Independent Rigi Tour from Lucerne With Cruise
Lucerne, Switzerland
- 4 to 8 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Take your Swiss Alps adventure to new heights on this independent day trip to Mt Rigi. Explore this breathtaking destination at your own pace, starting with a boat cruise from Lucerne. Use your pre-booked tickets and provided timetables to plan the cogwheel train and aerial cable car portions of your tour. You’ll take the railway up Rigi Kulm for two or five hours of free time at the summit, depending on which option you select. Then enjoy more postcard-worthy views en route to Weggis before the return boat ride to Lucerne.
- Independent Mount Rigi tour from Lucerne
- Create your own sightseeing schedule to experience the Swiss Alps at a pace that suits you
- Enjoy a round-trip Lake Lucerne cruise from Lucerne to your mountain destinations
- Take the cogwheel train up Rigi Kulm for panoramic views of the Swiss Plateau
- Ride an aerial cable car from Rigi Kaltbad to the beautiful town of Weggis
- Includes pre-booked tickets and detailed timetables for easy planning
- Choose a half-day or full-day tour for more time at the Mount Rigi summit
What's Included
- Detailed timetables
- Round-trip Lake Lucerne cruise
- Round-trip cogwheel train
- Aerial cable car ride
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Optional activities at own expense
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Tourguide
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Landungssteg 1Landungsbrücke 1, 6003 Luzern, Switzerland
Pier 1 on Lake Lucerne, near the Lucerne railway station Directions: The departure point at pier 1 is located next to Lucerne's train station. Please check before departure in case departure pier has changed for destination Vitznau
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours
- 12/10/2025 - 12/07/2026
Monday - Sunday : 9:12 AM - 6:00 PM
Itinerary
Board your boat at Pier 1 for independent transport across Lake Lucerne in the morning or afternoon, and start your unguided Swiss Alps tour to Mt Rigi with splendid views along one of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes.
With several departure times available for the cogwheel train and aerial cable car at Mt Rigi, simply use the timetables provided to plan out your itinerary according to your preferences.
Disembarking at Vitznau, climb aboard the cogwheel train for a ride up to Rigi Kulm, aka ‘Queen of the Mountains.’ Topping the Rigi mountain range at 5,899 feet (1,798 meters) in elevation, the summit boasts unbeatable views of the Swiss Plateau with the Bernese Alps, Vosges mountains, Black Forest and Glarus Alps beyond.
If you selected the half-day tour, spend two hours of free time here; the full-day option allows for five hours at your leisure. You can rent snowshoes or a sled, embark on a hiking trail, or grab lunch in one of the cozy restaurants (activities and food are your own expense).
When it’s time, the cogwheel train transports you down to the mountain resort of Rigi Kaltbad. From an altitude of 4,701 feet (1,433 meters), it’s the perfect vantage point over Lake Lucerne. Board the aerial cable car from here and drift down to the pretty lakeside town of Weggis.
Meander around at your own pace before making your way to the shore where your boat awaits for a return ride across Lake Lucerne, bringing you back to the pier in the evening.
With several departure times available for the cogwheel train and aerial cable car at Mt Rigi, simply use the timetables provided to plan out your itinerary according to your preferences.
Disembarking at Vitznau, climb aboard the cogwheel train for a ride up to Rigi Kulm, aka ‘Queen of the Mountains.’ Topping the Rigi mountain range at 5,899 feet (1,798 meters) in elevation, the summit boasts unbeatable views of the Swiss Plateau with the Bernese Alps, Vosges mountains, Black Forest and Glarus Alps beyond.
If you selected the half-day tour, spend two hours of free time here; the full-day option allows for five hours at your leisure. You can rent snowshoes or a sled, embark on a hiking trail, or grab lunch in one of the cozy restaurants (activities and food are your own expense).
When it’s time, the cogwheel train transports you down to the mountain resort of Rigi Kaltbad. From an altitude of 4,701 feet (1,433 meters), it’s the perfect vantage point over Lake Lucerne. Board the aerial cable car from here and drift down to the pretty lakeside town of Weggis.
Meander around at your own pace before making your way to the shore where your boat awaits for a return ride across Lake Lucerne, bringing you back to the pier in the evening.
Lake Lucerne (Pass By)
1
Mount Rigi
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Operates in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately
- Wheelchair accessible
- Good walking shoes recommended
- Snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Please note: children tickets (age 6-16) must be purchased on the day and will be available at a reduced rate
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Please note: from 6 March– 21 April 2023 the cable car from Rigi Kaltbad to Weggis is not operating due to maintenance work. During this time the excursion can be done via Vitznau both ways.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers
Supplied by
Frequently Asked Question (1)
Q:Are pet dogs allowed on the Independent Rigi Tour from Lucerne With Cruise?
A:Yes you are able to bring your dog on this tour. If brining a pet please leave a note in the special requests section of the checkout page.
Jul 2023
The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Victoria_G
The tour was extremely easy to navigate. The instructions were clear and every member of staff we came across were beyond helpful.
We were out from 8:30 and returned at 13:00 having completed the lake cruise, cog train and cable cars. The views from the summit of Rigi were incredible despite some mist and the cable car experience returning to Weggis was the highlight of the experience. Highly recommend as a day trip to experience the beautiful scenery.
Reviews
4.1
based on 86 reviews
Robert_K, Sep 2025
This was a really nice excursion. Easy to find the boat, followed the time schedule. The train was right there. Really enjoyed Mt Rigi. Walked back down to the next station and caught the train to the Rigi Karlstad and down the cable car down. That was a little disappointing as being so many people crammed in the cable car.
Lori_M, May 2025
Check weather report day before so you can cancel and get a refund! We wasted $600 cuz it was snowing on mt rigi and we could not do anything but the cogolwheel and ferry ride !!
Stephanie_M, Apr 2025
I liked that this is an independent tour, but could also be enjoyed as a guided tour. The only timetables that were provided was a link to the boat schedule. There were a lot of helpful people about though and we got where we needed to go. Note that you should take the cog wheel train to the top to Rigi Kulm and then you can stop at each station on the way down (1 hour between trains at each stop when we were there). You can take the tram down to Weggis from the Rigi-Kalabad-First stop. Note you have to walk 2 km down to the pier to catch the boat back. It was easily just a half-day trip for us in April, but it was cold and cloudy at the top.
Dorothy_C, Mar 2025
Excellent! The views everywhere from the boat to the mountain top were breathtaking.
Plenty of time to enjoy at your leisure
Kenneth_H, Dec 2024
It rained the whole trip and the gondola was getting serviced and not in operation. But it looked like it could be a nice trip.
Darnell_D, Nov 2024
Loved that all the tickets were bundled and we could explore Mt Rigi at our own pace.
Would have saved a little anxiety if Viator had let us know that the bar code is the "ticket" - all you need for the boat, cogwheel train and aerial cable car.
The Viator info said it covered all the tickets and provided a complete timetable - NOT TRUE; also, wasn't sure if a Viator rep would meet us and give us physical tickets.
As it turned out, it was super easy - just show the bar code; the only thing they really looked at was the number of adults it covered. (Just would have been nice if Viator had made that clear. Hint hint)
Marie_G, Aug 2024
Didn’t make it, with the time change crossover we missed our trip and when I tried to get a refund or reschedule I was only offered a 20% discount.
KAITLYN_J, Jul 2024
The experience was wonderful! It is not a guided tour and allows you to explore at your own pace. I’d highly suggest taking it the sights by sitting and taking it all in.
Donald_W, Jun 2024
The boat ride and cog wheel train were very fun and the weather cooperated. Mount Rigi was beautiful and worth the experience. However, the cable car ride down to Weser was a total bust. Packed in standing room only with no seating was horrible and hot. That was a Covid/germ incubator. Don’t recommend cable car; train both ways to and from the top.
Mary_V, May 2024
The view from the top of Mt. Rigi, the cog train ride, and the cable car ride. We were able to spend as much time as we wanted at different stops because there wasn’t a guide/group we had to stay with.
Roopashree_B, Apr 2024
Viator doesn’t give any details as to what route to take or anything. You have to figure out everything yourself. No point in getting the tickets though Viator. You can go on your own instead.
Sherri_M, Apr 2024
We absolutely loved this tour. The boat across the lake was spectacular with views for miles.
The workers on top of Mt.. Rigi were knowledgeable and helpful with views not to be missed.
The only drawback was that the cable car ride had been cancelled a year ago (according to the shopkeeper at the top of Mt. Rigi) and showed me the information that the cable car had been inoperative for a year!
It seems like Viator should have had this information ahead of time but I did contact Viator's customer service for a partial refund and will hopefully get a positive outcome
Camille_F, Mar 2024
Such an amazing experience! This is tickets for the boat ride over and the train ride up the mountain. Just download the timetables yourself for the Lucerne boat and your all set! There was snow at the top of the mountain!
Victoria_G, Sep 2023
The tour was extremely easy to navigate. The instructions were clear and every member of staff we came across were beyond helpful.
We were out from 8:30 and returned at 13:00 having completed the lake cruise, cog train and cable cars. The views from the summit of Rigi were incredible despite some mist and the cable car experience returning to Weggis was the highlight of the experience. Highly recommend as a day trip to experience the beautiful scenery.
Tej_B, Aug 2023
Train ride on old and new train. Brilliant experience. Ride on the cruise was amazing. Resturant and shops were very good
aboothfor2, Jul 2023
Easy and convenient way to see Mt Rigi! This ticket was basically our "free pass" on all of the transportation up the mountain. If you are not interested in hiking back down to kaltbad from kulm make sure you study the train schedule! We stayed in Weggis and took the boat to Lucerne later with no issues.
Mavis_B, May 2023
The lake cruise was exceptional and the cogwheel train was fabulous!
We enjoyed the entire tour. The weather was perfect.
Joy_M, May 2023
Both the ferry and the cogwheel railway were good, but unfortunately it was a whiteout at the top and we couldn’t see a thing.
Thornton_W, Apr 2023
We could do tour at our own pace and enjoy the boat ride and train ride. (The gondola was out of service).
Leonie_G, Mar 2023
Great experience as usual but very disappointed we weren’t informed about the cable car being out of action. We did pay for the experience of the full package but sadly didn’t get it!
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Dear Leonie, thank you very much for your feedback and review. We are very sorry that there was no indication on the ticket that the cable car is closed because of maintenance work. We hope that you could still enjoy the excursion.
Robert_J, May 2022
This was a great all-inclusive tour. Got to see Mt. Rigi. The scenery going up the mountain was phenomenal. Also the tram ride and train ride showed us a good view of all the surrounding hills of Lucerne.
Jaclyn_S, May 2022
This is a self guided tour. You basically just print out your ticket and show the barcode to the attendant on each of the transportation points. Unfortunately, we went in early May and you couldn’t see anything the fog was so thick. We hiked about two hours from the top of the mountain down through a few towns but it was rainy and cold. We didn’t see anyone else hiking and assumed they had probably got right back on the cogwheel at the top to go back down. I would still suggest to go just be prepared for bad weather or no visibility at the top
Jose_A, Apr 2022
White out conditions on top of Mt Rigi made hiking the trail difficult at times but a great overall experience. I strongly recommend.
kavita_A, Dec 2021
We were told to meet at a certain point and the directions were not clear and when there was mention of a meeting point there was no one there and they did not mention clearly what was to be expected and what needed to be done. When we went to the ticket center we were told that the cable car rides were cancelled and yet they expected the entire fare. the whole cruise was confusing. We were not given any maps or details as to what to expect or what was going to happen. We had to talk to other travelers to get the information. We could have done this by ourselves and with less stress. It did not make sense going with Viator. In fact it wasted our time and caused us huge stress.
Response from Host, Dec 2021
Dear Kavita, thanks for getting back to us. We regret very much that you couldn't enjoy your booked tour.
The independent rigi tour is not guided, you are only buying the tickets for boat and cable car/cogwheel train by viator. All customers were informed ahead of time about maintenance work at cable car.
We do have an information desk at the departure pier. We would be glad if you had contacted us there if you had troubles to find informations. Nevertheless, hope to see you again on Lake Lucerne.
Leonie_G, Oct 2021
The tour was absolutely stunning from the beautiful boat cruise on Lake Lucerne to the cogwheel train to take us up Rigi, the stunning views at the top right down to the cable car to take us back down to Weggis.
The only problem we had was none of the steps of the journey recognised the ticket we were provided with by Viator. All said we should have a QR Code. The barcode ticket we had was not scannable. Luckily everyone spoke English and we were able to explain what it was.
Scott_F, Oct 2021
My husband and I very much enjoyed taking the cog train up halfway and then hiking the rest of the way up to the peak. I would recommend not taking the gondola down on a busy day as they seem to pack you in like sardines. Additionally, make sure to wear sunscreen!
Renne_W, Dec 2019
Loved the trip. Cog railway was great. Went through the clouds and into the sun and snow capped mountains. Just wish we had scheduled more time at the top.
Justin_B, Aug 2019
This is exactly what we wanted and gave us the full Swiss experience. Note this is essentially a ticket on the public transportation system. Download the SBB mobile app and search for time frames. Our boat left Pier 1 at 8:12. You can basically choose your own times.
We got the first boat and then took the train to top of Mt. Rigi we then hiked down to the Cable car. There are numerous trails you can take. Get a map on the train up. The hiking was stunning. Walking right through pastures and cows with bells. The cows come right up to you. We hiked a good 4 miles with amazing views. Again numerous trails.
Then take the cable car down. Just be ready to walk a good bit down hill to the next boat back to Lucerne. Again you can see the time tables on the SBB app.
Benjamin_M, Jul 2019
The tour description did not make it evident that the entire tour was self-guided. Nor were we provided with the timetables described in the description of the tour. As such, we had to plan most of our tour as we went.
This only became evident by reading others comments/reviews as we were arriving for the departing ferry. I would highly recommend that description be updated to clearly state there are no tour guides from the beginning and that what you are essentially purchasing is only advanced tickets. (Especially since other Viator tours usually have at least one guide at the beginning.)
This is especially frustrating as trial markers are very infrequent on Mt. Rigi making it it difficult to self-guide with the limited resources provided.
Jonathan_P, May 2019
very highly recommend this trip! it was very easy to find the piers/stations for the various rides, and all you needed was the print out from Viator. The boat, train, and cable car all ran on regular intervals, and the timetables were posted at the various stations. we ended up coming back on the boat an hour earlier because we were worn out. the train and cable car ran every 30 minutes and the boat ran every hour until 7 pm (if i recall correctly, don't exactly quote me on that). it made it very easy to explore mount rigi at our own leisure. i would recommend doing the full day, as i don't think the half day would be enough time. we ended up with 30 minutes in Weggis before the boat and even that was nice, so don't worry about filling your time for the full day. many restaurants scattered on the mountain, some are very small - we tried Restaurant BärgGnuss in Rigi Staffel and would highly recommend that - it's attached to a hotel owned by the train company, and the food and views were just spectacular. you can ride the train all the way to the top (rigi klum) and then it's only a 20-30 minute walk down a nice paved path to rigi staffel. plenty of other hiking around if you're into that, but it snowed the day before we went, so we only stuck to the paved paths
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