Hiking · Arth – Gersau

From Rigi Kulm via Rigi Kaltbad to the Scheidegg

Point-to-point hike Difficulty 3/5 · Moderate Hiking trail
10.2 km
Distance
3 h
Duration
↗ 240 m
Ascent
↘ 347 m
Descent
Start: Rigi KulmFinish: Gersau
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A high-level path right across the Rigi, from summit to summit: 10.2 kilometres from Rigi Kulm at 1,749 metres across to Rigi Scheidegg. With only 240 metres of ascent and six refreshment stops along the way, it is one of the most comfortable tours in the collection.

The route from above

Aerial view with the route marked: From Rigi Kulm via Rigi Kaltbad to the Scheidegg
Hiking trail
Open interactive map (zoom and pan)

Elevation profile

140015001600170018000246810StartFinishElevation (m a.s.l.)Distance (km)
Hiking trail

Route description

The starting point is Rigi Kulm at 1,749 metres, which is also the highest point of the route. The path first descends and reaches Rigi Staffel at kilometre 1 and Rigi Kaltbad at kilometre 2.

The middle section crosses the Speuzibach at kilometre 4.1 and continues via Rigi Unterstetten at kilometre 6.6. From kilometre 6 the only climb worth mentioning begins with 213 metres of ascent, leading over the Hinder Dosse saddle to Rigi Scheidegg.

At kilometre 9.7 the Scheidegg is reached; the hike ends at 1,641 metres. The steepest section is around 16 per cent, and technically the route makes no particular demands.

Inns line the route: the Rigi Kulm Hotel and the Restaurant Kessiboden at the start, the Restaurant Bahnhöfli and the Restaurant Lok 7 at Rigi Staffel, and the Kräuterhotel Edelweiss and the Hotel Rigi Kaltbad in the middle section. As every intermediate station is served by a railway, the tour can be shortened at any point.

Grading

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Level 3 of 5, Moderate. Hiking trails throughout, but at 10.2 kilometres with 240 metres of ascent a proper half-day hike. Basic fitness required.

Good to know

Getting there / public transport

By public transport to Arth-Goldau or Vitznau and on by the Rigi railway to Rigi Kulm. Current timetable at sbb.ch.

Food and drink

Rigi Kulm Hotel and Restaurant Kessiboden at the start, Restaurant Bahnhöfli and Restaurant Lok 7 at Rigi Staffel, and Kräuterhotel Edelweiss and Hotel Rigi Kaltbad at Rigi Kaltbad.

Best time of year

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Recommended: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

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