Lucerne: Rigi and Pilatus Private Guided Day Trip｜Switzerland

Conquer two amazing peaks in just one day on a private guided day trip to Rigi and Pilatus. Experience the stunning nature of Central Switzerland on this exciting journey from peak to peak.

Meet your guide at your hotel in Lucerne and embark on an exciting adventure involving buses, trains, funiculars, gondolas, and boats to experience Switzerland in a nutshell.

Board the local train for a 30-minute ride along lakes Lucerne and Zug to Arth Goldau. Here, board a cogwheel mountain railway which takes you on a scenic journey up to Rigi-Kulm, the summit of Mt Rigi.

Enjoy impressive 360-degree views over the Alps stretching way out into the distance. On a clear day, see as far as France to the West and the Black Forest in Germany to the North.

Next, take a gentle 30-minute walk down to a 7th generation family-owned alpine dairy and artisan cheese-maker where you will learn about Swiss dairy farming and the art of cheese making. Continue to hike along a mountain trail for about an hour. At Rigi-Kaltbad, catch the aerial cable-car down to Weggis in time to catch a Lake Lucerne boat for a scenic 40-minute cruise back to Lucerne.

Once in Lucerne, walk across the street and board the local bus for a 15-minute ride and then a short walk to the Mt. Pilatus gondola station. Climb aboard a 4-person gondola and enjoy the views over the city and surrounding hills. Then transfer to the “Dragon Ride” aerial cableway that whisks you up to 2,032 m / 7,000 ft to the top of Lucerne’s other home mountain, the Mt. Pilatus.

Once on top, there is time to take in the magnificent views over the Alps. Follow the Dragon Caves walking trail (500 m/0.3 miles) and learn about the legends of the mountain’s dragons and its surprising connection with Pontius Pilate. Take an adventure walk along the Flower Trail to the Tömlishorn (the highest peak at 2128 m) where, on a clear day, you can see the famous peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in the distance.

If you are lucky, you may even encounter a few wild ibex along the way, and hear the clanging of cowbells in the air. Return to the main are for refreshments and souvenir shopping at the Pilatus Kulm visitor center.

The return trip to Lucerne begins with a descent to Alpnachstad on the world’s steepest cogwheel train with 48% gradients and through numerous tunnels. More wonderful views of the Swiss Alps accompany you on your descent. In Alpnachstad, board the local train for a quick and easy ride back to Lucerne.