From Lucerne train station, exit the main entrance and walk directly across to the lakefront. Inside the Pier 1 structure there will be a monitor displaying sailing times for all ferries departing from Pier 1.

All ferries bound for Fluelen will stop at Vitznau. In the summer, from May 25 to September 08, the earliest ferry stopping at Vitznau sails from Lucerne at 8:12am. The latest ferry returning to Lucerne from the Vitznau pier sails at 7:48pm. During the same period there is a boat connection from Lucerne every hour.

Once boarding begins, show your ticket to one of the skippers, and find a seat on the lower level of the steamboat ferry. The upper level is reserved for 1st Class ticket holders. There will be a few stops between Lucerne and Vitznau, but they will be announced well in advance. There is also clear signage at each pier.

Once you alight at the Vitznau pier, cross the road to the Rigi Railways cogwheel train station. In general, departures are timed to coincide with the arrival of the ferry service, so you will not have to wait long.

Once seated on the train, get ready for the jaw-dropping views of Lake Lucerne framed by the beautiful Alps. The higher you ascend, the more spectacular the views.

Take the train to the final stop: Rigi Kulm. There is a short trail to the highest point on the mountain, boasting the best panoramic views.

Coming down from the top of the mountain, you have several options. We recommend hiking down on the scenic trail from Rigi Kulm to Rigi Kaltbad Hotel (app. 45 minutes), then taking the cable car at Rigi Kaltbad down to Weggis. The cable car ride is included in your combination ticket. From the cable car station it's a clearly marked, 15-minute walk down to the Weggis ferry pier, where you can take the next ferry returning to Lucerne.

You can also take the cogwheel train from Rigi Kulm to the Rigi Kaltbad stop, then walk to the Weggis-Rigi Kaltbad Aerial Cable Car. The cable car ride is included in your combination ticket. From the cable car station it's a clearly marked, 15-minute walk down to the Weggis ferry pier, where you can take the next ferry returning to Lucerne.

Those less inclined to venture beyond the scenic viewpoints can head back to the train station at Rigi Kulm, and board the next train returning to Vitznau. The Vitznau ferry pier is directly across the road from the Rigi cogwheel train station. Check the monitors at the pier to see when the next ferry to Lucerne is arriving.