The Rigi “Classic Round Trip” is an easy day trip from Lucerne, visiting nearby Mt Rigi.

1. Your journey starts with a relaxing boat ride on Lake Lucerne to Vitznau, a small village at the base of the Rigi mountain.

2. Then ride a vintage cogwheel mountain train to the Rigi Kulm viewpoint at 1,798 m.

3. You can wander around the top, enjoying panorama views of many mountains and lakes. Near the top, there is a restaurant with a large outdoor terrace.

4. After enjoying the views at the top, ride train back down to Vitznau and boat back to Lucerne.

You can optionally add on a short hike partway down the mountain, lunch at a mountain restaurant, playground time for kids, or even visit the spa on the mountain. More about those options below.

Plan a 4-5 hours for this excursion. Learn more in our SwissFamilyFun.com article.

How to get there

This round trip excursion starts and ends at the Lucerne ferry dock, directly across from the Lucerne train station. The boat usually leaves from Pier 1 - see on Google Maps.

If you are arriving by car, we suggest parking in the P3 lot next to the train station - Bahnhofpl. 1, 6002 Luzern

Tickets

The mountain trains and boat ride are free with the Swiss Travel Pass, Tell Pass, and SBB GA / Day Pass.

Without a pass, you can book Rigi Classic Round Trip with Boat from Lucerne, which includes the boat and mountain train tickets.

You can also purchase tickets directly at the ferry dock. With the Swiss Half Fare Card, you get a discount on both the boat and mountain train.

Opening times

The boat and Rigi mountain trains run year round. Check current schedule for the boat and mountain trains.

Other activities

If you like to hike, you can hike from Rigi Kulm on panorama trail to the cliff walk. Then hike over to Rigi Kaltbad station and catch the mountain train down to Vitznau.

For families, there are two playgrounds at the Rigi Kaltbad-First station, halfway down the mountain. On your way down from Rigi Kulm, you could get off the train at this top and visit the playgrounds. Then later get back on the train and continue riding down to Vitznau.

If you want more relaxation, you can visit the Rigi Kaltbad mineral baths, with an infinity pool overlooking Lake Lucerne.

More info

Rigi website: www.rigi.ch

Current conditions: webcam • weather • trail status

More details: Read our post about Rigi Classic Round Trip