Rigi Kulm to Arth-Goldau
Ascend the 'Queen of the Mountains' via historic cogwheel train for unparalleled 360° Alpine vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Rigi Kulm to Arth-Goldau
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend the 'Queen of the Mountains' via historic cogwheel train for unparalleled 360° Alpine vistas.
"The views are incredible, I can't even put it into words!"
✅ Swiss Travel Pass is Key
Your Swiss Travel Pass or Saver Day Pass often covers the entire journey to Rigi Kulm!
🚊 Vintage Train Experience
Try to snag a seat on the older, vintage cogwheel trains for a unique ride.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Summit Views
Rigi Kulm
360-degree vistas of the Alps, lakes, and surrounding landscapes. Breathtaking!
Historic Cogwheel Railway
Arth-Goldau to Rigi Kulm
Ride Europe's oldest mountain railway for a scenic and nostalgic journey.
Chänzeli Overlook
Trail from Kaltbad
An incredible viewpoint offering stunning perspectives of Lake Lucerne.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Rigi Views
Swiss Travel Pass Perks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✅ Swiss Travel Pass is Key
Your Swiss Travel Pass or Saver Day Pass often covers the entire journey to Rigi Kulm! 
🚊 Vintage Train Experience
Try to snag a seat on the older, vintage cogwheel trains for a unique ride.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Mountain weather changes fast. Be prepared for wind and cooler temperatures, even in summer.
👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes
If you plan to hike, good footwear is essential for enjoying the trails.
Tips
from all over the internet
✅ Swiss Travel Pass is Key
Your Swiss Travel Pass or Saver Day Pass often covers the entire journey to Rigi Kulm!
🚊 Vintage Train Experience
Try to snag a seat on the older, vintage cogwheel trains for a unique ride.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Mountain weather changes fast. Be prepared for wind and cooler temperatures, even in summer.
👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes
If you plan to hike, good footwear is essential for enjoying the trails.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The panoramic views are truly unforgettable.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the breathtaking panoramic views from Rigi Kulm, often describing them as unforgettable and awe-inspiring. The historic cogwheel train journey is another highlight, praised for its scenic beauty and nostalgic charm. While the views are the main draw, the accessibility via Swiss Travel Pass makes it a highly recommended and worthwhile experience for most.
"Awesome view to Zug Lake!! Spending time with friends is an excellent recommendation"
Luiz Sene
"Our very first visit during our trip to Switzerland, we used the Cogwheel train for the first time and wow what a journey and we could feel the biting cold air of the ice melting and what a great scene we saw at the peak of the railway it was a marvellous scene, loved it"
Deepak Raisinghani
"Well no words can describe the beauty of this place neither do camera can capture it you have to be there to experience it the plate for is clean and next to it there is bus stop restaurants at this place serves nice coffee and the best crossents I ever had"
Evolving Zombie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take a train from Zurich to Arth-Goldau (approx. 40 minutes). From Arth-Goldau, board the cogwheel train directly to Rigi Kulm. The journey offers scenic views as you ascend the mountain.
Yes, the Rigi mountain experience, including the cogwheel train from Arth-Goldau to Rigi Kulm, is typically fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass and Saver Day Pass.
The primary way is the historic cogwheel train. You can also hike up from Arth-Goldau for a more active experience.
While you can take a boat to other Rigi access points like Vitznau, the direct route from Arth-Goldau is by train. However, the Rigi massif offers various transport options including boats, cable cars, and trains.
The cogwheel train ride from Arth-Goldau to Rigi Kulm takes approximately 30-40 minutes, offering spectacular scenery along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, if you possess a valid Swiss Travel Pass or Saver Day Pass, the journey to Rigi Kulm from Arth-Goldau is usually included, meaning no additional ticket purchase is necessary.
Operating hours vary by season. It's best to check the official Rigi website or the SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) app for the most up-to-date timetable for the Arth-Goldau to Rigi Kulm route.
Yes, Rigi operates both modern and vintage cogwheel trains. Riding the older, vintage cars offers a unique historical experience.
The summit of Rigi Kulm is a natural viewpoint, and there is no separate entrance fee to access the peak. The cost is associated with the transportation to get there.
Yes, if you do not have a Swiss Travel Pass or Saver Day Pass, you can purchase tickets for the cogwheel train to Rigi Kulm at the Arth-Goldau station.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At Rigi Kulm, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, take short walks, and savor the mountain air. Consider visiting the Chänzeli overlook for stunning Lake Lucerne vistas.
Yes, there are hiking trails. One popular option is to hike down from Rigi Kulm towards Arth-Goldau, offering beautiful scenery along the way.
Mountain weather can be unpredictable. It's often windy and cooler at Rigi Kulm, even in summer. Always check the forecast before you go and dress in layers.
Absolutely! Lake Lucerne is a prominent feature in the stunning panoramic views from Rigi Kulm, especially from viewpoints like Chänzeli.
Yes, Rigi Kulm is very family-friendly. The scenic train ride is an adventure in itself, and there are easy walking paths suitable for children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are restaurants and cafes at Rigi Kulm offering refreshments and meals with incredible views. You can find nice coffee and croissants.
Expect traditional Swiss cuisine, along with lighter options like coffee and pastries. The views are the main attraction, but the food is generally well-regarded.
Dining at popular tourist mountain destinations in Switzerland can be pricier than in towns. It's advisable to check menus or consider packing some snacks if you're on a budget.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy at designated picnic spots or while taking in the views.
While specific options can vary, most Swiss restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian choices. It's always a good idea to inquire directly with the restaurant staff about vegan options.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit itself offers incredible 360-degree views. For iconic shots of Lake Lucerne, head to the Chänzeli overlook. Early morning light is often best.
Yes, the windows of the cogwheel train provide excellent opportunities for capturing scenic shots of the landscape as you ascend or descend.
Early morning often provides the clearest views and softer light, ideal for photography. Sunset can also be spectacular, but check the last train times.
Absolutely! Modern smartphones are more than capable of capturing the stunning beauty of Rigi Kulm. Just be mindful of battery life.
Generally, there are no specific photography restrictions for personal use at Rigi Kulm. However, always be respectful of other visitors and private property.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a stop at Tierpark Goldau (Goldau Zoo) near Arth-Goldau station for an additional family-friendly activity. This park features a variety of animals in natural enclosures and offers opportunities for close encounters.
🚶 Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
This is a great option for experiencing the natural beauty of the region up close. Once at Rigi Kulm, there are also shorter, well-marked trails suitable for all fitness levels. The hike to the Chänzeli overlook is a must-do for its incredible vistas of Lake Lucerne.
📸 Photography Buffs
+1 Don't miss the Chänzeli overlook for iconic photos of Lake Lucerne. The historic cogwheel train itself provides a unique photographic subject, both from the outside and through the windows during the journey.
Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive landscapes and a telephoto lens for distant mountain peaks. Remember to check the weather forecast, as dramatic clouds can add to the photographic appeal.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Cogwheel Journey
This route is particularly appealing because it's often fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass or Saver Day Pass, making it an accessible and cost-effective highlight for many visitors. The ascent from Arth-Goldau is a gradual climb, allowing ample time to soak in the changing scenery, from rolling hills to rugged alpine terrain. It’s a smooth ride that builds anticipation for the summit views.
+2For those seeking a more active experience, it's also possible to hike from Arth-Goldau to Rigi Kulm. This option appeals to nature lovers and hikers who want to immerse themselves more deeply in the landscape. The hike can take several hours but rewards with stunning vistas and a sense of accomplishment.
Maximizing Your Visit with a Swiss Travel Pass
+2Having a pass simplifies your travel immensely. Instead of purchasing individual tickets for each leg of the journey, you simply present your pass. This is especially beneficial when combining different modes of transport, as Rigi offers a network of boats, cable cars, and trains. Knowing that your Rigi excursion is covered allows you to relax and fully appreciate the experience, from the train ride to the summit views.
It's always wise to confirm the exact coverage of your specific pass with the provider, as terms can vary. However, for the Arth-Goldau to Rigi Kulm route, it's a widely recognized benefit that significantly enhances the value of these travel passes. This makes Rigi an exceptionally attractive and budget-friendly mountain destination for pass holders.
The Allure of Rigi Kulm's Panoramic Views
These vistas are not confined to the very peak. A short walk from Rigi Kulm leads to the Chänzeli overlook, a highly recommended spot that offers a particularly stunning perspective of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding pre-alpine landscape. The sheer scale and beauty of the scenery are often described as breathtaking and difficult to capture fully in photographs, emphasizing the need to experience it in person.
Visitors frequently comment on the profound impact of these views, noting how the vastness of the landscape can be both humbling and exhilarating. Whether bathed in the soft light of early morning or the golden hues of sunset, the panoramas from Rigi Kulm provide a truly unforgettable highlight of any trip to Switzerland.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit