Viewpoint: Panoramic view of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains in Switzerland

Rigi Kaltbad

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8 Highlights in Rigi Kaltbad

Rigi Kaltbad is located at 1433 m above sea level. With the first rack railroad in Switzerland you can travel directly from the shore of Lake Lucerne to Rigi Kaltbad. A cable car takes you from Weggis directly to Rigi Kaltbad. The popular Rigi Kaltbad Spa and Mineral Bath is open all year round. The views of Lake Lucerne are spectacular, especially at the Känzeli lookout point, especially at sunset. Rigi Kaltbad has a village store with delicatessen and a sports store. Along the hiking trails of Rigi Kaltbad you will find several barbecue sites. In winter you can go curling or ice skating on the natural ice field of Rigi Kaltbad. The 7 km long panoramic hiking trail from Rigi Kaltbad to Rigi Scheidegg runs along the old track of the Rigi Scheidegg railroad.

Rigi Kaltbad is a fantastic spot for a family outing. The summit sits at 1,433 m above sea level and can be reached from Vitznau by cogwheel train or from Weggis by cable car. The wellness oasis, featuring a beautiful thermal bath, is very popular. On top of that, you get a stunning view of Lake Lucerne. The sunset at the viewpoint Chänzeli is legendary. There are also several BBQ spots where you can enjoy a meal with family or friends.

Our article about the Rigi, Queen of the Mountains highlights the best spots and activities throughout the Rigi. With 9 cable cars, this impressive mountain range is easily accessible.

Rigi Kaltbad Biotop KinderspielplatzBiotop in Rigi Kaltbad (Foto: Rigi Bahnen)
Rigi Kaltbad Känzeli Ausblick Ausblick Känzeli in Rigi Kaltbad (Foto: Pixabay)

Rigi Kaltbad Spa & Mineral Baths

In the thermal bath you have the unique opportunity to combine wellness treatments with the view of an exceptionally beautiful environment.

The bath has a large indoor pool, pronounced with huge niches. The generous design by the Swiss star architect Mario Botta lets you enjoy a contemplative atmosphere. The indoor pool flows directly into the outdoor pool, where the Alpine panorama opens up to you in a spectacular way.

You bathe in the mineral-rich spring water from the Three Sisters Fountain, which is heated to a pleasant 35° Celsius.

SPA and wellness offers of the indoor and outdoor pools

  • Bubble zone, massage jets and shallow water zone
  • bubble seats with a view of the mountain panorama
  • Bubble loungers and neck shower
  • Indoor loungers and relaxation area
  • Loungers and sun deck outside

SPA and wellness offers in the Rigi Kaltbad Spa area

  • sauna
  • Herbal steam bath
  • Crystal bath with shallow water zone
  • Lounge area with spring water
  • Large selection of massages and special treatments
Rigi Kaltbad MineralbadMineralbad (Foto: Rigi Bahnen)
Rigi Kaltbad MineralbadAusblick und Mineralbad (Foto: Rigi Bahnen)

How high is Rigi Kaltbad?

Rigi Kaltbad is situated at an altitude of 1,433 m above sea level. From here, you can enjoy a fantastic view of Lake Lucerne. The 7 km panoramic trail to Rigi Scheidegg lets you take in this view throughout the entire hike. However, even a short walk to the Känzeli viewpoint is worthwhile. The train stations are located at about 1,423 m above sea level.

Primarily, visitors come here for the Rigi Kaltbad Spa. The Rigi Kaltbad Hotel is also a popular choice. Nevertheless, there are plenty of other reasons to make the trip to Rigi Kaltbad.

Activities in Rigi Kaltbad

Hiking, biking, ice skating, and curling are some of the most popular activities. But did you know there's also a pétanque court at Rigi Kaltbad? You'll find it after the train station in the direction of the Rigi Kulm panoramic path. In summer, there's a public pétanque game with snacks every Saturday evening. The great part is: Everyone is welcome to join in.

Hiking in Rigi Kaltbad

Hiking is one of the favorite activities on Rigi. It's no wonder, as there are various panoramic hiking trails. The Rigi First trail is, like the Rigi Wildmannli path, suitable for a family outing with young children. Along the way, there are playgrounds and resting benches.

route length (km) time (hr) difficulty meters of altitude↑ meters of altitude↓ explanation
Rigi Kaltbad - Rigi First - Unterstetten - Hinder Dossen - Rigi Scheidegg 7.00 2:10 easy 245 72 Rigi Felsenweg along the former railroad line
Rigi Kaltbad - Rigi First - Unterstetten - Seeweg - Glettialp - Hinterbergen 5.70 2:30 medium 94 469 Trail of natural treasures
Rigi Kaltbad - Rotstock - Rigi Staffel 2.60 1:00 easy 238 51 Rigi Bildstöckli trail
Urmiberg - Gätterlipass - Rigi Burggeist - Rigi Scheidegg - Unterstetten - Rigi Kaltbad 13.50 5:00 difficult 848 536 Rigi Gratwanderung
Rigi Kaltbad - First - Heiri Hut - Rigi Klösterli 2.20 0:40 easy 27 145 Rigi Klösterliweg
Rigi Kaltbad - Känzeli - Alp Räb - Chrüzboden - Alp Ruodisegg - Seebodenalp - Küssnacht am Rigi 8.50 3:00 medium 49 1038 Rigi Tell trail
Rigi Kaltbad - lower Firstweg - First - upper Firstweg - Rigi Kaltbad 2.50 0:45 easy 49 49 Rigi First Weg, accessible with stroller
Rigi Kaltbad - Rigiland playground - Känzeli viewpoint - Rigi Kaltbad 2.00 0:30 easy 34 34 Rigi Wildmannlipfad, with Rigiland adventure playground
Rigi Kaltbad - Känzeli lookout point - Rigi Kaltbad 1.90 0:30 easy 34 34 Rigi Känzeli walking trail, accessible with wheelchair and stroller
Rigi Kaltbad Familie WanderungSafari mit der ganzen Familie (Foto: Rigi Bahnen, Beat Brechbühl)
Rigi Kaltbad FelsenwegFelsenweg an der Rigi (Foto: Rigi Bahnen)

Rigi Kaltbad ice field

The ice field in Rigi Kaltbad is a natural ice field. As soon as the snow conditions allow it, you can skate or curling here. The panorama offers a wonderful backdrop. If you spontaneously decide to go skating, you can rent skates for free at the Hotel Rigi Kaltbad.

The panoramic hiking trail on the old railroad line to Rigi Scheidegg is used for cross-country skiing in winter. In addition, the Gratalp ski lift is nearby. Gratalp is located slightly above Rigi Kaltbad and offers groomed slopes for children and beginners learning to ski or snowboard.

Rigi Kaltbad SkifahrerSkifahrer Rigi Kaltbad (Foto: Rigi Bahnen, Beat Brechbühl)
Rigi Kaltbad Känzli WolkenAusblick Känzli (Foto: Rigi Bahnen)

Children's playgrounds in Rigi Kaltbad

Not far from the village square of Rigi Kaltbad you will find the children's playground Rigiland.

Children's playground Rigiland

In addition to a biotope, there are climbing rocks, a sandbox and numerous climbing devices. The children's playground is located right at the beginning of the fun Wildmannli adventure trail that leads to the Känzeli lookout point. Water games with pump and wooden water pipes, seesaws and other play opportunities await the children.

Two picnic areas with fireplaces are located just below the children's playground. Firewood can also be found here.

Minigolf course Rigi Kaltbad

The miniature golf course is very generously laid out in the park forest of Rigi Kaltbad. It has 18 holes and is open from early morning until late at night in summer. Clubs and balls can be rented at the Hotel Rigi Kaltbad. Since the mini golf course is in great demand, it is worth reserving clubs in advance. There are a total of 60 clubs available. There is a charge for the mini-golf course.

By the way, fairy tales are told in Rigi Kaltbad every Wednesday afternoon in high summer. The meeting point is always 1:50 pm at the village square of Rigi Kaltbad. The fairy tale lasts about an hour from 14:00, participation is free and requires no registration.

Rigi KaltbadKinderspielplatz (Foto: Rigi Bahnen)
Rigi KaltbadMinigolfplatz (Foto: Rigi Bahnen)

How do I get to Rigi Kaltbad?

Rigi Kaltbad is car-free. You can reach Rigi Kaltbad by either the cogwheel train or the cable car operated by Rigi Bahnen. The cogwheel train from Vitznau travels via Rigi Kaltbad. From Weggis, you can take a cable car to Rigi Kaltbad.

Offers from Swiss Activities:

Overview of the Railways to Rigi Kaltbad

Rigi Railways Type of Train Travel Time (min) Height of Valley Station (m a.s.l.) Height of Rigi Kaltbad Station (m a.s.l.)
Vitznau - Rigi Kaltbad Cogwheel Train 25 435 1423
Weggis - Rigi Kaltbad Cable Car 10 499 1423

You can book combined tickets including boat trips on Lake Lucerne (from Lucerne).

Special Offer on Swiss Activities:

You can also combine train travel with wellness in Rigi Kaltbad. From Lucerne, you can first take a boat and then a train to Rigi Kaltbad. The combo ticket includes the boat, cogwheel train, and wellness.

Offer at Swiss Activities:

Rigi KaltbadZahnradbahn (Foto: Rigi Bahnen)
Rigi KaltbadLuftseilbahn ab Weggis (Foto: Rigi Bahnen)

Restaurants and Hotel Rigi Kaltbad

Hotel Rigi Kaltbad

The Hotel Rigi Kaltbad is a seminar and wellness hotel. It has 50 rooms, 6 seminar rooms, and three restaurants. From the hotel, you have direct access to the Rigi Kaltbad Spa.

Mountain Restaurant and Hotel Bergsonne

The Bergsonne defines itself as a meeting place for digital nomads, co-workers, and lovers. The view is breathtaking.

Restaurants

The restaurants in Rigi Kaltbad have different opening hours. Here is a small overview:

  • Gasthaus Rigi-Bärenstube (open during the day; cozy, rustic furnishings)
  • Bistro by Regina Montium (open during the day)
  • Gourmet Restaurant Regina Montium (open in the evening; uses 350 different herbs from its own garden)
  • Gratalp-Stübli (open during the day; located on lush meadows, in winter at the Gratalp ski lift)
  • Hotel Restaurant Alpina (open during the day)
  • Panorama Restaurant in Hotel Rigi Kaltbad (open in the evening)
  • Restaurant SunSet (open in the evening)
  • Rigi Stübli in Hotel Rigi Kaltbad (open during the day)
Rigi Kaltbad RestaurantRestaurants & Alpwirtschaften (Foto: Rigi Bahnen)
Rigi Kaltbad Wandern Baby Wandern (Foto: Rigi Bahnen)

Rigi Kaltbad is worth a visit all year round. Due to the possibility of combining the mountain railroads with bus, boat or car, even the journey is a special experience.