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Season: all year
Recommended season: early January to late February and early May to late October
Max. altitude: 1798 m (5899 ft)What is Mount Rigi? 
Rigi is a green mountainous area on the northern shores of Lake Lucerne in Central Switzerland. It's accessible by cogwheel trains and cable cars from multiple villages. The top station at 1798 m altitude is called "Rigi Kulm". From Lucerne, it takes about 1h30 to reach the top.
Mount Rigi is famous for its wide views over Lake Lucerne and the Central and Bernese Alps, the varied and scenic ways to get there, and its many hiking trails.
➤ Rigi ticket prices and reservations
Rigi - overview of 2026 ticket prices
| View more prices and discounts | Price | Applies to all routes between Lucerne, Arth-Goldau/Weggis/Vitznau, and Rigi with the below ticket or pass |
|---|---|---|
| View Swiss Travel Pass prices (swissrailways.com) | CHF 0 | Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex |
| View Lucerne Travel Pass prices (swissrailways.com) | CHF 0 | Lucerne Travel Pass |
| View Saver Day Pass prices (happyrail.com) | CHF 29 | Saver Day Pass, lowest possible discounted fare with a Swiss Half Fare Card |
| View Saver Day Pass prices (happyrail.com) | CHF 52 | Saver Day Pass, lowest possible full fare |
| View Rigi Day Pass prices (swissactivities.com) | CHF 39 | normal return ticket or Rigi Day Pass, discounted fare with a Swiss Half Fare Card (Lucerne to Arth-Goldau/Weggis/Vitznau not included) |
| View Rigi Day Pass prices (swissactivities.com) | CHF 78 | normal return ticket or Rigi Day Pass, full fare (Lucerne to Arth-Goldau/Weggis/Vitznau not included) |
Rigi ticket prices without a rail pass
A standard return ticket to Rigi Kulm from Arth-Goldau, Vitznau, or Weggis costs CHF 78. Alternatively, you can buy a Rigi Day Pass. It includes unlimited use of the cogwheel trains from Arth-Goldau and Vitznau, and the cable cars from Weggis and Kräbel, for one day.
If you start and end in Lucerne, you'll have to add the price for a return trip between Lucerne and Arth-Goldau, Vitznau, or Weggis. For example: a 2nd class return ticket Lucerne - Arth-Goldau costs CHF 27.20.
Note that a Saver Day Pass can be cheaper than normal tickets and cheaper than a Rigi Day Pass, if you buy it well in advance. A Saver Day Pass includes free and unlimited travel to Rigi for one day. In addition, it covers trips from and to Lucerne, as well as throughout Switzerland.
Rigi ticket prices with a rail pass
All journeys from and to Rigi are entirely free with a Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex and Lucerne Travel Pass. You don't have to buy any additional tickets or Rigi Day Passes.
The Swiss Half Fare Card provides a 50% discount on regular tickets, on Saver Day Passes, and on Rigi Day Passes.
Find a full overview of rail pass discounts for Rigi here.
Where to buy tickets to Rigi
If you need full-fare or discounted tickets, you can buy them at several locations:
- online in advance
- at the boat docks surrounding Lake Lucerne
- at railway stations
Reservations
Reservations are not required for any of the normal boats, cable cars or cogwheel trains to Rigi.
Only if you're traveling with a group of 10 or more, reservations are recommended. They have to be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Tours and packages
There are many tours to Rigi, both independent and guided. If you book a tour, you usually don't need any additional tickets.
➤ Rail pass discounts for Rigi
The travel passes below allow discounted or even free traveling to Rigi.
| Pass | Discount |
|---|---|
| Day Pass | Free:
|
| Eurail Global Pass | Discount 50%:
To Arth-Goldau (train): free. To Vitznau and Weggis (boat): 50% discount. To Vitznau and Weggis (bus): no discount. Kräbel to Rigi Scheidegg (cableway): no discount. |
| Interrail Switzerland Pass | Discount 50%:
To Arth-Goldau (train): free. To Vitznau and Weggis (boat): 50% discount. To Vitznau and Weggis (bus): no discount. Kräbel to Rigi Scheidegg (cableway): no discount. |
| Lucerne Travel Pass | Free:
|
| Saver Day Pass | Free:
|
| Swiss Half Fare Card | Discount 50%:
|
| Swiss Travel Pass | Free:
|
| Swiss Travel Pass Flex | Free:
|
| Tell-Pass Winter | Free:
|
How to reach Rigi: all routes explained in detail, with map
Quick overview of the several routes to Rigi
The 3 main ways to reach Rigi, which are also indicated on the below map, are:
- via Arth-Goldau, by cogwheel train (Lucerne-Rigi: 1h15 - 1h30)
- via Vitznau, by cogwheel train (Lucerne-Rigi: 1h45 - 2h00)
- via Weggis, by cable car plus cogwheel train (Lucerne-Rigi: 1h45)
The top station is called "Rigi Kulm". There are many intermediate stops along the 2 cogwheel train lines. Please see the map for details.
Many travelers start from Lucerne. Public transport is the best way to reach Rigi. If you come by car, the parking lot next to motorway A4 in Goldau is a convenient option. There's a train stop close to this parking lot.
1. Arth-Goldau to Rigi Kulm (travel time from Lucerne: 1h15 - 1h30)
Take a train from Lucerne to Arth-Goldau. Then board the cogwheel train to Rigi Kulm. The cogwheel trains leave from an outdoor platform at a higher level than the other tracks of Arth-Goldau. The route to the Rigi platform is clearly indicated.
This train stops at Goldau A4 (parking lot), Kräbel (where a cable car to Rigi Scheidegg departs), Fruttli, Rigi Klösterli, Rigi Wölfertschen-First and Rigi Staffel. These stops are useful as a start or end point of a hike, but for general sightseeing they are not worth it to get off the train.
2. Vitznau to Rigi Kulm (travel time from Lucerne: 1h45 - 2h00)
Take a boat from Lucerne to Vitznau. Or travel from Lucerne to Küssnacht by train, then from Küssnacht to Vitznau by bus. In Vitznau a cogwheel train to Rigi Kulm departs. The train station is directly across the boat dock.
The cogwheel train stops at Mittlerschwanden, Grubisbalm, Freibergen, Romiti-Felsentor, Rigi Kaltbad-First (where the cable car from Weggis arrives), Rigi Staffelhöhe and Rigi Staffel.
Rigi Kaltbad-First is in a small village and worth it for general sightseeing. The other stops are isolated and mostly used by hikers.
3. Weggis to Rigi Kulm (travel time from Lucerne: 1h45)
Travel from Lucerne to Weggis by boat. Or get to Küssnacht by train, and then to Weggis by bus.
In Weggis, you'll have to reach the valley cable car station. This is a 10- to 15-minute uphill walk. On most days, there's also a bus between the boat dock and the cable car station. A bus ride takes 5 to 18 minutes: some buses take a longer route through the village than others.
The cable car ends in the small village and spa resort Rigi Kaltbad. It's located along the cogwheel track that starts in Vitznau. So you can board a train to Rigi Kulm here.
"Queen of the mountains Round Trip" and "Classic Round Trip"
The "Queen of the Mountains Round Trip" (formerly called "Majestic Round Trip") is just one of the many routes to explore Rigi. So is the "Classic Round Trip".
- Take the boat from Lucerne to Vitznau.
- Change to the cogwheel train to Rigi Kulm and enjoy the view on the top.
- Travel down via Arth-Goldau and return to Lucerne by train.
- Or travel down via Rigi Kaltbad and Weggis and get back to Lucerne by boat.
Operation dates, schedules and timetable
2026 operation dates of Rigi trains and cable cars
Below are the operation dates for the main routes to Rigi. Check the links here for a full overview that includes the minor cable car routes too.
Operation dates for the cogwheel trains from Vitznau and Arth-Goldau
The trains from Vitznau and Arth-Goldau operate year-round.
Operation dates of the cable car from Weggis to Rigi Kaltbad
The cable car from Weggis to Rigi Kaltbad operates most of the year, except for a few maintenance breaks. During these breaks, replacement trains from Vitznau are available to reach Rigi Kaltbad and the top station Rigi Kulm.
- From 9 March to 22 April, 2026: the cable car doesn't operate.
- From 16 to 27 November, 2026: the cable car does not operate on workdays, but it does operate on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November.
Operation dates of the cable car from Kräbel to Rigi Scheidegg
The cable car from Kräbel to Rigi Scheidegg operates during most of the year, except for the below maintenance breaks. You can still reach Kräbel and the top station Rigi Kulm by train from Arth-Goldau.
- From 7 to 17 April, 2026: the cable car doesn't operate.
- From 2 to 13 November, 2026: the cable car does not operate on workdays, but it does operate on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November.
How to plan a journey to Rigi with the timetable
You can plan each segment of your trip to Rigi with the timetable. The names below indicate the destinations you can enter.
General important names
- "Rigi Kulm" for the top station at Rigi
- "Goldau A4" for the train station at the large parking lot
What to enter if you travel via Arth-Goldau
- "Arth-Goldau" for the train station Arth-Goldau
- "Arth-Goldau RB" (RB stands for RigiBahnen) for the elevated platform from which the cogwheel trains leave
What to enter if you travel via Vitznau
- "Vitznau" for the cogwheel train station and boat dock (this is a combined terminal)
- "Vitznau, Station" for the bus stop in Vitznau next to the cogwheel train station
The settings and locations to use if you travel by cable car via Weggis
If you want to take the cable car from Weggis, you'll have to specify "Weggis (Luftseilbahn)" as a via-station. Alternatively, de-select the bus and boat as potential travel modes. Otherwise, the timetable may suggest you travel via Vitznau or Arth-Goldau.
Fill out these locations for the route Weggis - Rigi Kaltbad - Rigi Kulm:
- "Weggis" for the boat dock in Weggis
- "Weggis, Schiffstation" or "Weggis, Dorfplatz" for bus stops near the boat dock
- "Weggis, Seilbahn" for the bus stop near the cable car valley station
- "Weggis (Luftseilbahn)" for the cable car valley station
- "Rigi Kaltbad (Luftseilbahn)" for the cable car top station in Rigi Kaltbad
- "Rigi Kaltbad-First" for the cogwheel train stop next to the cable car station in Rigi Kaltbad
Best season for Rigi
Rigi can be visited all year long. The best period is early January to late February and early May to late October.
- From May to October, all hiking trails are usually accessible and all cogwheel trains and cable cars are operational. I like Rigi best in spring and autumn.
- The spring months of March, April, and May are the transition between winter and summer. There can still be snow at the top, but this gets less likely as spring progresses. The exact conditions vary each year. The Central and Bernese Alps in the distance are mostly still snow-covered. Compared to the summer months, there are generally fewer tourists.
- Likewise, the autumn months of October and November are transition periods. It can still be summer-like at Rigi, but you may also experience the onset of winter with a thick layer of snow. Especially November is relatively quiet in terms of visitor numbers.
- January and February offer the best chances of snow and winter activities, such as sledding.
Rigi weather info and forecasts
You'll mainly visit Rigi to enjoy the cogwheel train and cable car rides, the views from the top, and the hiking trails. This means that clear and sunny weather is best. If the top is covered by clouds and the forecasts don't look favorable for several hours in a row, your ride up may not be worth it.
Clouds, drizzle and some snow don't have to be a problem. But don't go hiking if strong rain, wind, fog, hail, or heavy snow is predicted. Even though many trails at Rigi are relatively easy, such weather can cause danger.
The trains and cable cars will keep operating in all sorts of weather, except in extreme conditions.
The wide views from Rigi explained
Up at Rigi, you’ll see a green, typically Swiss landscape with meadows, forests, and grazing cows. The many hiking trails with their benches and picnic spots define the area as well.
You’ll have broad views over Lake Zug and more lakes in the plains north of Rigi. The views even reach as far as Germany. Towards the south, you’ll look down on Lake Lucerne and you’ll see the Central and Bernese Alps in the distance.
The best panoramic views are from:
- the viewing platforms and the transmission tower at the top station Rigi Kulm;
- the viewing platform at Känzeli, which is a 15-minute hike from Rigi Kaltbad.
My favorite hikes in the Rigi area
These are some of the trails I like best:
- The beautiful panorama trail between Rigi Kaltbad and Rigi Scheidegg. This easy broad path follows the route of a former cogwheel train that once connected both places.
- The walk down from Rigi Kulm to the village of Rigi Kaltbad. Along a steep cliff, you’ll have a gorgeous view of Lake Lucerne far below. The trail itself gradually descends.
- The walk from Rigi Staffelhöhe to Freibergen.
Special Rigi train and cable car experiences
All routes to Rigi are beautiful as they are. But you can turn your trip into an even more memorable experience. At no additional costs, you can enjoy:
- the nostalgic carriages that often operate on Wednesdays in the summer season, from both Arth-Goldau and Vitznau
- the Rigi Historic XXL days, held twice a year: on Pentecost Sunday and on 1 August (Switzerland’s national celebration day). You’ll see lots of historic rolling stock on both routes.
And then there are the options below, which require advance booking and are not included in regular tickets or rail passes:
- On selected weekend days, you can take a ride in a nostalgic steam train from Vitznau or Arth-Goldau.
- On several Fridays and Saturdays, a special nostalgic fondue train takes you up from Arth-Goldau.
- Throughout the year, you can book a ride in a beautiful Belle Époque-style saloon carriage, and hosts/hostesses will serve you an aperitif and a drink during the ascent.
- On summer evenings, the Rigi cable car from Weggis offers one of the few options to dine in the sky in Switzerland! You’ll be served a 3-course meal while enjoying the views.
In addition, you can book a guided tour of the train depot in Vitznau.
Other activities to do on the same day
My suggestions for other excursions to do on the same day as your Rigi visit:
- Visit Stanserhorn. Then travel from Stansstad to Weggis, Vitznau or Arth-Goldau and visit Rigi.
- Visit Pilatus. Get up via Alpnachstad and down via Kriens. Travel to Rigi from Lucerne.
- Visit Bürgenstock. Travel to Lucerne by boat or train and continue to Rigi. Or take a direct boat from the dock “Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock” to Weggis or Vitznau, and travel up to Rigi Kulm there.
- Make a boat trip on Lake Lucerne. Get out in Weggis or Vitznau. Then visit Rigi.
- Explore Lucerne, and visit Rigi before or after this.
I feel that combining Rigi and Titlis in one day isn’t ideal, because they’re quite far apart. But it’s doable if you leave early.
Rigi, Pilatus, Titlis or Stanserhorn: how to choose
There are several mountains near Lucerne. You may prefer Rigi for these reasons:
- It’s relatively cheap. And with some rail passes the entire trip is even free!
- You can make a varied round trip that includes lots of travel modes: boat, train, bus, cable car and cogwheel train.
- Travelers can immediately start hiking and exploring in several directions from the top station, which is different from the confined space up at Pilatus and Titlis. So it can feel like it’s less crowded during the tourist peak seasons.
Rigi FAQ
-
What to do at Rigi in summer?
You can make a varied round trip that includes boats, buses, trains, cogwheel trains and cable cars. At the top station Rigi Kulm, you can admire the views. There’s a hotel-restaurant with a panoramic terrace. Climb part of the iconic transmission tower for even wider views.
There are plenty of hiking trails. Many start or end along the stops of the cogwheel train lines. If you want to relax, visit the spa complex at Rigi Kaltbad.
-
What to do at Rigi in winter?
Rigi isn’t as high as some of the other mountains near Lucerne. This means that snow on the top is not guaranteed, not even in winter. But if there is snow, Rigi is a splendid area for winter hiking. There are several sled runs too.
-
How long does an excursion to Rigi take?
A return trip from Lucerne to Rigi Kulm via the quickest route takes about 3 hours. But of course, you need some time at the top. You may also want to hike, dine in the restaurant, or make a longer round trip. So you can easily spend an entire day on a visit to Rigi.
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What to expect in the spa resort Rigi Kaltbad?
Rigi Kaltbad is located above the village of Weggis and can be reached by cable car and cogwheel train. This a picturesque small mountain village.
It also houses a modern hotel and spa complex that was designed by the Swiss architect Mario Botta. The complex includes indoor pools and spa treatments, plus a heated outdoor pool with magnificent mountain views.
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How to visit Rigi from Zurich or another town far away?
A day trip to Rigi from Zurich is doable if you leave early. A single ride Zurich-Rigi Kulm takes 1h30 to 2h00. You can book guided tours from Zurich too. I feel that a day trip to Rigi isn’t realistic from most other popular tourist towns.
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Is it possible to spend the night at Rigi?
Yes, there are hotels with panoramic views at Rigi Kaltbad and Rigi Kulm. Find mountain hotels here.
➤ Where to buy Rigi tickets and tours: trusted sellers
Promotions
- www.rigi.ch: Rigi summer and winter activities
- www.rigi.ch: Rigi hiking trails
- www.rigi.ch: historic trains on Wednesdays
- www.rigi.ch: Historic XXL days on Pentecost Sunday and 1 August
Schedules
- www.rigi.ch: timetables of the Rigi cogwheel trains and cable cars
Prices
- www.rigi.ch: Rigi standard ticket prices
- www.rigi.ch: steam train rides
- www.rigi.ch: fondue rides
- www.rigi.ch: aperitif rides
- www.rigi.ch: restaurant cable car ride from Weggis
- www.rigi.ch: train depot tours
Itineraries including Rigi
Best of the Alps
Scenic trains winter
Free with the Swiss Travel Pass in Lucerne
Hike Rigi Kaltbad-Rigi Scheidegg
Boat Lake Lucerne
Bürgenstock
Pilatus
Stanserhorn
Town walk Lucerne
Lucerne
