Mount Rigi “The Queen of the Mountains” as the local people in Central Switzerland calls her. In German language “Der Berg” uses a male article “der” to refer to the masculine subject: The Mountain; strangely Rigi uses the female article “die” since it is believe that it is a “she” and not a “he”. Local legends say that the name comes from the Latin word “Regina montium” but this hasn’t been proved. Whatever the origin, her unique elegance and mysterious beauty, is undeniable and spectacular
With a little of imagination you could see her natural, femenine and seductive curvy shape, which has been formed thousands of years ago, after the crash of the continents. She shows off her irresistible and delicated face every dawn with the sunrise coming behind her; she combs her hair with the first sunrays, she takes a look at herself in the clear crystal mirror lake water and she shows her shining smile. She is the queen of the mountains among many kings in the Swiss Alps which try to get her attention with their most spectacular display of lights. Just before sunset,when they are all bathed in honey colour light, she hides in thick clouds like an innocent girl does it behind her mother’s skirt. She will be waiting until the next morning to inspire travelers with her legendary and captive beauty and will allow to get seduced by the Swiss Alps once more!!!
RIGI KULM: GREAT FOR ENDLESS VISTAS
Clockwise from top left: Cyclist arriving at Rigi Kulm; Rigi Bahn employee; a plane flying among the Alps; Travelers looking for the righ direction; Swiss cow bell souvenirs; Cows show each other their love.
LOCAL VIEW
Name: Sandro
I have been working for the Rigi Bahn for the last 5 years during summer. I drive tourist to Rigi Kulm four or five times a day!
I’m from Luzern, i study law at a university but i love doing this job.
The atmospehere among my coworkers is great and i love looking tourist coming and going with happy faces after a day at the Queen of the Mountains: Rigi!!!
RIGI SCHEIDEGG: GREAT FOR EASY WALKING & TRADITION
Above: Different walking trails from Rigi Kaltbad to Scheidegg
LOCAL VIEW
Name: Joseph
I’am from Küssnacht am Rigi. I ‘am part of a Folk organization since 40 years already.
I like to sing outdoors on top of the mountain because you feel a lot of freedom.
Rigi is my favorite mountain of all in Switzerland!!!
CHÄNZELI: GREAT FOR ALL DAY VIEWS OVER THE LAKE & TREKING LIFE
Dusk View
MORNING VIEW
ROTSTOCK: GREAT FOR SUNRISE
Sunrise Overlooking the Lake of Four Kantons.
Sunrise overlooking Rigi Kulm from Rotstock.
ALPCHÄSERENHOLZ: GREAT FOR AUTHENTIC LOCAL LIFE AND LONELY PATHS
Clockwise from Above: Cows along the hiking path; cheese menu from alpchäserenholz; a treking path; welcome sign in swiss german “grüezi”
LOCAL VIEW
Name: Denisse Haag
I work since a year here in the kässerei.
We prepare 1,300 milch to make the cheese per day! And each summer we get from 10 to 12 tons cheese ready to sell.
My favorire cheese is the mutschi.
What i like the most from living in the mountain is the fresh air and quietness during the whole day, well except when we are full and we have to wait on hungry travelers like you!!!;)
RIGI KALTBAD: GREAT FOR FINE DINING AND RELAX IN A SPA
Clockwise from top: Rigi Kaltbad Spa overlooking the Swiss Alps; Sample gourmet menu at Hotel Rigi Kaltbad.
LOCAL VIEW
Name: Chantal
I’m from Kanton Luzern and i work as a receptionist in the Hotel Rigi Kaltbad.
What i enjoy the most from Rigi Mountain is the Panorama view you get; it is like a picture book, each day is different and i also like when it’s not a clear blue sky!!!
Personally i love the mountain life style!!!
MAKE IT HAPPEN
GETTING THERE
Vitznau station is located directly on Lake Lucerne, perfect for combining a boat trip with the Rigi mountain experience.
By boat
Regular ferries run from Lucerne (60 min) and other towns on Lake Lucerne. After arriving at the Vitznau pier, it’s a 50 m walk to the Rigi Bahn valley station.
The ferry to Vitznau is part of the Majestic Round Trip and the Classic Rigi Round Trip.
SGV timetable
By car/coach
-A4 motorway, exit (no. 36) at Küssnacht, main road to Vitznau
-A2 motorway, exit (no. 36) at Altdorf/Flüelen, Axenstrasse to Brunnen, main road to Vitznau
Route planner
Parking
There is a new covered car park in Vitznau (Altdorfbachweg). From there, it’s a 200 m walk to the Rigi Bahn valley station.
By bus
Bus no. 2 with connections from Schwyz, Brunnen, Gersau, Weggis and Küssnacht.
AAGS timetable
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Rigi Kaltbad
Either for a weekend or for a day excursion this is the ideal place to choose. Combine your stay with one of the packages which includes their mouth watering menu and the free entrance to the Mineral bad & Spa.
Rooms are clean & bright. Pick a room with a view towards the Alps, wake up early morning, open your window and you will be transported to the heaven’s roof itself!!!
SPECIAL THANKS
HOTEL RIGI KALTBAD RIGI BAHNEN
Photo Story Highlights
After waking up at 5 in the morning to be on time to get the sunrise from Rotstock, I walked for 40 minutes up hill with the Tripod, two camera bodies and two lenses. It was very exhausting but once you are at the top to admire the uncomparable beauty of the nature, you wish you could make this moment last forever and never have to leave again!!!