Rigi and Stanserhorn are both spectacular day-trips from Lucerne and Interlaken in Switzerland. For instance, both are quirky experiences. In addition, both are very different and unique in their own ways. Finally, both have enough activities to keep you busy for an entire day.
In fact, if you have only one day and you want to see both the places, you could do it with a little bit of planning. As a matter of fact, we were on a day trip to Stanserhorn and while we were on top of Mt Stanserhorn, we could see the beautiful Rigi at a distance. Therefore, we spontaneously decided that we wanted to try our luck and go to Rigi. In spite of a little bit of time crunch, we had an amazing time.
Rigi Mountain
FAQs
Where is the Rigi Mountain?
Rigi is a mountain in Central Switzerland, and therefore, very close to Lucerne.
How tall is Mount Rigi?
Mount Rigi or Rigi Kulm stands at 1798 metres above sea level.
Why is Rigi called the Queen of Mountains?
Rigi has a unique and beautiful look because it stands tall surrounded by the beautiful lakes of Lucerne, Zug and Lauerz. Because of this spectacular presence, Rigi is known as the Queen of Mountains.
How do I reach Rigi?
From any major city you could reach Vitznau or Arth-Goldau by train. In fact, you could reach the top of Rigi with the Rigi Railways. Incidentally, it is the oldest mountain railway in Europe. However, there are two routes to reach the top. Firstly, the Arth-Rigi-Bahn and secondly, the Vitznau-Rigi-Bahn.
Alternatively, you could take a boat to Vitznau or Weggis from Lucerne followed by the train or cable car respectively.
You can find the timetable of the Rigi Bahn and the Weggis cable car here.
Also, you can find the timetable of the boat from Lucerne to Weggis here.
How much is the ticket to Mount Rigi?
A round trip ticket to Rigi Kulm (summit) costs 72 Francs.
Is Mount Rigi free with Swiss Pass?
Yes, in fact, the entire mountain excursion including cable cars as well as the boats is included in the Swiss Travel Pass.
Is Rigi good for hiking?
Rigi is truly a hiker’s paradise. For example, there are hiking routes on several stations. In addition, they are well organised, extremely scenic, and also easy for beginners because of its gentle slope.
What is there to do at Rigi?
The most beautiful part about Rigi Mountain is the scenery of the Alps against the backdrop of several lakes. On the other hand, you can enjoy these the most during the train rides to and fro Rigi Kulm.
You may also like: Rigi, the Queen of Mountains – Excursion in Switzerland with Swiss Pass
Stanserhorn
FAQs
Where is Mount Stanserhorn?
Mount Stanserhorn is a mountain in Central Switzerland and a quick train ride from Lucerne.
How tall is Mount Stanserhorn?
Mount Stanserhorn stands at 1898 metres above sea level.
How do I reach Stanserhorn?
Take a train from any major city to Stans. After that, walk 4 minutes to reach Stanserhorn funicular station. Then, take the funicular till Kälti, and lastly, take the CabriO cable car to the top.
Tip: Keep some buffer time when visiting Stanserhorn because the timings of the funicular are not fixed. In fact, the timings change according to the tourist’s demand that day. In addition, the CabriO Cable car timings are synced with the funicular. You can find the official timetable here.
Can you hike at Stanserhorn?
Yes. In fact. a large part of the mountain is easy to hike. In fact, you can also hike along the path of the funicular.
What is special about Stanserhorn?
Eventually, the funicular to Kälti was started in 1893. In fact, they still have a vintage look and feel.
In addition, the CabriO cable car with its open top is one of its kind.
What is special about the CabriO cable car?
The CabriO cable car ascends at a great height with an open top. Truthfully, this experience is truly thrilling and one of a kind.
Is the CabriO cable car safe?
Yes. As a matter of fact, the walls are high up on the open upper deck of the cable car. Therefore, if you are scared you could also sit on the lower deck with the panoramic windows.
How much is the ticket to Stanserhorn?
A round trip ticket to the top of Stanserhorn costs 74 Francs.
How late do the cable cars to Stanserhorn run?
The cable cars close early on weekdays. However, from Thursday to Saturday it runs till late.
Check the official timings here.
Is Mount Stanserhorn free with Swiss Pass?
Yes. In fact, the entire return journey to the top of Stanserhorn is included in the Swiss Travel Pass.
What is there to do at Stanserhorn?
The entire journey to Stanserhorn with the quirky funicular and cable car is a unique experience. For instance, the scenery from the top with views of Lake Lucerne, Rigi, Mt. Titlis, and Mt. Pilatus at a distance is spectacular.
To know more about my trip to Stanserhorn read this post.
You may also like: Stanserhorn Funicular and CabriO Cable Car – Mountain trip in Switzerland
Can I visit Rigi and Stanserhorn on the same day?
As a matter of fact, it is very much possible to visit both Rigi and Stanserhorn on the same day. However, you do need to rush a little. Check the schedule before leaving as both mountain excursions close early during weekdays.
Between Rigi and Stanserhorn, which is the better day trip from lucerne?
Personally, I think the entire journey to Stanserhorn with the quirky funicular and cable car is a unique experience. In addition, the scenery from the top with views of Lake Lucerne, Rigi, Mt. Titlis and Mt. Pilatus at a distance is spectacular.
How to visit Rigi and Stanserhorn on the same day?
We visited Stanserhorn from Interlaken on a Monday in July and after visited the Rigi mountain. Here is how we planned our trip.
Step 1: Interlaken to Lucerne by train
Step 2: Lucerne to Stans by train
Step 3: 4-minute walk from Stans to Stanserhorn base station
Step 4: Stanserhorn funicular to Kälti
Step 5: Kälti to Stanserhorn peak by CabriO cable car
Step 6: Spend 2 hours at the peak
Step 7: Take CabriO Cable car and funicular back to Stans
Step 8: Stans to Arth-Goldau by train
Step 9: Arth-Goldau to Rigi Kulm by Cogwheel train Arth-Rigibahn
Step 10: Spend 1 hour at Rigi Kulm
Step 11: Rigi-Kulm to Rigi-Kaltbad by Cogwheel train Vitznau-Rigibahn
Step 12: Rigi Kaltbad to Weggis by fun cable car
Step 13: Weggis to Lucerne by scenic boat
Step 14: Walking tour of Lucerne
Step 15: Lucerne to Interlaken by train
This may look a bit hectic. However, all the train and cable car journeys are extremely scenic. Therefore, the journeys become a part of your destination. However, if you do have time in your hands I would recommend you to do both as separate day trips.
Tip: Both of these trips are included in the Swiss Travel Pass.
5 Responses
Hello again, I entered the date on SBB, Zurich to Stanserhorn and the Carbio car info says “Reservation recommended”.
If we have STP, do I need to make reservation? And how ?
Thank you so much for your help !
You don’t need to make a reservation if you have a Swiss Pass. There is usually a short queue to enter and you just need to show your Swiss Pass.
Thank you for this post, very informative. I will follow your itinerary but in reverse.
We’re planning to do both Mt Rigi and Mt Stanserhorn in a day on April 26.
After reading your trip, it sounds the best we can do. Where can I get the time table? It’s gonna be a Tuesday, so it’s a short day ? Is there any cheaper pass than STP for this ? Thank you much !! And we can’t wait !!
Hi Christine,
Great decision to visit these wonders. You need to download the SBB app to check out the timetables for Rigi and other connecting trains including any delays. Stanserhorn usually does not have specific timings and instead runs according to the demand. There are individual tickets to these attractions but the total price is usually cheaper if you buy the Swiss Pass. Since you already know the date of your travel, I would recommend you check the SBB app for specific discounts. You may also be able to buy a day pass on the day of your visit. Hope this helps!
Regards,
Emily