Rigi

Cantons: Schwyz (SZ) and Lucerne (LU)

The Rigi, the most famous mountain viewpoint in Switzerland, 1,800 m/5,906ft high, rises in isolation above Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug and the Lauerzer See, and is brought within easy reach by two cog-railroads and a cableway. The roads from Küssnacht, Weggis and Gersau terminate half-way up the mountain.

The Rigi massif is an extensive range with a summit ridge some 50km/31mi long. The most popular viewpoints are the Kulm (1,800 m/5,906ft), the Rotstock (1,662 m/5,453ft) and the Scheidegg (1,665 m/5,463ft). The many attractive footpaths and the mountain air, however, make it well worth while spending more time on the Rigi than a brief period for the sake of the view. The best places for winter sports are the sheltered hotel settlements of Kaltbad, with the excellent facilities provided by the Hostellerie Rigi, and Klösteri (several ski-lifts). The view from the Rigi-Kulm is impressive both for the nearer view of the three surrounding lakes and the more distant panorama of the Alps; this prospect extends for some 200km/ 124mi from end to end, with Säntis and Glärnisch, preceded by the Mythen, standing out with particular prominence in the east, Tödi in the southeast and the giants of the Bernese Oberland in the southwest; Pilatus closes the range of mountains in the west, and farther right one sees the Mittelland with its lakes, and beyond this the Jura and the Black Forest. On Rigi-Kulm, too, are the high tower antenna (the "Rigi-Nadel" or "Needle of the Rigi") and other installations of the Swiss Post Office.