Nestled between Lake Lucerne and Lake Zug, Mount Rigi is a beloved mountain peak known for its incredible views, especially at sunrise and sunset. At 1,798 meters (5,899 feet), it’s not as high as iconic peaks like the Matterhorn or Jungfrau, but it’s still an Alpine mountain. The peak is easily accessible and can be reached by 2 cogwheel mountain railways, specialised, steep-grade trains that use a geared pinion-and-rack system to ascend steep terrain. The Vitznau-Rigi line, opened in 1871, was Europe's first mountain rack railway, and the Goldau-Rigi line, opened in 1875, ascends from the opposite side. The gentle place of the trains is ideal for taking in the incredible scenery.
Rigi boasts a great network of hiking trails and is very popular for outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, sledding and snowshoeing. It is also home to various restaurants and a relaxing thermal spa with indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and wellness treatments.
Right in the heart of Switzerland, Lake Lucerne is a truly idyllic place surrounded by iconic mountain peaks like Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus. The combination of incredible scenery and easy access makes these mountains the ideal spot for a hike. Our private excursion from Zurich offers the chance to embark upon a scenic drive towards the lake, followed by a relaxed ascent by cable car to the lesser-known Klewenalpen to enjoy a spectacular guided hike. After a healthy dose of fresh mountain air and stunning views from the summit, you’ll top it all off with a fabulous fondue experience at a private residence overlooking the lake, making for a tantalising combination of classic Swiss nature, gastronomy and culture.
On this full-day private tour, you will:
Escape Zurich for the day and immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty and authentic flavours of central Switzerland on this unforgettable private excursion to Lake Lucerne. Your experienced local driver-guide will pick you up directly from your hotel, whisking you away in comfortable private transport to one of the country's most spectacular alpine settings
Your adventure begins with an exhilarating cable car ascent to the summit of Klewenalp above the shimmering waters of Lake Lucerne. You’ll watch the landscape unfold below as you glide upward, from the lake's deep blue waters to the patchwork of valleys and forests, and the dramatic peaks of the Swiss Alps stretching to the horizon. At the top, you'll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views that capture the very essence of Switzerland's mountain majesty.
From there, your guide leads you on a scenic hike through pristine alpine terrain, tailored to your pace and interests. Whether you're traversing meadows dotted with flowers in the summer or winter snowscapes (complete with snowshoes when conditions call for them), you'll experience the tranquil beauty and fresh mountain air that make the Swiss Alps so enchanting. Along the way, your guide can share insights into the local landscape, culture, and traditions as you walk, bringing the region to life with stories of Lucerne across the centuries.
The perfect conclusion to your mountain adventure awaits at a private residence overlooking the lake, where you'll savour Switzerland's most beloved culinary tradition: authentic cheese fondue. In this intimate setting with stunning lake views as your backdrop, you'll indulge in rich, perfectly melted cheese paired with crusty bread, local wines, and warm Swiss hospitality. It is an opportunity to experience one of the most emblematic Swiss culinary rituals, sharing a hearty meal in remarkable surroundings.
With cable car tickets, snowshoes if needed, and seamless door-to-door service all included, this private tour offers the ultimate combination of alpine adventure, spectacular scenery, and genuine Swiss culture.
Around an hour’s drive from Zurich, Mount Rigi is one of the most accessible Alpine peaks and makes for a wonderful day trip, boasting incredible views and a chance to cruise up to the mountaintop on the historic cogwheel railway. The charming city of Lucerne is also well worth a visit, and our full-day excursion combines both with a scenic Lake Lucerne boat cruise to give you a classic Swiss experience, venturing beyond Zurich to enjoy the country’s famous mountains, lakes and medieval cities with a knowledgeable local driver-guide.
On your private full-day excursion, you will:
Spend the day discovering the timeless landscapes of central Switzerland on this beautifully crafted private excursion. Your knowledgeable local driver-guide will collect you directly from your hotel in Zurich and set you on course for a day that weaves together alpine adventure, natural wonders, and rich cultural heritage in one exhilarating experience.
Your journey begins with a scenic drive through the rolling Swiss countryside toward Mount Rigi, the majestic peak that has captivated travellers since the 19th century. Rising dramatically above the shimmering waters of Lake Lucerne, Rigi is known as the "Queen of the Mountains", and once you arrive, it's immediately clear why. You'll board the historic cogwheel railway, Europe's first mountain rack railway dating back to 1871, for an exciting ascent to the summit. As the quaint carriages climb steadily through alpine meadows and forests, the views grow ever more spectacular with every passing minute.
At the top, the reward is extraordinary, a sweeping 360-degree panorama that on a clear day stretches from the Jungfrau and the peaks of the Bernese Oberland to the iconic silhouette of the Matterhorn and far beyond. This is Switzerland at its most awe-inspiring. Your free time at the summit is yours to spend as you please, lingering over the views, exploring the summit trails, or settling in for a leisurely lunch at a mountaintop restaurant, with the Alps as your dining companion.
When you're ready to descend, you can opt to glide back down on the cogwheel railway or, if the mood takes you, set off on a leisurely downhill hike through the mountain's beautiful lower slopes, breathing in the crisp alpine air as the lake comes into view below. At the water's edge, a different kind of Swiss magic awaits. You'll board a classic cruise boat and sail across the pristine, crystal-clear waters of Lake Lucerne, also known as the Vierwaldstättersee (the Lake of the Four Forest Cantons), with the mountains rising on all sides and the reflection of the Alps shimmering on the surface. This is one of Europe's most beautiful lakes, and experiencing it from the water offers a perspective that cannot be matched from land.
Arriving by boat into the city of Lucerne is itself a memorable moment, with the medieval skyline, the mountains in the background, and the Reuss River flowing through the old town offering a scene of effortless Swiss perfection. Your driver-guide will be waiting to welcome you ashore and lead you on an engaging orientation through this captivating city. Strolling through the beautifully preserved medieval old town, you'll cross the famous Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), one of Europe's oldest covered wooden bridges, with its distinctive octagonal Water Tower rising beside it. Your guide will bring the city's layered history to life as you take in the Baroque grandeur of Jesuit Church and stand before the poignant Lion Monument, the remarkable sculpture carved into a cliff face that commemorates the Swiss Guards who fell during the French Revolution, a site that once moved Mark Twain to call it the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.
With seamless door-to-door service from your Zurich hotel, boat cruise tickets included, and the expertise of a passionate local guide at your side throughout, this private excursion delivers an immersive and memorable encounter with the very best of Swiss nature, history, and culture.
Join the fastest growing community of professional tour guides.
Use our easy to integrate toolset to include Tours & Attractions in your customer journey.