzerland. This aspect makes it accessible from all major cities.
Positioned approximately 22 kilometers (14 miles) east of Lucerne, it is one of the best day trips in Switzerland for tourists. It is a tranquil spot that offers spectacular panoramic views of three Swiss lakes, including Lake Lucerne.
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If you are there on a clear day, you can admire almost every canton of Switzerland and behold 19 distinct lakes from the mountain’s summit.
Mount Rigi, or Mont Rigi, has its highest peak – Rigi Kulm – at 1779 meters. An aspect that adds to its uniqueness is that it is surrounded by three Swiss Lakes: Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee), Lake Zug, and Lake Lauerz.
During the winters, the mountain peaks are covered in snow, offering the perfect opportunity to go on a fun sledge run or snowshoe hike. You can also go skiing at the Rigi or plan a hike up the many beautiful trails of Mount Rigi.
How to get to Mount Rigi from Lucerne?
Now, we will cover the journey from Lucerne to Mount Rigi and how to get there. You have several different options available to you including a boat, a train ride, or a Mount Rigi train or cable car trip – all of which makes getting to Mount Rigi no less than an adventure.
By Boat to Vitznau and Cogwheel Train to Mt. Rigi
Taking a boat trip to Mount Rigi lasts less than an hour and involves a nice leisurely journey to Vitznau.
Alternatively, you can also opt for a train journey. This typically takes over an hour. A car trip is another option that lasts about 30 minutes.
If you plan on driving, you can park your car at one of the two large parking spaces near the train station. The parking space has hourly rates with a maximum cost of CHR 12 for a 24-hour period.
A scenic way of reaching the top of Mount Rigi is to take the rack railway from Vitznau after the boat ride. This journey lasts about 30 minutes and makes frequent departures throughout the day. During peak season, you can expect the train to leave at least every hour.
The Rigi Bahn is a historic cogwheel train. Being in operation since 1871, it transports visitors on Europe’s oldest mountain railway, making it special in its own right. The Rigi Bahn will take you from Vitznau to Rigi Kulm while offering you stunning views of the Swiss landscape along the way.
From Weggis to Rigi: Alternative Route
Another great option to get to the Rigi is through Weggis by a cable car. This will take you to Rigi Kaltbad which is a quaint little resort up on a plateau. You can then take the historic cogwheel up to Rigi Kulm.
Additionally, you can also take a boat trip to Weggis docks. From the dock, there is a short walk uphill to the cable car station called Luftseilbahn. From there, you can take a short 10-minute cable car ride to Rigi Kaltbad.
After Rigi Kaltbad, you can change to the Rigi Bahn and ride the Vitznau-Rigi line to reach the mountain’s summit.
This cable car is the ideal travel choice if you are interested in riding the Rigi cable car. For the best day trip experience, consider doing a round trip involving ascending and descending to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Round Trip Itinerary Lucerne to Rigi Mountain
We recommend that you allow at least 6 hours for your excursion, more if you want to hike and eat in a restaurant. This is only a suggestion for your visit to Rigi. If you are planning a trip to Rigi mountain, double check these times as they may vary depending on the season. Please check them carefully as boat schedules can be irregular.
- 09:12 – Take the boat in Lucerne to Vitznau (just under one hour)
- 10:09 – Arrive in Vitznau and transfer to the cogwheel train
- 10:15 – Departure of the Rigi Bahn from Vitznau (32 min journey)
- 10:47 – Arrive at Rigi Kulm: Spend 2 hours exploring the Rigi Kulm, hiking to the viewing platform, eating at the restaurant, etc. (If you have more time you could also hike down to Rigi Kaltbach-First – approx. 2 hours)
- 13:00 – Train departs from Rigi Kulm down
- 13:15 – Rigi Bahn arrives at Rigi Kaltbad-First, transfer to cable car station
- 13:40 – The cable car leaves Rigi Kaltbad (10 mins ride)
- 13:50 – Arrive in Weggis, walk to boat dock (about 15 mins)
- 14:05 – Boat leaves Weggis
- 14:47 – Arrive in Lucerne
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Mount Rigi Ticket Price
When it comes to purchasing tickets to get from Lucerne to Mount Rigi, you have two options: online or in person at the Lucerne boat office by the pier.
Children up to age 15 travel for free if they are accompanied by an adult on the Mount Rigi railways. If you have a half-tax fare, it can be applied to your ticket. Additionally, you can also receive a discount with a Swiss travel card.
If you plan on exploring the Lake Lucerne region, consider obtaining a Tell Pass. This pass covers several mountain cable cars, boat trips, and public transportation options in the area.
Discounts
| Pass | Reduction |
| Tell-Pass | Free |
| Swiss GA Card | Free |
| Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex | Free |
| Saver Day Pass SBB | Free |
| GA Day tickets issued by Swiss towns and communes | Free |
| Child GA day tickets | Free |
| Dogs with day tickets | Free |
| Junior Card: Children 6-16 (accompanied by a parent) | 50% |
| Swiss Half-Fare Card (Halbtax) | 50% |
| Interrail | 50% |
| Eurail Pass | 50% |
Accessing Mount Rigi from elsewhere
Arth-Goldau to Rigi Kulm
If you want to get to the Rigi through Arth Goldau, you can use the cogwheel train to the summit. This 40-minute-long scenic trip in the vintage carriages of Rigi Bahn is surrounded by woodland, waterfalls, and meadows. Every now and then, you may also get a glimpse of Lake Zug or the peaks of the Swiss Alps on the way.
You can reach Arth-Goldau from both Lucerne (check train departures) or Zurich (check train departures).
Lucerne to Arth Goldau
Lucerne to Arth Goldau is a 30-minute trip by train. Alternatively, you can drive from Lucerne to Arth Goldau in around 25 minutes.
Zurich to Arth Goldau
If you want to travel from Zurich to Arth-Goldau, you can reach Goldau in approximately 40 minutes from the city’s central station.
For travelers coming by car, there is a large park near the Goldau motorway exit and right by the railway line. This drive is also 40 minutes long.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this article served as your guide on the journey from Lucerne to Mount Rigi and how to get there. Visiting Mount Rigi is an exciting adventure that offers the perfect opportunity for a day trip.
With so many convenient and beautiful routes to choose from, traveling from Mount Rigi is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Switzerland. The beautiful scenery and unbeatable views are amazing add-ons to an already unbeatable experience.
