Rigi-Kulm from Zurich: Alpine summit with cogwheel train

Ride two historic railways to the Alpine summit, then descend by boat to Lucerne

This full-day tour from Zurich ascends Rigi-Kulm, the 1,797-meter Alpine summit, by cable car and cogwheel train, Europe's first mountain railway, then descends to Lucerne by train and boat. The route crosses the Albis Pass, stops at the mountain chapel, includes free time at the summit and in Lucerne's Old Town, and returns to Zurich by coach. A driver guide leads the coach portions. The mountain and boat segments are self-guided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Mount Rigi2h · entry included
2. Lucerne1h

Zurich to Rigi and Lucerne tour

• Meet driver guide at Zurich bus station
• Coach ride over Albis Pass to Weggis
• Board aerial cableway to Rigi Kaltbad
• Explore hiking trails or relax at mountain restaurant
• Ascend to Rigi-Kulm summit by mountain railway
• Visit Rigi Kulm mountain chapel
• Descend by cogwheel train to Vitznau
• Boat cruise from Vitznau to Lucerne
• Wander Lucerne Old Town and see landmarks
• Relaxing journey back to Zurich

The experience

The day starts at Zurich bus station with a panoramic coach ride over the Albis Pass and along Lake Lucerne's shores to Weggis. From there, a cable car lifts you to Rigi Kaltbad, where you board the cogwheel train that climbs to Rigi-Kulm at 1,797 meters. The panoramic views stretch across the Swiss Midlands, deep blue lakes, and the Alpine backdrop. The summit holds a small mountain chapel for reflection and a restaurant serving classic Swiss dishes.

After time at the top (whether hiking the marked trails or resting at the restaurant), the cogwheel train descends to Vitznau, where a boat carries you across the water to Lucerne. The city's Old Town opens up for wandering: the Chapel Bridge, the baroque Jesuit Church, the KKL cultural center, the lakeside promenade with Belle Époque hotels, and the Lion Monument are all within reach. Shopping and cafés dot the medieval streets. A coach then carries you back to Zurich, completing the 11-hour loop.

The cable car closes seasonally (mid-March through early April, and mid-November through late November). During those periods, the cogwheel train handles both the ascent and descent. Visibility at the summit is not guaranteed. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and the itinerary suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

• Panoramic coach from Zurich with driver guide.
• cable car from Weggis to Rigi Kaltbad.
• cogwheel train ascent to Rigi-Kulm summit.
• cogwheel train descent to Vitznau.
• boat cruise from Vitznau to Lucerne.
• coach return to Zurich.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Keytours (Switzerland)

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to explore Rigi's summit and Lucerne independently without a guide's commentary, while following a set itinerary that connects all major stops in one day via coach, cableway, and mountain railway.

Traveler reviews

4.50★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4).

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 Rigi-Kulm and why is it called the Queen of Mountains?

Rigi-Kulm is the 1,797-meter summit of Mount Rigi in the Swiss Alps, known for its panoramic views across the Swiss Midlands, lakes, and Alpine peaks. The title reflects its prominence as one of Switzerland's most accessible and visually commanding high points.

How do I get to the summit? Is it a hike or a ride?

You ride the cable car from Weggis to Rigi Kaltbad, then board the cogwheel train for the final ascent to Rigi-Kulm. If the cable car is closed, the cogwheel train handles the entire climb. Once at the summit, marked hiking trails are available if you want to walk, or you can rest at the mountain restaurant.

What happens if the cable car is closed when I visit?

The cable car closes from mid-March to early April and mid-November to late November. During these periods, the cogwheel train, Europe's first mountain railway, carries you up and down the mountain instead, so the summit remains accessible.

How much free time do I have in Lucerne?

The itinerary includes free time in Lucerne after the boat arrives from Vitznau. You can wander the Old Town, photograph the Chapel Bridge and Jesuit Church, stroll the lakeside promenade, visit the Lion Monument, and explore shops and cafés at your own pace before the coach departs for Zurich.

Is lunch included, and where can I eat?

Lunch is not included in the tour price. At Rigi-Kulm, a mountain restaurant serves classic Swiss dishes with Alpine views. In Lucerne, the Old Town has many cafés, restaurants, and snack options along the streets and lakeside.