Rigi Mountain Railways
Unforgettable Rides on the Queen of the Mountains
"I want to lead all people up the mountains so that everyone can enjoy the glory of our sublime country!" Niklaus Riggenbach (1817–1899)
What began as a vision of the mountain railway pioneer Riggenbach has now developed into a mountain railway paradise. A total of nine trains carry passengers up the Rigi to experience breathtaking experiences for both young and old.
The first train in Europe was the cog railway from Vitznau to Rigi Staffelhöhe. Today, the legendary steam locomotive No. 7 has been put back into operation on special occasions, giving passengers a feeling of pure nostalgia.
Mountain Trains on the Rigi
From the Rigi, there is a fantastic panorama looking out over more than 13 lakes and, in clear conditions, 24 of the 26 Swiss cantons.
The Mineralbad & Spa in Rigi Kaltbad offers pure relaxation. Special packages include the train from Vitznau or the cable car from Weggis as well as admission to the spa.
Whether in a simple “mountain inn” or in a gourmet restaurant, the regional products taste even better in the fresh mountain air.
Up the Rigi by Cogwheel Train
Two cogwheel railways bring visitors to Rigi Kulm. Once at the top, the view from the vantage points sweeps over the imposing Swiss mountains. In addition, a variety of sports activities such as hiking, skiing and sledding start from Rigi Kulm. But the journey alone is an experience in itself.
Nostalgic trips to Rigi Kulm with the historic cogwheel trains start from Vitznau and Goldau.
Discover the Rigi with Aerial Tramways
The journey with the Weggis cable car leads to the village of Rigi-Kaltbad with its architectural highlight, the Mineral Baths & Spa. To go even higher, hop on the cogwheel railway connection to Rigi Kulm.
The Kräbel-Rigi Scheidegg cable car brings visitors to a paradise for family excursions. Numerous hikes also start here.
The Oberschwend cable car quickly takes passengers to the destination of Rigi Burggeist on the beautiful Gersauer mountain at 1,551 meters above sea level.
Lake Lucerne below, Rigi Kulm above: the Küssnacht-Seebodenalp cable car gives its passengers this fantastic view at the end station in the Seebodenalp hiking and winter sports area.
The Vitznau-Hinterbergen gondola is in continuous operation, offering hikers the opportunity for impressive off-hours excursions such as full-moon hikes. In the Hinterbergen Mountain Restaurant by the mountain station, visitors dine with a wonderful view of Lake Lucerne.
The Vitznau-Wissifluh gondola climbs almost 450 meters in altitude to whisk passengers to a cozy restaurant and inn with outstanding views. In 2012, Wissifluh's charm seduced filmmakers and became the setting for an episode of the famous TV series "Tatort".
The journey on the Brunnen-Urmiberg cable car also runs steeply uphill, covering an impressive 702 meters in altitude. Upon arrival at the Urmiberg, you can take a refreshment in the Timpelweid mountain restaurant to start your hike full of energy.
Key Dates in the Rigi Mountain Railways:
2021: The Rigi Railway celebrates its 150th anniversary.
2020: On September 15th, in preparation for the 150th anniversary in 2021, steam locomotive No. 7 crosses the lake from Lucerne to Vitznau.
2009: Steam locomotive no. 7 runs again on its former main Rigi route until the end of September to mark the 50th anniversary of the Swiss Museum of Transport.
1996: To mark the 125th anniversary of the Vitznau-Rigi Railway, historic steam locomotive No. 7 runs on its former route.
1993: On July 15, new panoramic cabins are inaugurated to mark the 25th anniversary of the Weggis cable car.
1968: The Weggis cable car begins operating on July 15th.
1937: Steam locomotive no. 7, built in 1873, is taken out of service and exhibited in the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne.
1906: The Vitznau-Rigi-Bahn runs in winter for the first time.
1874: The Vitznau-Rigi-Bahn transports more than 100,000 passengers as a world sensation in its fourth year of operation.
1873: The Vitznau-Rigi-Bahn runs for the first time on the section from Staffelhöhe to Kulm.
1871: The first mountain railway in Europe, from Vitznau to Rigi Staffelhöhe, is inaugurated.
1870: On the 53rd birthday of the builder Niklaus Riggenbach, the first test run of the Rigi steam locomotive is carried out.