Mount Rigi – Central Switzerland’s popular excursion paradise

It is a unique location in the midst of an imposing mountain world with regional beauty and surrounded by three lakes.

All those varied panorama hiking trails and dreamlike views make the Rigi excursion to an unforgettable nature experience.

A cogwheel railway departs hourly all year round from the villages of Goldau and Vitznau to the top of Rigi Kulm just below Mount Rigi. It was the first mountain cogwheel railway, which was opened on Mai 21st, 1871 by Swiss inventor and legendary railway pioneer Niklaus Riggenbach. A panorama aerial cable car also operates daily every half hour from the town of Weggis to Rigi Kaltbad.

Today, the Rigi railways own the worldwide largest "cogwheel railway nostalgia" vehicle park. The salon wagons and steam locomotives come from the "Belle Epoque" time. They own the oldest in good condition functioning Electro gearwheel coaches of the world.

It offers a well-maintained network of walking paths, inviting you to take relaxing strolls or mountain hikes.

You will enjoy breathtaking panoramic view of 150 km from

various clearly marked viewpoints. In fact, from different, especially marked viewpoints, you can see over 13 lakes, the Mittelland and the Swiss Alps.

Mount Rigi Experiences

Steam Train with "Belle Époque" Saloon Rail Cars
An antiquated experience! These steam locomotives of the Rigi Railways operate 365 days of the year. In the Belle Époque Saloon car you can relive the magic of the past with carpets, furnished in fine mahogany and enhanced by beautiful brass and with discreet background music to give you company.

The Floating Restaurant
The gondolas under the starlit night sky are an ideal venue for honeymooners looking for romance. The panoramic cabin of the aerial cable car between Weggis and Rigi Kaltbad transforms itself into a romantic restaurant during the summer nights. During the evening, high above the glittering Lake Lucerne, a royal menu is served up while you are surrounded by breath taking views of the Pre-Alps. The entrée is served during the ascent and the main course is served on the descent.

Mount Rigi Folklore
Every year in July, popular Swiss music takes center stage on Mount Rigi. Seven hours of nonstop live concerts, mostly the famous yodeling. Who knows, you may get carried away too by the music and songs that enthuses so many Swiss. Yodeling is part of our culture that has maintained itself.

It is an authentic nonstop Swiss repertoire with many highlights delighting visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You are guaranteed your high spirits not only outdoors but also in the decorated festival tent.

While there, you can visit Franz Toni, a genuine Swiss farmer. At his farmhouse, you can also try to produce cheese, milk cows, do some farm work and afterwards enjoy an open-air barbecue. If you want to stay over night, a torchlight walk, a typical dinner on a farm or even a romantic night sleeping on hay can be organized.

Artillery Fortress at Vitznau
The Vitznau Artillery Fortress was constructed inside the cliffs of Mount Rigi. It was constructed at the beginning of the Second World War as part of the Gotthard defense and was kept a big secret. The fortress Vitznau was still in use until 1994 before it was taken out of service by the Swiss army reform during the end of the 90´s. Today, the fortress is operated the community of Vitznau and open to the public since 1998. Guided tours booked in advance take about 1 and half hours and are offered on 365 days. Since the temperature is only 12°C all year around, it is recommended to wear warm clothes. Lending jackets are provided free of charge and the catering and lodging tract are heated.

The entry prices for the 11/2 hour tour costs 10 Swiss francs. The fortress also offers 2 hour visits with special exhibits which costs 13 Swiss francs per person. To make a reservation call them or email directly too…

Verein Festung Vitznau
Postfach 37
CH- 6354 Vitznau
Tel.: 041 397 01 86
E-Mail: info.vitznau@wvrt.ch

Hotel Alpina
The Hotel Alpine is a small family hotel of home-like quality in the carefree environment of Mount Rigi. The rooms are furnished in authentic rustic style. The comfortable sitting rooms offer you incredible Alpine views.

Hotel Bergsonne
Lovely location on south-facing slope, 5 minutes walk from Rigi Kaltbad. It is a hotel with stylish, cozy rooms, genuine Central Swiss decor. It is also a member of the Swiss Guild and is renowned for its fine cuisine.

Minotel Rigi Hostellerie
Welcome to your home above the clouds! Minotel Rigi Hostellerie offers you a piece of paradise and infinite freedom with a breathtaking view over lakes and mountains.

Hotel Rigi Kulm
In the charming dining room of the restaurant in the Rigi Kulm hotel, you get served a seasonal cuisine, Swiss specialties as well as daily menus. There is also a popular self-service restaurant with a large panoramic sun terrace. It is reasonably priced with daily menus and local specialties. The hotel also offers large rooms for special occasions for up to 500 people.

Hotel Edelweiss
Enjoy the fine cuisine in tranquil surroundings, be it on the sun terrace or in the cozy restaurant. The Edelweiss kitchen staff is there to spoil your taste buds. Weekly specialties.

Restaurants at Mount Rigi

Berggasthaus Unterstetten
The Berggasthaus is family run, cosy mountain guesthouse with panoramic sun terrace. It is quite popular with hikers; you get excellent value for your money, large portions and good hearty meals.

Cave Grubisbalm
The cave provides a unique location for private as well as company events. The restaurant capacity is from 50 - 350 guests. There is a large choice of menus, drinks and entertainments but make your reservation ahead of time.

Restaurant Bahnhöfli

Ruth and Wisel's traditional self-service restaurant offers reasonably priced menus, a sun terrace with fantastic panoramic views and a children's playground. It is open all day, 365 days a year.

How to get there to Mount Rigi
Most visitors start from the city of Lucerne. There are various modes of transport you can take to scale this magnificent mountain…

By train: direct connections to Arth-Goldau (approx 30 minutes). By boat: direct connections to Weggis and Vitznau (50 minutes).By car: to Weggis and Vitznau (approx 30 minutes). To Goldau Motorway (approx 30 minutes).By cable car - from Vitznau or Goldau (30 minutes).From Weggis to Rigi Kaltbad (10 minutes) and the by cogwheel railway to Rigi Kulm (15 minutes).

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