Rigi – The Queen of the Mountains

Rigi (1,797 m / 5,895 ft) is called the “Queen of the Mountains” – and for good reason. Located in Central Switzerland between Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug, and Lake Lauerz, Rigi offers one of the most spectacular 360° panoramas in the country. It’s a mountain for everyone: easily reachable by cogwheel trains and cable cars, yet full of hiking trails, hidden spots, and breathtaking sunrises.

How to Get There

• From Lucerne: take a boat across Lake Lucerne to Vitznau, then board the Rigi Bahn cogwheel train (the first mountain railway in Europe, opened in 1871).

• From Arth-Goldau: another cogwheel train climbs up to Rigi Kulm.

• From Weggis: a cable car connects directly to Rigi Kaltbad.
  💰 Price: return tickets from Lucerne ~72 CHF (discounts with Swiss Travel Pass, Half Fare, or Saver Day Pass).

Hiking & Activities

• Easy trails: panoramic paths from Rigi Kaltbad to Rigi Scheidegg.

• Challenging hikes: climb from Küssnacht or Gersau to the summit.

• Sunrise at Rigi Kulm: one of the most magical experiences in Switzerland.

• Wellness: the mineral baths at Rigi Kaltbad with lake views.

• Winter: small ski slopes, snowshoe trails, and sledging runs.

What Awaits You

• A 360° view over 13 lakes, the Swiss Plateau, and the Alps all the way to Germany and France.

• Traditional alpine huts serving Rösti, cheese, and homemade desserts.

• Historical trains, cozy mountain villages, and picture-perfect spots everywhere.

Insider Tips

• Best time: sunrise or sunset for unforgettable colors.

• For photographers: the view from Rigi Kulm is iconic, but quieter hidden gems are found along the Rigi Scheidegg ridge.

• Combine a boat trip, cogwheel train, and hike for a varied full-day experience.

• Bring layers – even in summer it can be windy at the top.