My husband and I will be in Lucern for only 2 days. We have a Day Saver Pass for a Saturday mid April. I read on a blog my son recommended to go by Train- Lucern to Arth- Goldau then get cog wheel train to Rigi Klum. Then come down cog wheel train to Vitznau and take boat back. My question for those who have been there themselves is this a good idea? Is the scenery different on both sides of the mountain or would it be better to take boat over both ways? Also that time of year is it better to go up in the morning or wait till the afternoon? If we hiked from Rigi Klum to Rigi Kaltbad station can you take the cog wheel train or do you have to take cable car? Will that even be a possibility at that time of year snow wise? My husband does not like heights but can tolerate cog wheel trains and is determined to go up into the mountains. I appreciate any help.
Posted by
Chicago
4116 posts
I didn’t care for the train only option. So I prefer the boat both ways. But the train is quicker, which is why I took it down once.
With the boat + train option, sit on the left side of the train when going up for the best views.
Assuming the weather looks good, I would go up in the morning. If the weather doesn’t look great in the morning see if the afternoon looks better.
The earliest time of year I have gone is June. So I’m not much help on any April specific questions.
If it’s your only day to go and it’s cloudy I would probably still go. It was cloudy and rainy the last time I went and I did still get some some nice pictures with the clouds. It just wasn’t great walking around weather so I didn’t stay too long.
Smart decision on the saver day pass.
Posted by
West Michigan
595 posts
Going up from Arth-Goldau, and then down to Vitznau works very well, each have their own scenery, very nice. Going down, you can hike to Rigi Kaltbad, then get on the cog wheel train, if you like.
Posted by
Minnesota
8 posts
We were in the area two years ago during the third week of April. We had the same plan, to ride the cogwheel train up from Arth-Goldau, then back down to Vitznau, taking the boat back to Lucerne. I wish I could tell you that the scenery was great, but unfortunately the day we made the trip, there was a heavy snowfall up on Mt. Rigi. The train was still running, and we still made the trip, but we couldn't see much of anything! I hope you have better luck.
Posted by
Wengen
3714 posts
Another tip: When taking the train to Arth Goldau take the Voralpenexpress or the S3, do not take one of the IC/IR services direction Ticino.
The S3 and the Voralpenexpress take a different route, that runs along the lake for most if its path, and is thus more scenic than the inland route the other trains take. The Voralpenexpress is also a very nice train (and not, you do not need a reservation. Just get on...)
Posted by
Green Bay
23086 posts
I did it both ways by boat to Vitznau and was very happy. That was in January.
Posted by
OP
315 posts
Thank you everyone for the great info. Is the S3 and the Voralpenexpress included on the Day Saber Pass? That sounds like such a good idea.
Posted by
San Diego, California
6889 posts
We did the boat both ways, and loved it. The boat serves food and refreshments, and the views are great. The schedules of the boat and cogwheel train are coordinated.
On one of our trips, it was December, and cloudy, but we decided to go up anyways. We passed through the clouds to the most magnificent deep blue skies and fresh powdery snow. It was magnificent! I do believe there are cameras at the summit, so you should be able to check the weather online, before you go up. Generally, the summit is clearer in the mornings.
I hope you are also as fortunate as we were, and you have a scenic adventure! Safe Travels!
Posted by
Chicago
4116 posts
Is the S3 and the Voralpenexpress included on the Day Saber Pass?
Yes, your entire journey to Rigi and back will be covered.
If you check the SBB app, i believe it will show you the type of train (Probably not the correct term). So when you check times, you will see this as an option and can see if the time lines up with your plan. I'm not sure how often those particular trains run. I would guess at least hourly.
Posted by
West Michigan
595 posts
Yes, the boat to Vitznau is great. But it could be pretty crowded when leaving Lucerne. I've really enjoyed a meal on the boat. My favorite meal is the big meat and cheese platter, deliciious. Check the boat schedule and map. I believe you could go clockwise from Lucerne or counter-clockwise (ok, anti-clockwise).
As for webcams, I searched for "Mount Rigi Webcams", and found four right away.