Mount Rigi and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich
About this activity
Highlights
- Scenic boat ride on Lake Lucerne
- Breathtaking views from Mount Rigi summit
- Historic cogwheel train experience
- Explore Lucerne's charming old town
- Visit the Chapel Bridge and Water Tower
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Zurich
- Boat ride on Lake Lucerne
- Cogwheel train ride to Mount Rigi summit
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Pass by: Departure place is at the Sihlquai Bus Station. Your full-day tour from Zurich to Mount Rigi and Lake Lucerne starts with a panoramic drive and then takes you to Weggis, a charming summer resort town on the shore of Lake Lucerne.
Your tour guide will drop you off in Weggis, where the self-guided part of your day trip begins. Board the aerial cable car to Rigi Kaltbad where you change to Europe's first ever mountain railway up to the summit Rigi-Kulm (1800m).
Your itinerary on Mount Rigi is flexible – you can spend 1 to 2.5 hours exploring at your own pace, using the itinerary sheets and timetables your guide will give you. The unsurpassed views from the top of this majestic mountain to the midland with its deep blue lakes and the snowcapped mountain range will overwhelm you! A variety of well-prepared hiking trails invite for a walk and cozy alpine restaurants offer a decent selection of typical, hearty meals all accompanied by the amazing alpine panorama.
In the afternoon, descent by cogwheel train to Vitznau and board the public boat for a lovely one-hour cruise on the picturesque Lake of the Four Cantons towards Lucerne.
Enjoy the remaining free time exploring the medieval streets of the Old Town before meeting your tour guide for the coach journey back to Zurich. See the famous Chapel Bridge, the Jesuit Church, and the Town Hall. Further recommendations are a visit to the Swiss Museum of Transport, the biggest museum in Switzerland or for art lovers the Rosengart Museum with works of the famous artists Picasso and Paul Klee (entry fees may apply).
Pass by: Meet your tour guide at the meeting point in Lucerne for the coach journey back to Zurich in the evening.
Meeting point
Start Location
Best of Switzerland Tours AG, Sihlquai Bus Station, Limmatstrasse 2, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour operates in English; other language options may be available upon request.
- Children under 6 years old can join for free; discounted rates apply for children aged 6-16.
- Please inform the tour operator of any dietary restrictions in advance.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a light jacket, as temperatures can vary at higher elevations.
- Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- 09.03-02.04.2026 | 16.-27.11.2026 | 08.-31.03.2027: the round-trip up and down Mt Rigi will be by cogwheel train due to cable car maintenance.
- The tour is accompanied from Zurich to Weggis and from Lucerne to Zurich. For the individual stay in Mt Rigi and Lucerne, tickets and a written itinerary are provided.
Traveler reviews
A Must Do.
It is everything advertised. I recommend spending time o Kulm, but rather stay their the full 2 hours, time down to a lower station and take the train from there. Multiple opportunities to get food on the walk.
Not enough service at the top of Riggi
Weather was awful with near zero visibility and cold driving rain at the top and only a small (24 seat) restaurant for shelter for 60-80 people because the main hotel restaurant is closed on Mondays. This tour should not be offered on Mondays until mid June due to likelihood of bad weather.
Splendid views
Wonderful experience. Cable car , boat and train all in one day. The views from the top are fantastic. Highly recommend esp for families
Absolutely amazing experience
This is the perfect activity for people that don’t like being herded around on group tours. You have the entire day to fit in the activities around what you want to do. Instructions were clear, guide was informative and we had the best day.
Lovely Lucerne
This experience was wonderful and over the top! We loved our time at the top of Mt. Rigi in the snow. The boat ride was absolutely beautiful. Our tour operator was very helpful in directing us. It is quite a walk from downtown Lucerne to catch the bus at the end of the day (we had to call for exact directions) so plan your time accordingly. This tour is highly recommended.