SwissDayTrip: Hike to Mount Rigi

Welcome back to our travel series! Today, I am sharing one of my favorite excursions. With the arrival of good weather, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a marvelous day out, featuring a simple hike and breathtaking scenery.

EIGHTH BLOG: Moderate Hike, Two different Routes to Mount Rigi

Today, I will be sharing with you my experience hiking up Mount Rigi in Lucerne, Switzerland. This iconic mountain offers breathtaking views and a memorable outdoor experience that you won’t soon forget. So, let’s dive in and explore the beauty of Mount Rigi!

In this blog, you will find different ways to climb the mountain and tips on how to do the hike which as always I recommend starting early and about my experience, I have hiked up this mountain following two different routes. Before embarking on the hike, I highly recommend using hiking apps like AllTrails or SwissTopo to plan your route and stay on track.

Starting Point: Vitznau

One of my journeys began in the picturesque village of Vitznau, which is easily accessible from Lucerne by boat. The boat ride itself offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Lucerne, making it the perfect start to the day.

The hike from Vitznau is a bit longer and more challenging, but incredibly rewarding. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the lake below, making every step worth it.

 One of the highlights along the way is Kaltbad, where you’ll find Mineral Pools with stunning views, perfect for a break and rest.

After reaching Kaltbad, continue your journey to Rigi Kulm, the highest point of the mountain at 1797 meters above sea level. Here, you will be greeted by breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes and the majestic Alps.

A fun fact is that at the Kulm, you will also find a massive stone brought all the way from China, a fascinating piece of trivia to ponder as you take in the scenery.

Be sure to bundle up, even in summer, as the summit can be quite windy. Along the hike, you will find natural water sources and some bars and restaurants, including one at Rigi Kulm where you can refuel before your descent.

After enjoying the stunning vistas from the summit, you have several options for your return journey. You can take a train from Rigi Kulm or a cable car from Rigi Kaltbad down to the village of Weggis. Alternatively, if you have enough daylight left, you can retrace your steps back down the mountain.

Alternative Route: Goldau

For those seeking a quieter and equally scenic route, consider starting your hike from Goldau. The views from this side of the mountain are entirely different but equally breathtaking. You can choose to hike to Rigi Kaltbad first and then ascend to Rigi Kulm or head directly to Rigi Kulm for a slightly more challenging trek.

Whether you choose the route from Vitznau or Goldau, hiking Mount Rigi is an unforgettable experience suitable for all skill levels. I completed this hike in February 2024 and enjoyed every moment, especially since there was no snow to contend with. So, don’t hesitate to embark on this adventure and immerse yourself in the beauty of Switzerland’s landscapes.

If you have any questions about this excursion or hiking Mount Rigi in general, feel free to leave them in the comments below.

Don’t forget to share your adventures with us on Instagram: @SwissTripDay.

Thank you for joining, and remember: Never stop traveling! ?