From Rigi Scheidegg to the Seebodenalp
A high-level path right across the Rigi, almost entirely downhill: from Rigi Scheidegg at 1,641 metres, 10.8 kilometres lead to the Seebodenalp at 1,015 metres. Only 230 metres of ascent against 853 metres of descent, and four inns line the way.
The route from above
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Elevation profile
Route description
The starting point is Rigi Scheidegg at 1,641 metres, reached by the mountain railway from Kräbel. The path first leads through the Löcher, crosses the Hinder Dosse saddle at kilometre 1.3 and in doing so gains the only 109 metres of ascent worth mentioning on the tour. At kilometre 2.2 the highest point is reached at 1,684 metres.
Via Rigi Unterstetten at kilometre 3 the route continues to Rigi Kaltbad, reached at kilometre 4.8. The path then descends steadily, crosses the Fluebach and the Rigacherbach and finally reaches the Seebodenalp via Alt Ruodisegg.
The steepest section reaches around 19 per cent, and some sections call for a sure step. Because the path leads downhill almost throughout, it is easy on the lungs but hard on the knees. The tour is recommended from May to October.
There are several places to stop along the way: the Berghaus Unterstetten at kilometre 3, the Hotel-Restaurant Alpina at kilometre 5.8, the Alpwirtschaft Räbalp at kilometre 8.4 and the Hotel Rigi-Seebodenalp right at the finish. The route passes through the municipalities of Gersau, Weggis and Küssnacht am Rigi.
Grading
Good to know
Getting there / public transport
By public transport to Goldau, then the cable car from Kräbel up to Rigi Scheidegg. Current timetable at sbb.ch.
Food and drink
Berghaus Unterstetten at kilometre 3, Hotel-Restaurant Alpina at kilometre 5.8, Alpwirtschaft Räbalp at kilometre 8.4 and Hotel Rigi-Seebodenalp at the finish.
Best time of year
Recommended: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct