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Mt. Pilatus or Rigi

Have a tour ending in Lucerne with a free day at the end. Would it be advisable to Mt. Pilatus, Mt. Rigi or Engelberg? Only time to accomodate one of these sites?

Posted by
8421 posts

I've only been to Pilatus, but my advice would be to wait and see what the weather is, on that day. Check with hotel as soon as you get up that day and go to whichever is most likely to have sunshine at once - weather will change.

Posted by
4675 posts

What season ?

The trip to Mt. Rigi is totally covered by the Swiss Travel pass: 1 hour scenic boat ride and 1/2 hr cogwheel train. Also, there are a few stops along the cogwheel train trip where one can have drinks and food, and choose to hike up or down. I believe you can see at least three countries from the top of Rigi. You may opt to use the gondola on ascent or descent, and approach from another side and boat stop.

For Mt. Pilatus you only receive a discount if using a Swiss Travel Pass. You have the options of gondola or cogwheel train for the transport.

I've done both, and I like Rigi a little better. Weather at a mountain top is always unpredictable, so if you are in Luzern, you may be more flexible with the timing of a Rigi or Pilatus trip.

There are no bad choices here; Mt. Titlus in Engelberg is a spectacular 10,000 ft. You just need good weather luck.

Have a safe and healthy trip!

Posted by
7807 posts

I think Mt Titlis is the one to go to first but Mt Rigi is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass

Posted by
2661 posts

If you have access to you tube, Dennis Callan has videos on the journey to all 3 mountains. Watching might help you decide which looks more appealing to you. I haven't been yet, but Mt. Titlis and Mt. Rigi are at the top of my list once I get to Lucerne. I imagine all 3 are great choices.

Posted by
17 posts

Thanks, folks. Trip is in early October. Obviously, whether it comes to pass or not depends on the pandemic. We will have Swiss passes.

Posted by
740 posts

I did Mt. Rigi and Mt. Pilatus on separate days when I was in Lucerne. Both were fantastic. Maybe a slight preference for Mt. Rigi for having more hiking options. Also a bit less crowded.

Weather in Engelberg was lousy for Mt. Titlis a couple days later. Went to the top but it was foggy and rainy. Another trip maybe. I did enjoy the town of Engelberg and the monastery.

Posted by
16170 posts

Rigi does offer intermediate stops for hiking or refreshment, and you have the opportunity to make it into a nice loop using 3 different forms of excellent Swiss transport from Luzern: a boat ride to Vitznau, cogwheel train up to the summit at Rigi Kulm, train back down as far as Rigi Kaltbad ( a great place to take an easy hike), then a thrilling cablecar ride steeply down to Weggis, where you again board a lake boat for the cruise back to Luzern.

It makes for a great day and is all fully covered by a Swiss Pass.