This short hike starts at the top of Mt Rigi and hikes down the mountain with spectacular views of Lake Lucerne. It’s a good addition to the Rigi Round Trip from Lucerne that includes the boat ride.
After descending from the peak on a paved path, you’ll walk along the mountain train tracks for a bit. Then spill into alpine meadows filled with flowers and cows, leading down to the Känzeli viewpoint on the edge of the cliffs.
Lastly, an easy stroll along the flower path to Rigi Kaltbad, where you can catch the mountain train or cable car back to the lake.
If you want to visit the Rigi First Cliff Walk, do the Rigi Panorama Trail instead.
Quick Info
| Region | Lucerne |
| Start/End: | Rigi Kulm to Rigi Kaltbad First |
| By car: | park in Vitznau near Rigi mountain train – Seestrasse 64, 6354 Vitznau From Lucerne 35 mins, Zürich 50 mins |
| By public transport: | Vitznau ferry or Vitznau, Station bus stop From Lucerne by boat 1h, from Zürich by train/bus 1h30 |
| Trail: | 1h • ⬇️ trail map |
| Distance: | 4 km one way |
| Difficulty: | easy • +21m -349m |
| Condition: | mostly wide gravel path, obstacle-free |
| Elevation: | highest point 1766 |
| Open: | mid April to November • trail status |
| Cost: | Rigi day pass |
| Discounts: | free with Swiss Travel Pass, Tell Pass, Saver Day Pass & GA discount 50% with Half Fare Card |
| Services: | restaurants at both ends of trail, picnic area with fire |
| More info: | Rigi.ch • webcam • forecast |
Gallery
These pics show views along the Rigi Lake View trail to the Känzeli viewpoint.
Hiking map
The Rigi Lake View Trail starts at the Rigi Kulm viewpoint and hikes down to the Rigi Kaltbad station, where you can ride the mountain train or cable car back to the lake.
See map on SchweizMobil • Komoot
Trail instructions
- From Rigi Kulm, you hike down to Rigi Staffel.
- Continue straight along the train tracks to Rigi Staffelhöhe.
- Follow the “Blumenpfad” (aka flower trail) thru some meadows with mountain views.
- Then descend on switchbacks to the Känzeli viewpoint over some cliffs.
- Lastly an easy walk on a flat path to the Rigi Kaltbad station.
Shorter versions
For a shorter hike, walk from Rigi Kulm to Rigi Staffel (about 25 mins). Then catch the mountain train there down to Vitznau.
Longer version
From Rigi Kaltbad, you can continue hiking Firstweg to the cliff walk. Then walk back the way you came to Rigi Kaltbad.
How to get there
This trail is on Mt Rigi, east of Lucerne city. You access the trail with the Rigi mountain train, which departs from Vitznau.
By public transport:
From Lucerne, it’s nicest to ride a boat to Vitznau, about 1 hour. Check boat schedule.
Otherwise, you can ride a bus to Vitznau, Station bus stop, which drops directly at the Rigibahn station.
By car:
The Rigibahn mountain train station is located at Bahnhofstrasse 7, 6354 Vitznau.
There are a few parking garages and open parking near the Rigibahn station. We usually park at Parkhaus Altstadt – Altdorfbachweg 6, 6354 Vitznau.
If that parking is full, you could use the Weggis cable car to reach the Rigi mountain. Cable car parking at Rigistrasse 65, 6353 Weggis
Planning your day
When to go
This trail is usually snow free from mid April thru November. Check the webcams and trail status.
The cliff walk is closed in winter and usually re-opens in late April when the snow and ice are gone.
Costs
You’ll need a ticket for the Rigi mountain transport to reach this trail. In most cases, you’ll need the Rigi Day Ticket.
In 2026, this ticket costs CHF 78/adult.
➡️ Buy ticket via GetYourGuide (free cancellation up to 24h in advance).
Rigi mountain transport is free with the Swiss Travel Pass, Luzern Travel Pass, Saver Day Pass, and SBB GA. Discount 50% with Half Fare Card.
Where to eat
At Rigi Kulm: self-service cafe at Rigi Kulm Hotel with big outdoor terrace, Rigi Bistro for simple snacks at Rigi Kulm train station, Kessenboden on trail (rustic hut with simple mountain food and fondue)
At Rigi Staffel: Restaurant Bahnhöfli (basic self-service cafe), Restaurant Lok 7 (full service restaurant)
Near Rotstock: picnic area with tables and fire pit along the trail.
At Rigi Kaltbad: Gratalp Stübli, Restaurant Bergsonne, Rigi Village Shop.
Where to stay
If you want to stay near Mt Rigi, then best to book in Vitznau or Weggis near the Rigi mountain transport. Both villages right on the lake, with beautiful views and pretty promenades.
In Weggis, we like Seehotel Gotthard Weggis (3-star), which is lakeside and a short walk from both the ferry dock and cable car station.
In Vitznau, we like Hotel Terrasse am See Vitznau (3-star), which has the same views as its luxury neighbors at a more affordable price.
If you want to stay on the Rigi mountain:
- the easiest choice would be Rigi Kaltbad Swiss Quality Hotel (3-star), which is right next to the cable car and mountain train station. It is connected to the Mineral Baths.
- Hotel Bergsonne has a quieter location away from the busy station hubs.
- Kräuterhotel Edelweiss has a Michelin starred fine dining restaurant.
For a longer stay, better to base yourself in Lucerne to make day trips to different mountains more convenient. We prefer a short walk to the Lucerne train station, perhaps Waldstätterhof (3-star) or Hotel des Alpes (3-star).
Photo story of trail
Riding to the top of Rigi Kulm
In Vitznau get on the cogwheel train and ride up to Rigi Kulm.
The mountain train drops you at the Rigi Kulm station shown here.
Wandering Rigi Kulm, the top of Mt Rigi
Before the hike, wander the viewpoint above the Rigi Kulm station.
This picture shows how the area along the cliffs is protected by a sturdy fence.
Starting the Rigi Lake View trail
From the Rigi Kulm viewpoint, you can start by wandering down this footpath along the wooden fence.
Or walk down to the Rigi Kulm train station and start the hike on the paved path (shown below), direction Rigi Staffel. The first part is newly paved, but the path gets quite lumpy after a few minutes.
Rigi Staffel station
In about 20 mins, you reach the Rigi Staffel station. There are two restaurants here – a self-service cafe and Lok7, which is full service.
Cross the tracks and walk along the tracks on the path shown here.
Continue along tracks to Staffelhöhe
At the point shown below, the trail splits. Follow the trail straight along the tracks, direction Staffelhöhe.
Follow trail signs to Rigi Staffelhöhe, also the green “Blumenpfad” sign.
For a few minutes, you’ll walk along the tracks with the lake to your right. A train may pass you.
Rigi Staffelhöhe
When you reach the Rigi Staffelhöhe station, you leave the train tracks and follow signs to Chänzeli (sometimes spelled Känzeli).
You’ll pass the Kräuterhotel Edelweiss (aka Herb Hotel), which has a casual bistro during the day and a fine dining restaurant in the evenings.
Now an easy stroll along these meadows.
This pic shows the trail curving along the hill. I took this pic from the Rotstock viewpoint on the Rigi Panorama Trail.
The high point of the meadows before you descend further.
As you descend, you can the see the lake more and more.
Lots of benches to rest your legs.
Now a descend on some switchbacks.
A bit in the forest.
Känzeli Viewpoint
The descend ends at the Känzeli viewpoint along the cliffs, enclosed by fences.
Very nice views of Mt Pilatus and Lake Lucerne from here.
Finish hike at Rigi Kaltbad
Now follow the easy path back to Rigi Kaltbad. Lots of flowers here in spring.
Nice mountain views along the way.
After about 15 mins you reach the Rigi Kaltbad station. Here you’ll find a self-service cafe, small village grocery and toilets.
Playgrounds
Near Rigi Kaltbad, there is one playground close to the mountain train station – see location.
The second playground is about a 5 min walk down into the forest – see location on map.
Mini Golf
You’ll pass the mini golf course right before you reach Rigi Kaltbad (see location). You can rent the clubs and balls from Hotel Rigi Kaltbad. The course has 18 holes. More info.
Ride down to lake
If you came by car and parked in Vitznau, ride the mountain train down to Vitznau. Check schedule.
If you want to ride the boat back to Lucerne, you have two options:
- From Weggis: Ride cable car down to Weggis. Walk about 10 mins down to lakeshore. Nice promenade and restaurants here. Boat departs from Weggis ferry dock on xx:40. Check schedule.
- From Vitznau: Ride the mountain train to Vitznau and catch boat here back to Lucerne. Check schedule.
