From Rigi Kaltbad down to Küssnacht am Rigi
1,084 metres of descent in 8.5 kilometres, without a single counter-climb worth mentioning: this route leads from Rigi Kaltbad at 1,437 metres down to the lakeshore in Küssnacht. Undemanding in terms of stamina, but a real strain on the knees.
The route from above
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Elevation profile
Route description
The starting point is Rigi Kaltbad at 1,437 metres. After a short climb, the highest point lies at kilometre 1.3 at 1,483 metres; after that it is downhill all the way.
Via Alt Ruodisegg at kilometre 3.3 the path crosses the Fluebach and the Rigacherbach and reaches the Seebodenalp at kilometre 5. From there the route leads through the Loch and via Sämpel down to Küssnacht am Rigi, reached at kilometre 7.1.
There are 1,036 metres between the highest and lowest points. The steepest section is a mere six per cent, so the descent is spread evenly over the whole route. Some sections call for a sure step.
For breaks there are the Hotel-Restaurant Alpina at the start and the Hotel Rigi-Seebodenalp at kilometre 5. Walking poles are a sensible aid with a height difference like this. The tour 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 and Hotel Rigi-Seebodenalp at kilometre 5.
Best time of year
Recommended: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct