Mt Rigi is super popular for good reason. But typically the tourists crowd at the top and leave the rest of the mountain quite empty. So we always hike on Rigi to get some alone time with the views.
Our first choice is the panorama trail from Rigi Kulm to Rigi Scheidegg. But for inspiration, here are ten of our favorite spots along the way that you won’t want to miss.
Contents
I’ve marked them on this map for your reference.
First a short video from our day by 110 in partnership with Lucerne Tourism, who hosted this outing.
1. Rigi Kulm – south side
We’ll start at the beginning at Rigi Kulm, the most popular area, with great views in every direction. Our favorite photo spot is on the south side, near the cross. It’s often quieter over here and it has a more open rustic feel.
2. Along the cliff fences to Rigi Staffel
Even if you don’t want to hike, you should walk the short 1 km from Rigi Kulm to Rigi Staffel to shake out your legs and get a different perspective. The regular trail is nice, but we also like to walk on the faint footpath along the fences so we can peer over the cliffs. At Staffel, you can get a snack and catch the train or keep walking.
3. Rigi Rotstock
After Rigi Staffel, the trail splits, right leading to Rigi Kaltbad and left leading to Rigi Scheidegg. But if you walk straight ahead up the mountain, you’ll find the best detour of the trip. This little extra effort leads you to the Rigi Rotstock peak with a view you can usually enjoy all by yourself. See location on Google Maps.
3. Rigi Mineral Baths Outdoor Pool
For a relaxing day, enjoy the views from the outdoor pool at the Rigi Mineral Baths & Day Spa. It has an amazing location, directly on a mountain overlooking Lake Lucerne.
Before you dive into relaxation, you can visit the Rigi Kulm viewpoint and do a little hiking, enjoying tranquil alpine meadows, dramatic cliffs, and spectacular panorama views.
Then settle into full relaxation mode at this luxurious spa with saunas, spa lounges, massages, and a crystal spa. The water, heated sustainably with wood from Rigi, comes from a healing spring, providing a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
You can book a ticket that includes both an unlimited day pass for the Mt Rigi mountain railways and entrance to the day spa.
If you have the Swiss Travel Pass, the Rigi mountain railways are free with your pass. So you would only need to pay the Day Spa entrance when you arrive.
If you want to book spa treatments, see the Mineral Baths & Spa Rigi Kaltbad website.
Note: children under 16 are allowed to the baths if accompanied by a parent, but not in the spa facilities
4. Känzeli viewpoint
This viewpoint is a short and easy walk from the Rigi Kaltbad station. The path is a wide obstacle-free gravel path, suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. It takes less than 15 mins to reach the viewpoint from the mountain train or cable car station. See location on Google maps.
5. Rigi Kaltbad Playground & Mini Golf
If you skip Rotstock and walk around the peak to Rigi Kaltbad, you can treat the kids to this lovely playground with a view near Hotel Rigi Kaltbad. We particularly liked that it had lots of shade, important during this hot summer. It has swings, two slides, and a few other amusements as well as a fire pit with tables.
There’s also a mini golf course next to the playground. You can register for mini golf at Hotel Rigi Kaltbad.
7. Rigi Cliff Walk
The Rigi Felsenweg (aka Cliff Walk) is a narrow path cut into the sides of the cliff with fantastic views across the lake.
You can visit the cliff walk as part of the Rigi Panorama Trail or Rigi Lake View Trail. Or you can walk there directly from the Rigi Kaltbad station in about 15 mins. See start of cliff walk on Google maps.
8. Paris Bridge
This special bridge is held up by mini Eiffel towers. Send your family ahead so you can take a picture of them on the bridge.
9. Gersau Playground
At the end of the trail near Rigi Scheidegg, you’ll find this huge playground with trampolines, slides, swings, and climbing equipment. There are also a couple restaurants and picnic tables. This is a great reward for a good hike.
10. Rigi Scheidegg – behind the playground
Don’t miss this hidden spot! Behind the playground, there’s a little path that loops around to the north, so you can get a view back to Rigi Kulm and a view down to Zugersee below. It’s wonderfully quiet back there and one of the best views that most people don’t see.
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