From Rigi Kaltbad over Rigi Kulm to Rigi Klösterli
Eight kilometres over the highest point of the Rigi: this route leads from Rigi Kaltbad at 1,437 metres up to Rigi Kulm and back down to Rigi Klösterli. With 358 metres of ascent and two and a half hours, it is manageable even for inexperienced walkers.
The route from above
Open interactive map (zoom and pan)
Elevation profile
Route description
The starting point is Rigi Kaltbad at 1,437 metres. The path climbs in two gentle sections of 126 and 189 metres and reaches Rigi Staffel at kilometre 2.5.
At kilometre 3.8 Rigi Kulm is reached, and shortly afterwards, at kilometre 3.9, the highest point of the route at 1,761 metres. From here the route descends and, after the Rigiaa, reaches Rigi Klösterli at kilometre 7.8 at 1,313 metres.
The steepest passage lies at kilometre 3.1 and reaches around 17 per cent. Technically the hike makes no particular demands; neither a sure step nor a head for heights is needed.
No fewer than four inns invite you to stop: the Hotel-Restaurant Alpina at the start, the Rigi Kulm Hotel at kilometre 4, the Alpwirtschaft Chäserenholz at kilometre 5 and the Hotel-Restaurant zum Goldenen Hirschen at the finish. As all the stations are served by the Rigi railway, the tour can be shortened at any point. It is recommended from May to October.
Grading
Good to know
Getting there / public transport
By public transport to Vitznau or Goldau and on by the Rigi railway to Rigi Kaltbad. Current timetable at sbb.ch.
Food and drink
Hotel-Restaurant Alpina at the start, Rigi Kulm Hotel at kilometre 4, Alpwirtschaft Chäserenholz at kilometre 5 and Hotel-Restaurant zum Goldenen Hirschen at the finish.
Best time of year
Recommended: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct