Lucerne: Mineralbad & Spa, Mt. Rigi Kaltbad

Posted by dmbcycles on 09/07/21 01:35 AM

Greetings. Of those who happen to read this post, have any of you been to the Mineralbad & Spa at Mt. Rigi Kaltbad (close to Lucerne). My wife and I will be visiting Lucerne on Sept. 21-23 and are thinking of visiting this spa located on Mt. Rigi. I am trying to work out the logistics of getting there and from Google Maps it appears that we would take a boat from the Lucerne wharf across the lake to Vitznau (28 CHF one way), then a cogwheel train up the mountain to Rigi Kaltbad. Anyway, just wondering if any of you might have done this before and have opinions or suggestions. We might try to combine a spa visit with some local hiking on Rigi.

The next day we are planning to go to Engelberg for some more hiking and stay overnight in the Hotel Belmont. The following day we head back to Geneva from Engelberg and wondering if it would be worth trying to take the Golden Pass train from Lucerne to Montreaux then a local/regional train to Geneva or just take the SBB train all the way to Geneva.

Thanks and safe travels to all.

Posted by Lola

Seattle, WA

09/07/21 02:31 AM

17427 posts

I have wanted to visit the Rigi spa and swim in that infinity pool ever since I saw a photo like this:

https://www.aqua-spa-resorts.ch/en/mineralbad-spa-rigi-kaltbad

We spent an overnight in Rigi Kaltbad 15 years ago, before that spa pool existed. We stayed at Hotel Alpina in a room with a beautiful view over the lake, and did hikes in the afternoon of arrival and the next morning before departing. It was pleasant even just wandering around the little village—-the people were very friendly—-friendlier than we were accustomed to in Switzerland.

From Luzern you have 2 choices to arrive there: the boat to Vitznau and cogwheel train up Rigi from there, or the faster option of boat to Weggis (closer to Luzern) and cablecar straight up to Rigi Kaltbad. I recommend this.

We were coming from Germany so went by train to Arth-Goldau, then cogwheel train up and over Rigi via Rigi Kulm (the summit), changing there for the cogwheel train down to Rigi Kaltbad (and on to Vitznau if you don’t get off there). Then we took the cablecar down to Weggis and boat to Luzern from there, on our way to Wengen.

For your journey to Geneva, you can take the Golden Pass special trains if you like, or ride a regular SBB regional train on the same tracks for less $$. Same views, but no panoramic cars. We did this later in the same 2007 trip, actually, heading from Muerren to Gstaad for the Swiss Open (tennis). Our destination was Morges, on Lac Leman, for an overnight before flying home from Geneva.

Enjoy the spa—-and please write a trip report!

Posted by dmbcycles OP

09/07/21 03:02 AM

22 posts

Thank you very much for your suggestions Lola! For both getting to the spa from Lucerne and the train trip back to Geneva. Great help. I will definitely write a trip report to share on this forum. We actually begin our trip with five days in Geneva making day trips around the area and lake. Depending upon the weather, we might include a trip to Chamonix and a cable car ride up to Aguille du Midi for some - hopefully - outstanding views of Mt. Blanc. Then a train ride to Basel and Colmar followed by a visit to Lucerne, Mt. Rigi and the Mineralbad spa, Engelberg, and back to Geneva. From there, we travel to Nice for a week.

Posted by Nigel

Northamptonshire, England

09/07/21 12:43 PM

33820 posts

I regularly visit therme throughout Germany but although tempted I have never wanted to spend the money on the very expensive Swiss ones. I know the area around Luzern well, but I always have too much going on in the mountains to have the time.

Maybe one day.

I hope you have a good experience. I enjoy Rigi and down to the lake very much. Sorry I'm not more help...

Posted by dmbcycles OP

09/07/21 11:02 PM

22 posts

Thanks Nigel. I am also more of an outdoor person but my wife is the one who has her heart set on visiting a Swiss spa - somewhere along our route. I thought this one on Mt. Rigi might be the most convenient. The good thing is that there appears to be some good hiking trails close by.