Mount Rigi: Day Trips and Tours from Zürich

Mount Rigi, also known as the Queen of the Mountains stands in the heart of Switzerland, with its highest peak, Rigi Kulm providing panoramic vistas of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding alpine areas.

Whether you are visiting during the summer or winter months, on a tour to Mount Rigi, you can experience various forms of alpine transport including gondolas, aerial cableways, and a mountain railway.

Mount Rigi tours from Zürich are jam-packed with memorable sights, pleasant activities and an impressive cultural and historical overview of this magnificent region.

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

How to get to Mount Rigi from Zürich?

Mount Rigi is located in central Switzerland, about 35 kilometers south of Zürich – although the road trip is approximately 51 kilometers in length.

From Zürich to Mount Rigi by car

Should you wish to self-drive, you can reach Mount Rigi along the A4 out of Zürich. The journey south will take approximately one hour.

From Zürich to Mount Rigi by public transport

If you prefer to travel by public transport, it is possible to catch the train from Zürich to Arth-Goldau after which you will need to take a taxi or private transfer to Rigi Kulm.

Guided tour to Mount Rigi from Zürich

The best way to maximize your time at Mount Rigi is on a guided tour. Destinations on the day trip and activities will change seasonally and may be subject to change depending on the weather.

Group and private day tours typically last between eight and 10 hours, while 2-day tours are also available.

How much does the entrance ticket to Mount Rigi cost?

Although there is no admission fee to access the mountain, you will need to pay to ascend the mountain by cable car or cog-wheel train. Tickets cost roughly €75 for a return trip or around €50 if you only book a one-way trip.

What is the typical itinerary?

On a typical coach day trip, you will join your group and travel to Mount Rigi. Your guide will show you the sights and landmarks on the way.

Once in Weggis, you will proceed to ascend the mountain by cable car and have time to explore and enjoy lunch and refreshments. After descending via cogwheel train, you will cross Lake Lucerne by boat.

There is usually time for some shopping and sightseeing in Lucerne before the return trip to Zürich.

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

Tours to Mount Rigi typically include a scenic drive and a stop in Lucerne is common. Tours differ seasonally due to accessibility of certain areas and the types of activities offered. Here is a summary of the most popular Mount Rigi day trips from Zürich:

Summer day trips to Mount Rigi from Zürich

A summer day trip from Zürich by coach includes a pass by Lake Lucerne and a drop-off at the summer resort town of Weggis. Ride the cable car up the mountain before descending to Vitznau by cogwheel train.

From Vitznau, the tour joins a boat to sail across to Lucerne for some shopping and sightseeing before rejoining the coach for the return journey to Zürich.

Winter day trips to Mount Rigi from Zürich

On a winter day tour to Mount Rigi, you will also travel to Weggis to commence your trip up Rigi Kulm by cable car. After a meal at one of the cozy restaurants, you might opt to rent a sled to reach the bottom of the valley, or you can use the cogwheel train to get to Vitznau.

A one-hour boat trip to Lucerne is included and you will have time to stroll down the Old Town streets before heading back by coach to Zürich.

Private trip from Zürich to Mount Rigi and Lucerne

On a private excursion, you have the benefit of being able to tailor your tour to suit your interests. Tours to Mount Rigi usually include time on the mountain, a boat journey on Lake Lucerne and the option of sightseeing or shopping in Lucerne before returning to Zürich.

Transport, including cable car or cogwheel train fares and the services of a private local guide, are included in this type of trip.

2-Day tour to Mount Rigi from Zürich

A 2-Day tour is ideal if you want some time to pamper yourself at the spa and mineral bath at Rigi Kaltbad. On the first day of your tour, you will have time to hike and explore the trails in the area.

After a morning relaxing in the mineral baths, you will descend to Vitznau and board your boat to sail to Lucerne. This type of tour is guided from Zürich to Weggis on the first day and from Lucerne back to Zürich.

Your tour operator will give you detailed guidance for the unguided portion of your tour.

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

Summer and winter day trips to Mount Rigi from Zürich start from €150 per adult, with children aged 6-15 costing around €75 each when traveling with an adult.

If you book a private trip from Zürich to Mount Rigi and Lucerne, you’ll pay roughly €400 per person for groups of up to five or around €1,150 if there are only two people on the excursion.

A 2-day tour to Mount Rigi from Zürich that includes a night at a luxury spa with a gourmet dinner costs from €450 and includes a guide for some of the itinerary.

Unless specified otherwise, most day tours include a boat cruise from Vitznau to Lucerne, but do not include lunch.

What will you see and do?

Mount Rigi is a wonderful outdoor experience with multiple activities on offer. You can ascend and descend the mountain by cable car or cogwheel train. There are over 120 kilometers of hiking trails to traverse and multiple lookout points provide panoramic views of the central Switzerland’s mountains, lakes and countryside.

If you are overnighting or have a bit of time to unwind, you can relax and enjoy luxurious pampering at the Rigi Kaltbad mineral baths and spa.

What are the opening times?

The cable car and cogwheel train at Mount Rigi are usually open from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM.

When is the best time to visit Mount Rigi?

With great seasonal activities available throughout the year, Mount Rigi is a good place to visit year-round. If you have specific interests, you may want to tailor your visiting time accordingly.

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 Lucerne

Travel tips

• Dress appropriately for the season
• Wear comfortable and supportive walking shoes.
• Remember sunscreen and a hat.
• Book tickets for the cable car and cogwheel train online in advance for the best price.