Mt Rigi and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Boat Ride

On this full-day alpine excursion, escape Zurich and spend a glorious day in the Lake Lucerne area, exploring Mount Rigi, known as the ‘Queen of the Mountains,’ and the picturesque lakeside town of Lucerne. This tour is mostly made up of free time and self-guided activities – your guide will be with you from Zurich to Weggis, at the foot of the mountain, and then you’re free to explore the mountain and Lucerne at your leisure. Ride an aerial cable car and a cogwheel train, take in stunning views over the Swiss Alps and enjoy a boat ride on Lake Lucerne – it’s a full day of gorgeous scenery and mountain delights.

1. 1

   Zurich

   Pass by

   Departure place is at the Sihlquai Bus Station. Your full-day tour from Zurich to Mount Rigi and Lake Lucerne starts with a panoramic drive and then takes you to Weggis, a charming summer resort town on the shore of Lake Lucerne.

2. 2

   Weggis

   15 min

   Your tour guide will drop you off in Weggis, where the self-guided part of your day trip begins. Board the aerial cable car to Rigi Kaltbad where you change to Europe's first ever mountain railway up to the summit Rigi-Kulm (1800m).

3. 3

   Mount Rigi

   2.5 hours

   Your itinerary on Mount Rigi is flexible – you can spend 1 to 2.5 hours exploring at your own pace, using the itinerary sheets and timetables your guide will give you. The unsurpassed views from the top of this majestic mountain to the midland with its deep blue lakes and the snowcapped mountain range will overwhelm you! A variety of well-prepared hiking trails invite for a walk and cozy alpine restaurants offer a decent selection of typical, hearty meals all accompanied by the amazing alpine panorama.

4. 4

   Vitznau

   1 hour

   In the afternoon, descent by cogwheel train to Vitznau and board the public boat for a lovely one-hour cruise on the picturesque Lake of the Four Cantons towards Lucerne.

5. 5

   Lucerne

   2.5 hours

   Enjoy the remaining free time exploring the medieval streets of the Old Town before meeting your tour guide for the coach journey back to Zurich. See the famous Chapel Bridge, the Jesuit Church, and the Town Hall. Further recommendations are a visit to the Swiss Museum of Transport, the biggest museum in Switzerland or for art lovers the Rosengart Museum with works of the famous artists Picasso and Paul Klee (entry fees may apply).

6. 6

   Zurich

   Pass by

   Meet your tour guide at the meeting point in Lucerne for the coach journey back to Zurich in the evening.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Please note: On the following dates, the round-trip to and from Mount Rigi will be operated by cogwheel train due to cable car maintenance: 16–27 November 2026 and 1 March–2 April 2027

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.