Mount Pilatus & Mount Rigi Day Tour from Lucerne: Two summits

Ride the steepest cogwheel train in the world, then climb a second summit the same afternoon

This full-day tour from Lucerne takes you to Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi, the two most visited mountains near the city, using cogwheel trains, a boat, and a cable car. All tickets are included in the price. The route requires no hiking. You travel by public transport the entire way, making it accessible regardless of fitness level.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Pilatus Railways4h · entry included
2. Mount Rigi6h · entry included

Visit Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi

• Take train to Mount Pilatus
• Ride steepest cogwheel train up Pilatus
• Enjoy views from Pilatus summit
• Boat ride to Vitznau village
• Cogwheel train to Mount Rigi summit
• Enjoy views from Mount Rigi
• Cable car down to Weggis
• Boat ride back to Lucerne

The experience

Start with Mount Pilatus, Lucerne's home mountain at 7,000 feet. A standard train gets you partway up, then you board the Pilatus Railways (the steepest cogwheel train in the world) for the final push to the summit. From the top, you get a sweeping view of Lucerne and the surrounding Alps before descending the same way.

From Pilatus, a boat carries you across the lake to Vitznau, a village on the lower slopes of Mount Rigi. The boat ride breaks up the day and lets you take in the alpine scenery without moving under your own power. From Vitznau, you board a second cogwheel train to reach Rigi's summit: the Queen of the mountains, as locals call it. This second peak gives you a different angle on the Swiss Alps and a second high-altitude moment in a single day.

The descent from Rigi uses a cable car down to Weggis, then another boat ride back to Lucerne. The whole day runs about ten hours and uses only public transport, so there's no hiking, no driving, and no physical strain beyond walking on and off trains and boats. Restrooms are available on board.

What’s included

• All cogwheel train tickets, boat rides, and cable car fare.
• restroom facilities on board the boats and trains.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (16 to 90 years) · Youth (6 to 15 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, German and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Riccardi Travel

Is this one for you?This tour is built around public transport, so you don't arrange any logistics. Just board each vehicle in sequence and the day unfolds. It suits anyone who wants to see two famous mountains without hiking, driving or planning multiple bookings.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

19 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, German and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 15 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the steepest cogwheel train in the world?

The Pilatus Railways, which climbs Mount Pilatus near Lucerne. It's the steepest cogwheel railway on earth and forms the centerpiece of the first half of this tour.

Do I need to hike on this tour?

No. The entire day uses public transport (trains, boats and a cable car), so you walk only to and from the vehicles. No hiking or climbing is required.

How long does the full day take?

About ten hours from start to finish, including all transport, time on both summits, and the boat rides between mountains.

What's included in the price?

All tickets for the cogwheel trains, boat rides, and cable car are included. Food and beverages are not, so bring snacks or plan to buy them at the mountain villages.

Which mountain should I visit first? Pilatus or Rigi?

This tour visits Pilatus first, then Rigi. The sequence uses the boat ride from Pilatus down to Vitznau as a natural transition between the two peaks.

Is this tour suitable for older travelers or people with limited fitness?

Yes. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels because it relies entirely on public transport with no hiking. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries due to the train and cable car rides.