Mount Rigi: Day Trips and Tours from Lucerne

The "Queen of the Mountains," as Mount Rigi is known, is one of the most popular and exciting destinations throughout the year.

Nestled between three scenic lakes at an altitude of over 1,700 meters, Mount Rigi stands out as one of the most beautiful areas in the heart of Switzerland.

Day trips to Mount Rigi from Lucerne will give you a great taste of the alpine country, with a boat cruise in Lake Lucerne and hiking in the mountain trails.

Here's everything you need to know about Mount Rigi, one of the most exciting day trips from Lucerne.

How to get to Mount Rigi from Lucerne?

Mount Rigi is conveniently located about 20 kilometers east of Lucerne. To reach the summit, you must take a cable car or cogwheel train from Vitznau, Arth-Goldau or Weggis.

From Lucerne to Mount Rigi by car

You can travel to Mount Rigi from Lucerne by car, but you will have to take the cable car or cogwheel train to reach the summit. The most direct and scenic route to Arth-Goldau is via Route 2.

The drive, which passes by Lake Lucerne and Lake Zug, takes about 30 minutes.

From Lucerne to Mount Rigi by public transport

There are a few options to reach Mount Rigi from Lucerne by public transportation. The quickest route is to take the train from Lucerne to Arth-Goldau and from there continue to Rigi Kulm with the cable car. This journey takes just under 1.5 hours.

Alternatively, you can take a ferry boat or train to Vitznau and from there continue with the cable car. This route takes just over 1.5 hours. You can also travel to Rigi Kaltbad via Weggis, with the journey taking just over an hour to complete.

Guided tour to Mount Rigi from Lucerne

If you would like to avoid driving out to Mount Rigi and taking public transportation, then consider booking a guided tour. These tours are typically flexible and will allow you to enjoy the scenic drive from Lucerne.

How much does the entrance ticket to Mount Rigi cost?

While there is no entrance fee to Mount Rigi, you will need to buy a cogwheel or cable car ticket to travel to the summit. Return tickets from Arth-Goldau, Vitznau or Weggis cost CHF 72 (about €70), while single-way tickets cost CHF 45 (about €45).

What is the typical itinerary?

Your excursion to Mount Rigi begins by heading to the boat station in Lucerne to meet your group, or with a pickup if your tour includes it. Your cruise in Lake Lucerne will take you to Vitznau, from where you take the train to Rigi Kulm.

Once you reach the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the alpine landscape and the Black Forest, as well as explore the hiking trails.

Depending on your tour, you may then continue to the thermals baths at Rigi Kaltbad, before descending to Weggis by train. From there you return to Lucerne by boat.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Mount Rigi?

Self-guided tour to Mount Rigi from Lucerne

The most affordable way to visit Mount Rigi from Lucerne is with a self-guided tour. These include all necessary tickets and an indicative itinerary, allowing you the flexibility to explore the alpine landscape at your own pace.

Guided tours to Mount Rigi from Lucerne

For a more comprehensive experience, you can join a guided tour to Mount Rigi. Typically, these depart from Lucerne to Vitznau and return from Weggis, with plenty of time to explore the mountain. Guided excursions usually last about 7 hours.

Helicopter flight over Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus from Lucerne

If you do not have a lot of time available, you can explore Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus by air. A scenic helicopter tour from Lucerne usually lasts about 3 hours, with 30 minutes of flight time to take in the magnificent view.

Private tour to Mount Rigi from Lucerne

For a more relaxed and flexible excursion, a private tour to Mount Rigi will ensure that you don't miss anything.  These may include luxury transportation by coach and an experienced guide, as well as additional activities. Private tours usually last 8 to 9 hours.

Private tour to Mount Rigi plus Mount Pilatus from Lucerne

To get an even greater taste of the alpine landscape, there area private tours that cover Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus. These tours are ideal from small groups, include guided hikes on both mountains and typically last about 10 hours.

How much does a day trip to Mount Rigi from Lucerne cost?

For a self-guided tour to Mount Rigi from Lucerne, the cost ranges from €70 to €160 per person. The cheapest options only cover transport from Vitznau, Weggis and Goldau, while the more expensive tours include a roundtrip cruise on Lake Lucerne and access to thermal baths.

A guided tour to Mount Rigi costs about €115 to €130 per person and includes all travel fare, a lake cruise and a guide.

Helicopter tours over Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus cost between €250 and €600 per person, depending on the size of your group. You will have to make your way to the airfield and pay an additional CHF5 (about €5) airport tax.

A private tour to Mount Rigi from Lucerne typically costs between €350 to €500 per adult. This includes roundtrip transportation from your hotel and a private guide. Depending on the tour you book, you may also have access to the Rigi Kaltbad thermal baths.

For a private tour to Mount Rigi plus Mount Pilatus from Lucerne, expect to pay €1,000 per person. Included in the price are roundtrip transportation from your hotel, a boat ride on Lake Lucerne, lunch and a guide.

What will you see and do?

Mount Rigi is an excellent destination for outdoor activities, with something for everyone. You can reach the summit by cable car or cogwheel train and be rewarded with an astonishing panoramic view.

Once get to the top, there are over 120 kilometers of hiking trails to explore and many lookout points to admire central Switzerland’s alpine countryside. For a dose of adrenaline, you can also try paragliding or hit the ski slopes.

While you are there, you can savor the local cuisine and round off your day with some pampering at the Rigi Kaltbad thermal baths.

What are the opening times?

You can reach the peak of Mount Rigi with the train from Vitznau between 9 AM and 10 PM. The cable car services from Weggis operate between 8 AM and 7 PM, while from Arth-Goldau between 8 AM and 6 PM (4 PM during the winter).

When is the best time to visit Mount Rigi?

Mount Rigi is open to visitors throughout the year, with many activities on offer. During the winter months, Mount Rigi is a popular destination for skiing and sledging, while in the summer there are many hiking trails to explore.

Are there any tours to Mount Rigi from other cities in Switzerland?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Switzerland:

• Day trips to Mount Rigi from Zürich

Travel tips

• Slip-resistant hiking boots are essential to explore the mountain.
• Dress warm, as the weather can be freezing even during the summer.
• Take sunglasses with you because the snow can be blinding on a sunny day.
• Mount Rigi is very popular throughout the year, so book ahead of time.