Switzerland Suburb Day Tour from Zurich: Mt. Rigi and Lake Lucerne
Come to Mt. Rigi for a nature retreat as the locals do. Board the first railway built in the mountainous area in Europe and embrace the spectacular vistas of 13 lakes and Alps. Drink in the Lucerne lake view on a boat ride and explore the quaint Lucerne city.
- Take the first mountain railway in Europe up to the peak of Mt. Rigi
- Board the aerial cable car and see the spectacular alpine landscape above the clouds
- Cruise across beautiful Lake Lucerne and visit the lakeside city
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
| Departure Time | Late Departure (After 9 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 5 travelers |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Additional service & facility | Transfer included |
| Seasonal | Winter Snow Exclusive |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, City walking tour |
| Transport | Sightseeing cruise, Bus tour |
Product Info
Purchase Notice
- Please arrive promptly at the check-in/meeting point 15 mins in advance. Refunds and participation will not be granted to late arrivals due to personal reasons
- Free admission for children aged 5 and under, proof of age (e.g. passport) is required
- The tour does not include lunch. Travelers could have lunch at their own expense at Mt. Rigi
- According to the tour size, a bilingual tour guide (English and Spanish) may guide two groups of different languages at the same time, please consider before booking
- As the tour will be held at a high altitude region, please evaluate your own health conditions before participation. Refunds will not be granted for travelers who cannot continue the trip due to high altitude illness. The tour does not include insurance, the traveler is suggested to purchase personal insurance in advance
- The driver/tour guide accompanies the tour from Zürich to Weggis and from Lucerne to Zürich. Keep in mind that the way up and down Mt. Rigi and the boat ride to Lucerne are unguided
Reminders
A minimum of 5 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 1 day(s) before the departure date
In case of delays caused by traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors resulting in the cancellation of some itinerary attractions, please contact customer service. We will arrange a partial refund for you
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 00:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please bring the passport with you for identity verification
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the departure
Please arrive promptly at each meeting point during the whole tour. The bus will leave on time, and refunds will not be granted to missed tours due to late arrivals and personal reasons
Please call the emergency number +41 (0) 447105050 if you cannot find the meeting point
For detailed information on how to get to the meeting point, please refer to this link: https://www.switzerland-tours.ch/fileadmin/documents/best-of-switzerland-tours-departure-point-zurich.pdf
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 2 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–1 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Mount Rigi is often considered gentler, offering 360-degree panoramic views of 13 lakes and the Alps, with diverse ascent options including Europe's first mountain railway, cable cars, and a boat ride on Lake Lucerne. It's known for its extensive hiking trails and wellness facilities. Mount Pilatus provides a more dramatic, rugged alpine experience, famous for the world's steepest cogwheel railway and the "Golden Round Trip" from Lucerne, often featuring spectacular views and adventurous activities.
Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass generally offers full coverage for the mountain railways and cable cars on Mount Rigi, as well as the boat trips on Lake Lucerne that are part of the typical Rigi round trip. This makes accessing Mount Rigi straightforward and cost-effective for pass holders, allowing them to enjoy the scenic journey and summit views without additional ticket purchases for these specific modes of transport.
To reach the summit of Mount Rigi, there are several scenic transportation methods. You can take Europe's first mountain railway from Vitznau or Arth-Goldau. Alternatively, an aerial cable car operates from Weggis to Rigi Kaltbad, connecting to the cogwheel train for the final ascent to the summit. Many visitors combine these with a beautiful boat trip across Lake Lucerne, arriving at the railway or cable car departure points.
To fully experience Mount Rigi, including the scenic journeys, summit views, and perhaps a short hike or a visit to Rigi Kaltbad, a full day is generally recommended. This allows ample time for the ascent and descent, enjoying the panoramic vistas, and exploring the various viewpoints without feeling rushed. If you also plan to incorporate a boat trip on Lake Lucerne and a stop in Lucerne city, allocating 8-10 hours or more would be ideal for a relaxed pace.
From Lucerne, a popular route to Mount Rigi involves taking a scenic boat trip across Lake Lucerne to Vitznau. From Vitznau, you board Europe's first mountain railway directly to Rigi Kulm, the summit. Another option is to take a boat to Weggis, then an aerial cable car to Rigi Kaltbad, and a cogwheel train from there to Rigi Kulm. These routes offer picturesque views and a memorable journey.
Visitors to Lake Lucerne can enjoy a variety of activities centered around its stunning waters. A highlight is taking a leisurely boat cruise, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains like Mount Rigi and charming lakeside towns. You can also disembark at various stops for hiking opportunities, explore historical sites such as the Tell Chapel, or simply relax by the shore, soaking in the serene Swiss landscape.
Lucerne city, known for its charm, offers several notable attractions. The iconic Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) and Water Tower are must-sees, representing the city's rich history. Visitors can also explore the well-preserved Old Town with its colorful frescoed buildings and charming squares. Other highlights include the Lion Monument, the Jesuit Church, and taking a stroll along the picturesque Reuss River.
Get Help
