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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.
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Rigi
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➤ Rigi prices 2027
Rigi - overview of 2027 ticket prices
| View more prices and discounts | Price | Price with the pass/ticket below (valid between Lucerne, Arth-Goldau/Weggis/Vitznau and Rigi Kulm, unless indicated otherwise) |
|---|---|---|
| View Swiss Travel Pass prices (swissrailways.com) | CHF 0 | Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex (covering all routes between Lucerne and Rigi Kulm via Arth-Goldau/Weggis/Vitznau |
| 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 (swissrailways.com) | CHF 42 | Rigi Day Pass*, discounted fare with Swiss Half Fare Card |
| View Rigi Day Pass prices (swissrailways.com) | CHF 84 | Rigi Day Pass*, full fare |
| View point-to-point ticket prices (happyrail.com) | CHF 56.40 | Point-to-poin return ticket, discounted fare with Swiss Half Fare Card |
| View point-to-point ticket prices (happyrail.com) | CHF 112.80 | Point-to-poin return ticket, full fare |
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.
Rigi ticket prices without a rail pass
A standard return ticket to Rigi Kulm from Arth-Goldau, Vitznau, or Weggis costs CHF 84. Alternatively, you can buy a Rigi Day Pass at the same price. It includes unlimited use of the cogwheel trains from Arth-Goldau and Vitznau, and the cable cars from Weggis and Kräbel, for one day.
Trips to the valley stations of Arth-Goldau, Vitznau and Weggis are not included in a Rigi Day Pass. So if you start and end in Lucerne, or elsewhere, you'll have to add the price for a return trip between your start location and Arth-Goldau, Vitznau, or Weggis. For example: a 2nd class return ticket Lucerne - Arth-Goldau costs CHF 28.20.
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. Plus: it covers trips from and to Lucerne, as well as throughout Switzerland, causing it to be more attractive than the Rigi Day Pass.
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, free reservations are recommended. They have to be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Tours and packages
Would you like Annika or me to design a personalized plan and travel package for you, including Rigi and other excursions? Learn how that works.
In addition, 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
| Pass | Discount |
|---|---|
| Day Pass | Free:
|
| Interrail 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:
|
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 map below, are:
- via Arth-Goldau, by cogwheel train (Lucerne-Rigi: 1h15 - 1h30)
- via Vitznau, by cogwheel train (Lucerne-Rigi: 1h40 - 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, you'll usually want to get off at Rigi Kulm.
2. Vitznau to Rigi Kulm (travel time from Lucerne: 1h40 - 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, the 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, also housing hotels and mineral baths, and is worth it for sightseeing, culinary breaks, and several activities. 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, a bus between the boat dock and the cable car station operates too. Most bus trips to the cableway station take 6 to 10 minutes.
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 2027
Rigi is accessible year-round. Below are the operation dates for the main routes. Check the links here for a full overview that includes the minor cable car routes too.
Operation dates for the cogwheel trains from Vitznau
The trains from Vitznau and operate year-round.
On Wednesdays between 19 May and 6 October 2027, several trains a day will run with historic carriages: the 10:15, 12:15 and 15:15 departures from Vitznau to Rigi Kulm, and the 11:00, 13:00 and 16:00 departures from Rigi Kulm to Vitznau.
Operation dates for the cogwheel trains from Arth-Goldau
The trains from Arth-Goldau operate year-round, except for a maintenance break from 5 to 23 April 2027. During this closure, you can reach Rigi by cogwheel train from Vitznau, or by cable car from Weggis via Rigi Kaltbad.
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, additional trains between Vitznau and Rigi Kaltbad are available.
- From 1 March to 2 April 2027: the cable car doesn't operate.
- From 15 to 26 November: the cable car does not operate on workdays, but it does operate on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 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 maintenance breaks below. You can still reach Kräbel and the top station Rigi Kulm by train from Arth-Goldau.
- From 12 to 23 April 2027: the cable car doesn't operate on workdays, but it does operate on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 April.
- From 2 to 12 November 2027: the cable car doesn't operate on workdays, but it does operate on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 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
What to enter if you travel by cable car via Weggis
If you want to take the cable car from Weggis, it's best to break down your trip into smaller segments. Theoretically, you can fill out your entire route and specify the cable car station "Weggis (Luftseilbahn)" as a via-station. However, the timetable may ignore your prompt and propose trips via Vitznau instead, because those are faster.
For your trip to Weggis, enter:
- from "Luzern", or your other departure location
- to "Weggis" for the boat dock in Weggis (if you want to reach Weggis by boat)
- to "Weggis, Dorfplatz" via "Küssnacht am Rigi" (for a combined train and bus trip to Weggis)
For the next section by cable car to Rigi Kaltbad, enter:
- from "Weggis" (if you arrive by boat) or from "Weggis, Dorfplatz" (if you arrive by bus)
- to "Rigi Kaltbad (Luftseilbahn)"
The timetable will also show the bus route from the bus stops on lake level to the cable car valley station in Weggis, called "Weggis (Luftseilbahn)". Alternatively, you can walk up to the cable car station. You'll walk on easy, paved sidewalks, but it's a pretty steep 10- to 15-minute stretch.
For the last section by cogwheel train to Rigi Kulm, enter:
- from "Rigi Kaltbad-First" (for the cogwheel train stop next to the cable car station in Rigi Kaltbad)
- to "Rigi Kulm"
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 pleasantly quiet in terms of visitor numbers. Just pay attention to the several operational breaks.
- January and February offer the best chances of snow and winter activities, such as sledding. Don't count on this too much: Rigi is quite low for Swiss standards.
All 3 routes
Rigi
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Unlimited travel
Lucerne Travel Pass
Unlimited train, bus, boat, lifts & mountain railways around Lucerne.
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Swiss Travel Pass
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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.
Especially in autumn, I advise checking live cams from the top. Low clouds and fog in the valleys are common, but the top station Rigi Kulm may rise above those, meaning that it can be brilliantly sunny up there!
Clouds, drizzle, and some snow at and around the top don't have to be a problem. But don't go hiking if heavy rain, wind, fog, hail, or heavy snow is predicted. Even though many trails at Rigi are relatively easy, such weather poses serious hazards.
The trains and cable cars will keep operating in all sorts of weather, except in extreme conditions.
The cogwheel train to the top of Mount Rigi is just one of many options. When we build your travel plan, we consider every route: boat ride, cable car, or walk, and match it to what fits you best and to the other sightseeing we’ve included in your itinerary.
Arno from MySwissAlps➤ Example itineraries with Mount Rigi included
Best of Switzerland itinerary
Ultimate scenic train itinerary
Best Swiss winter train itinerary
Special Rigi train and cable car experiences
Historic rolling stock and steam trains
All routes to Rigi are beautiful as they are. But you can turn your trip into an even more memorable experience.
- During the summer season, nostalgic carriages often operate from Vitznau on Wednesdays in the summer season
- You can see lots of historic rolling stock on both routes during the Rigi Historic XXL days, held twice a year: on Pentecost Sunday and on 1 August (Switzerland’s national celebration day).
- About once a month, on selected Sundays, you can take a ride in a nostalgic steam train from Vitznau or Arth-Goldau.
The “Lok 7” exhibition
At no additional cost, you can visit this indoor exhibition at the top station Rigi Kulm. In an immersive experience, it explains about the history of this locomotive, dating back to 1873.
Special culinary experiences
The options below require advance booking and are not included in regular tickets or rail passes:
- 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. The dinner ride is available on request.
- The Royal Rigi Experience is a truly special privatized trip, available on request from April to October. Around 16:30 (when most travelers end their day trip and travel down from Rigi), you’ll ride up in a historic carriage from Vitznau, while being served appetizers and wines, and making a couple of stops to enjoy the views. A personal host can tell you interesting anecdotes about the Rigi railways. Up at the top station Rigi Kulm, you’ll get to enjoy a 3-course dinner in another exclusive historic carriage. A historic train transports you back down to Vitznau or Arth-Goldau.
In addition, you can book a guided tour of the train depot in Vitznau. As a flat rate applies, this is best suited for groups (up to 20).
What to see and do at Rigi
The wide views from Rigi
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 at Rigi
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.
Gastronomy: restaurants, picnic spots and dairy farms
Rigi Kaltbad and Rigi Kulm are perfect places for a panoramic culinary break. You’ll find several hotel-restaurants and a kiosk at Rigi Kaltbad, plus a mountain restaurant with a large terrace and superb views at Rigi Kulm.
You’ll also find lots of public picnic and grill spots along the hiking trails.
If you’re interested in hand-crafted tea, vinegar, syrups, mustard, and more products made with fresh local mountain herbs, pay a visit to the small shop at Hotel Edelweiss near the station of Rigi Staffelhöhe.
A visit to one of the local dairy farms is recommended, too:
- At a 20-minute hike from the top station Rigi Kulm, you’ll reach the Chäserenholz dairy farm, shop, and restaurant with wonderful views. You can book a guided tour as well. And for groups, a cheese- and butter-making workshop is available.
- Just 10 to 15 minutes on foot from the stations of Rigi Kaltbad or Rigi Wölfertschen-First, you’ll find the Rigi First dairy farm, where you can watch live cheese-making from mid-May to mid-September and book a guided tour (available year-round). The shop sells locally made products.
- Another small dairy farm (Trieb) can be visited in the summer season, in 20 to 30 minutes on foot from the railway station of Rigi Klösterli.
Winter fun
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. Equipment is for rent at the top station Rigi Kulm.
What else to see and do
Rigi is all about nature, cogwheel train rides, hiking, and wonderful views. That’s the mountain’s charm! Don’t expect lots of exhilarating attractions here. But in addition to hiking, culinary experiences, and scenic rides, there’s certainly more to enjoy:
- Book a 30- or 60-minute horse-drawn carriage ride from Rigi Kaltbad. Even a fondue ride is possible.
- Fun for families: test your minigolf skills at Rigi Kaltbad, or explore the Rigiland adventure playground.
- Rigi Kaltbad is a perfect place for spa and wellness treatments, plus the outdoor mineral baths with alpine views.
- Book a personal, guided tour with the Alpine herdsman at the Chäserenholz dairy farm.
Other activities to do on the same day
My suggestions for other excursions to do on the same day as your Rigi visit:
- Fun for families: pay a visit to the small animal park at Arth-Goldau.
- 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
-
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
- www.rigi.ch: map of the Rigi area
- www.rigi.ch: Rigi summer and winter activities
- www.rigi.ch: Rigi hiking trails
- www.rigi.ch: historic and culinary rides, and train depot
- www.rigi.ch: steam train rides
- www.rigi.ch: Royal Rigi Experience
- www.rigi.ch: restaurants at Rigi
- www.rigi.ch: souvenir shops, dairy shops, and kiosks at Rigi
- www.rigi.ch: group activities
Schedules
- www.rigi.ch: timetables of the Rigi cogwheel trains and cable cars
Prices
- www.rigi.ch: Rigi standard ticket prices
Free with the Swiss Travel Pass in Lucerne
Hike Rigi Kaltbad-Rigi Scheidegg
Boat Lake Lucerne
Bürgenstock
Pilatus
Stanserhorn
Town walk Lucerne
Lucerne
