This easy trail starts at the top of Rigi Kulm and hikes down the mountain with spectacular views of Lake Lucerne and surrounding mountains.
Along the way, you can visit the Rigi First Cliff Walk, a walkway cut into the side of the cliff wall. Then loop back to Rigi Kaltbad, where you can ride the mountain train or cable car down to the lake.
This hike is a nice addition if you are doing the Rigi Classic Round Trip from Lucerne that includes the boat ride.
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: | 1h45 • ⬇️ trail map |
| Distance: | 6 km one way |
| Difficulty: | easy • 102m up, 414m down |
| Condition: | mostly wide gravel path, obstacle-free |
| Elevation: | 1749m to 1436m |
| 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 leading to the Rotstock viewpoint and cliff walk.
Trail overview
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.
Our preferred version follows the red line in the map. After Rigi Staffel, it forks left to visit the Rotstock viewpoint and Cliff Walk before looping back to Rigi Kaltbad. This is the version described in this post.
Alternatively, you can follow the official Lake View Trail (orange line) down to the Staffelhöhe and Känzeli viewpoints, then loop back to Kaltbad. This trail is also nice, but not our favorite.
Hiking map
The map below shows the trail starting at the Meierskappel, Dorfplatz bus stop and ending at the Luzern train station. We think you get the best views hiking this direction.
See map on Komoot • SchweizMobil • OutdoorActive
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 First, you can continue hiking on the Rigi Panorama Trail, another 90 mins to Rigi Scheidegg. From there, you can ride a cable car down to Arth Goldau and train back to your home base.
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.
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. This part can be a little steep, so take your time.
In November…
Rigi Staffel station
In about 20 mins, you reach the Rigi Staffel station. There are two restaurants here. If you are done hiking, catch the mountain train here.
To keep hiking, cross the tracks and follow the tracks for a bit.
Rigi Rotstock viewpoint
At the point shown below, the trail splits. The main panorama trail goes to your left on the gravel path. However, we suggest taking the detour straight ahead on the dirt footpath, up to the Rotstock viewpoint before rejoining the panorama trail.
Note: The trail on the right along the tracks leads down to Staffelhöhe and Känzeli viewpoints before looping back to Rigi Kaltbad.
Here’s the Rigi Rotstock viewpoint. It takes about 10 mins of uphill walking to reach this viewpoint, but I think it’s worth it. Then continue to your left to rejoin the main panorama trail.
When you rejoin the panorama trail, you’ll pass this nice covered picnic area, aka Feuerstelle, with picnic tables and fire pit.
Some lounge chairs with a view.
Table gets some shade and cover if there is rain.
Continuing the trail down to Rigi First.
Views as you walk along this section.
Views to the east.
Rigi First Cliff Walk
After about 1h15, you reach Rigi First, shown below.
There is a gate for the “Felsenweg” (aka cliff walk), as shown below.
Note: The cliff walk is closed in winter and sometimes in bad weather. If this part is closed, just skip it and loop back to Rigi Kaltbad now.
The cliff walk is narrower than other parts of the trail, not suitable for strollers.
The cliff walk has a fence, but if you have little kids, they could slip through if not attended. Watch them carefully.
Since you are lower down the mountain, the lake views are a little more spectacular here.
These benches would be a nice place for a picnic lunch but sometimes all the benches are taken.
Looking back on the cliff walk. This pic was taken the first week of October.
Loop back to Rigi Kaltbad
When you are done with the cliff walk, go back the same way to Rigi First. Then follow the easy path to Rigi Kaltbad.
Lots of benches on this path, nice place to watch the sunset if you are staying late.
Along the path, there is a small playground.
At the Rigi Kulm hotel, there is a cafe and village shop.
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.
