Rigi round trip by boat and train from Lucerne, self-guided
Highlights
- Enjoy a whole day pure Rigi
- Journey by ship across Lake Lucerne to
- Ride Europe's first cogwheel railroad from Vitznau to Rigi Kulm
- Enjoy a spectacular view and 360° panoramic view
- With the GA and the Swiss Travel Pass you travel for free
Description
Enjoy a full day on Mount Rigi with a journey via the enchanting Lake Lucerne. On this unique circular tour you’ll experience everything the Queen of the Mountains has to offer.
You’ll start your trip on your own in Lucerne with a relaxed cruise across the beautiful Lake Lucerne to Vitznau. To make sure you have enough time on the Rigi, we recommend boarding the ship that leaves Lucerne at 09:12. You’ll sail to Vitznau.
From Vitznau, the Rigi Bahn takes you up to the Queen of the Mountains. The train runs hourly on the oldest cog railway in Europe from Vitznau to Rigi Kulm. You have a direct connection from the ship to the mountain railway.
After a short ascent you’ll reach the main objective at about 11:00: the summit of Rigi Kulm. From the viewpoint you’ll enjoy a 360° panorama. And you might even spot all 13 lakes visible from the summit...
Treat yourself to a meal at one of the restaurants you’ll find on the Rigi, or enjoy a picnic you’ve brought along.
What about a little walk afterwards? The Flower Path takes you, for example, from the Lok 7 restaurant via Staffelhöhe to the Känzeli viewpoint. And from the viewpoint, you’ll then reach Rigi Kaltbad.
In the afternoon the cog railway takes you to Vitznau or the cable car to Weggis. From there you’ll cruise back to Lucerne by boat at a comfortable pace.
Practical information:
- With the round-trip ticket you can plan your journey at your own pace
- You’ll spend the whole day on your own and won’t be accompanied by a guide
- Check the latest departure times online before your trip
Swiss Activities Tip
On the Rigi you'll find the wonderful Mineralbad & Spa Rigi Kaltbad. From the bathing complex to saunas, spa lounges, massages, and the Crystal Bath, there's something for every taste here. A visit perfectly caps off your royal excursion to the Rigi.
Getting around in a wheelchair
Wheelchair-accessible stops on the cog railways:
- Goldau valley station (incl. WC)
- Klösterli
- Staffel (incl. WC)
- Rigi Kulm (incl. WC)
- Vitznau valley station (incl. WC)
- Rigi Kaltbad (incl. WC)
- Staffelhöhe
- Rigi Staffel (incl. WC)
- Rigi Kulm (incl. WC)
Wheelchair-accessible aerial cableways:
- Kräbel - Rigi Scheidegg
- Weggis - Rigi Kaltbad (lifts)
- Küssnacht - Seebodenalp SGV ships:
- All ships (except MS Rütli) are wheelchair-accessible.
- Toilets for wheelchair users on all ships (except MS Rütli and MS Mythen)
- Access to the outdoor decks and the second-class restaurants is on one level.
Inclusions
Ticket for boat crossing between Lucerne and Vitznau in second class
Ticket for Rigi Railways (including all cogwheel railways and cable cars)
Guide
Meeting point
Schifflände Luzern, Steg 1, 6003 Luzern
Landungsbrücke 1, 6003 Luzern, Schweiz
Important information
- Reservations must be made for groups of 10+ people.
- Please check in advance the timetables on the day of travel
Provider
Operated by
Rigi Bahnen AG
Verified provider
Reviews
41 Reviews
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Everything fit perfectly and worked out smoothly. A later boat trip in the evening would have been nice to allow for more time.
Christiane
13 Sept 2025
Was great
Urs
11 Aug 2025









