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Mountain · Lucerna, Lucerna
Rigi
Massif between the lakes of Lucerne, Zug and Lauerz, with its summit at Rigi Kulm, 1,797 m, served by the first mountain railway in Europe, opened in 1871.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Rigi
Rigi is an isolated massif, almost entirely surrounded by the lakes of the Four Cantons, Lake Zug and Lake Lauerz. The summit, Rigi Kulm, stands at 1,797 m. Because it is separated from the main Alpine chain, it offers open views to the lakes on one side and snowy peaks on the other.
Around 1840, about 40,000 visitors climbed Rigi each summer. Many went to see the sunrise; the English painter William Turner made a series of paintings of the massif, and Mark Twain wrote about the ascent.
In 1871 the Vitznau–Rigi line opened, the first mountain railway in Europe. In 1875 the Arth–Goldau line followed. Today two cogwheel trains climb to the Kulm, and an aerial cableway links Weggis to Rigi Kaltbad, a former spa station.
Rigi operates year-round, with trails in summer and sledging and snow hikes in winter. Check operations before you go up.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day to a full day.
Best time
From May to October for hiking between Rigi Kulm, Staffel and Kaltbad. For sunrise or sunset, stay overnight on the summit or check special trains. In winter, the mountain is usually snowy.
How to get there
Do the circuit: boat from Lucerne to Vitznau, cogwheel railway to Rigi Kulm, descend via the Arth–Goldau line and train back to Lucerne. Another option is the cableway from Weggis to Rigi Kaltbad.
Tip
Descend by train to Rigi Staffel or Kaltbad and walk part of the route: the trails between stations are wide and well signed.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Rigi
Rigi or Pilatus: which to choose?
Pilatus has sheer rock faces and the 48% rack railway; Rigi has open views of the lakes, gentler trails, and operates year-round. If you have time, do both.
How to get up to Rigi from Lucerna?
By boat to Vitznau and rack railway to the Kulm, or train to Arth-Goldau and rack railway from there. The Weggis cable car goes to Rigi Kaltbad.
Is Rigi open in winter?
Yes. The trains run year-round, with snow walking trails and toboggan runs, depending on conditions.