Mount Rigi, located in the central part of Switzerland, is easily accessible from the famous city of Lucerne. Standing at a height of 1800 meters and surrounded by three lakes, it is known as the Queen of the Mountains.
Mount Rigi is special. This mountain is for everyone! Why? Because it's easy to reach the summit using the Rigi Bahn cogwheel train. The hiking trails are easy and require minimal fitness, passing through meadows, villages, valleys, and overlooking gorgeous lakes. The views from the top are breathtaking!
One big bonus: the ride to Mount Rigi is included in the Swiss Travel Pass. So, here is everything you need to know about Mount Rigi, how to get there, and how to make the most of your visit with your family.
This is a quick guide for how/when to plan your trip to Rigi and things to do!
How to Get There -
There are several ways to reach Mount Rigi. If you're staying in Lucerne or Weggis, head to Vitznau. You can reach Vitznau, by taking a train from Lucerne to Kussnacht am Rigi and then take a bus to Vitznau or take a ferry to Vitznau from Lucerne.
From Vitznau, take the cogwheel train - Rigi bahn (Europe's first cogwheel train) up to the summit. The cogwheel train ride is a lot of fun, offering gorgeous views all around!
Another option is to take the cable car from Weggis to Rigi Kaltbad and then hike your way up to Rigi Kulm.
We chose the first option, that is the cogwheel train, to ascend to Rigi Kulm, then hiked down to Rigi Kaltbad and took the cable car back down to Weggis.
When to Visit -
While the mountains of Switzerland are understandably popular with tourists during summer and winter, we visited in late spring and would totally recommend going in May. During spring, wildflowers are sprinkled across the beautiful landscape, making you feel like dancing with joy!
Rigi Klum and surrounding viewpoints -
When we reached the top, there was still quite a bit of snow retreating, making some parts of the walking trails quite slushy! But can you really complain? The view was gorgeous! Just wear good shoes and you’re all set!
This is the Rigi Kulm station, the last stop of the cogwheel train. There are many benches to sit on and enjoy the view, and plenty of toilets available.
There's also a restaurant at the summit with a viewing platform.
After the short, steep climb to the summit from the train station, it's time to soak in the views and enjoy the crisp mountain air.
Downhill trails are paved in some parts, especially as they pass through charming villages.
The signage for various trails, transport options, and estimated times are very clear and frequent.
Gorgeous views and multiple viewpoints abound all around!
Carpet of wildflowers along the mountain slopes.
Here's are some tips and suggestions for planning a trip to Rigi:
Sunscreen: Apply enough sunscreen and reapply frequently to avoid sunburn during your fun excursion to Rigi.
Water: Carry plenty of water. Unlike most cities and towns in Switzerland with drinkable fountains, we didn't find any on Rigi. It's better to carry enough water to explore hassle-free.
Snacks: Essential when traveling with kids. Pack your backpack with snacks to keep everyone's tummies happy and make the day more enjoyable. If you're on a budget, pack a lunch and turn it into a picnic!
Sunglasses: Bring a pair for yourself and your child. The sun can be harsh, and you don't want your kids squinting and missing out on the fun.
Shoes: While the trails are generally easy, downhill sections or melting snow can make them slippery. Wear appropriate footwear.
Baby Carrier: A stroller isn't ideal for exploring the trails. Bring a good baby carrier for your toddler.
Weather: Check the weather at the mountain top using the MeteoSwiss app and webcam feeds before planning your trip.
We had an amazing time exploring Rigi Kulm and soaking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. We even enjoyed a picnic lunch at the summit!
The trail from Rigi Kulm to Kaltbad took us a bit longer than expected, but that was because we kept stopping to admire the views and breathe in the fresh mountain air. The whole area was incredibly peaceful, and the gentle tinkling of cowbells felt like music to our ears!
Lastly, we had a blast riding the cogwheel train on our way up and the cable car as we descended back to Weggis.
Overall, Rigi is perfect for families with young kids! We would love to visit again!
We hope this blog helps you plan your own trip to the Queen of Mountains—Rigi!
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