Vitznau–Rigi railway

Vitznau-Rigi-Bahn in Vitznau is a Swiss rack railway that carries passengers from the shore of Lake Lucerne up Mount Rigi. Built in 1871, it was the first mountain railway of its kind in Europe. Today it belongs to Rigi Bahnen, which also runs the Arth–Rigi line on the far side of the massif and the Weggis–Rigi Kaltbad cable car.

What kind of railway is it?

It is a standard gauge rack railway: the track has the usual 1,435 mm width, while a toothed rail between the running rails lets the train handle steep gradients. The line begins right at the waterfront in Vitznau and climbs the slopes of Rigi, nicknamed the "Queen of the Mountains". The Rigibahn company built it, and its opening in 1871 set a template for the Alpine mountain railways that followed.

How do you get to the station in Vitznau?

• By boat from Lucerne – steamers and motor ships cross Lake Lucerne, and the Vitznau landing stage sits next to the lower station. It is the most scenic approach.
• By public transport – buses, or trains combined with buses, link Lucerne with Vitznau along the lakeshore.
• By car – there is parking near the station, but spaces fill up fast in high season.

A popular day trip from Lucerne is a loop: ride up from Vitznau, come down the other side via Arth-Goldau, and return to the city by rail.

What will you see?

The train climbs above the lake past meadows, forest and mountain farms. Windows frame the lake, the surrounding hills and, in clear weather, Alpine peaks. At the top, the main goal is the Rigi Kulm summit, where a bright day reveals a panorama of many lakes and the Alpine chain. Intermediate stops open onto hiking trails, including the area around Rigi Kaltbad, known for its spa character and for the cable car from Weggis.

When should you go?

Spring and autumn bring clear air and smaller crowds. In summer the hiking routes are fully open, and in winter the Rigi area offers prepared walking paths and sledging. Mornings usually give better visibility than afternoons, when cloud tends to cover the summit. Check the operator's current timetable and the weather forecast before you set off.

Why does it matter historically?

Vitznau-Rigi-Bahn is often called the oldest mountain railway in Europe. Its opening kicked off a period of fast growth in high-altitude tourism in Switzerland, and Rigi became one of the first heavily visited peaks on the continent.

Frequently asked questions

When did the Vitznau line open? In 1871. It was the first rack railway in Europe.

Where does the route start? In Vitznau, on the shore of Lake Lucerne, close to the boat landing.

Can I go up from Vitznau and come down another way? Yes. The same operator runs the Arth–Rigi line on the other side of the mountain, and from Rigi Kaltbad you can also descend by cable car to Weggis.

Who owns the railway? Rigi Bahnen, which also operates the Arth–Rigi line and the Weggis–Rigi Kaltbad cable car.