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Day trip boat cruise Lake Lucerne and Mt. Rigi

Short summary – read this first

A traveler is planning a day combining a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne with a trip to Mt. Rigi. They initially considered cruising to Brunnen but are now thinking about Vitznau instead, seeking advice on transportation and hiking spots for their July visit. They also want to confirm if everything is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass.

Key takeaways:
  • Use the cogwheel train from Vitznau to Mt. Rigi, as it's really convenient after the boat ride.
  • The Swiss Travel Pass covers the boat, cogwheel train, and various trains, making it a great option for this trip.
  • For a scenic round trip, consider taking the train to Flüelen, a steamer to Vitznau, the cogwheel up to Rigi, and then returning via boat to Lucerne.
  • If you enjoy a leisurely walk, consider the trail from Rigi Kulm to Rigi Kaltbad for beautiful views.
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InfoAI-generated summary
  • autumnz
    Participant
    83 posts
    7 January 2018 at 18:14:24 #813965

    Thank you for your help so far!

    I would like to spend a day combining a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne with a trip to Mt. Rigi. Originally, I was going to cruise to Brunnen or Fluren and take the train back to Lucerne. But now, I am thinking cruise to Vitsnu and take the cogwheel train to Mt. Rigi. Visit the top, maybe some easy walking trails. Then, back to Lucerne. I think this is all covered with Swiss Travel pass too (?).

    In my research, I found a note that stated that the cogwheel trains are timed with the trains. But, using the SBB timetable, It seems there is about a 40 min gap when I put Vitsnu to Mt. Rigi- maybe this is not the cogwheel, but a different train?

    Can you advise on the best transportation to get to Rigi and then back to Lucerne? Are there any nice spots to stop and walk/hike along the way?

    All suggestions on a nice day exploring the Lake is much appreciated. It will be a Monday in July, and our first day after arrival.

    Thank You,

  • rockoyster
    Participant
    8872 posts
    Reply 1 of 4 • 7 January 2018 at 20:26:04 #873754

    G’day autumnz

    Read all about Rigi here http://www.myswissalps.com/ri gi.

    There is only the cogwheel up and down or the Cable car to Weggis. The boat arrives, you walk only 30 meters and hop on the train.

    You can go up from Vitznau and down the other side to Arth-Goldhau and back to Lucerne by train. I did the reverse.

    All covered by Swiss Travel Pass.

    For hiking see http://www.rigi.ch/en/Experie nce-Enjoy/Summer/Hiking/Ri gi-hiking-trails

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    rockoyster
    Participant
    8872 posts
    Reply 2 of 4 • 7 January 2018 at 20:33:16 #873755

    The paddle-wheel steamer ride to Flüelen is wonderful.

    In a day you could do that, train back to Arth-Goldhau, up to Rigi Kulm, down to Weggis or Vitznau and boat back to Lucerne.

    But if you like hiking maybe relaxing on a boat is not your thing?

    autumnz
    Participant
    83 posts
    Reply 3 of 4 • 7 January 2018 at 22:36:42 #873756

    I use the term “hiking” very loosely. We don’t mind a nice stroll looking at the scenery. 🙂

    rockoyster
    Participant
    8872 posts
    Reply 4 of 4 • 7 January 2018 at 23:44:22 #873757

    My kind of hiking! 😎

    By the way I think the the steamer trip is perhaps better from Flüelen than the other way round in summer. The sun is not in you eyes travelling north to Brunnen.

    So consider train to Flüelen, steamer back to Vitznau, cog wheel up Rigi, Cable car down to Weggis, boat back to Lucerne. That would make a nice round trip if the weather is good. You may even want to try the walk down from Rigi Kulm to Rigi Kaltbad (although I’m not sure how long that is at least it is downhill).

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