1 Unforgettable Mount Rigi Winter Adventure: Our Hilarious First Sledging Experience
Experiencing Our First Sledge Run
Mount Rigi is beautifully located across both the Cantons of Luzern and Schwyz. Widely known as the Queen of the Mountains, it stands as a very popular tourist destination for travelers worldwide. It is also the exact place where we experienced our very first sledging adventure.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
📸 Image Rights: All photos are our own. Please contact us for permission to reuse.
Arriving in Schwyz
- Via Train or Bus: Schwyz is highly accessible, with direct rail connections from Zurich, Lucerne, and the Gotthard route stopping at Schwyz or nearby Arth-Goldau. To check schedules and book your ticket, use the Busbud platform here.
- Via Flight: Fly into Zurich Airport (the closest international gateway) and take a train to experience the beautiful mountain of Rigi. To find the best deals on airfare, search and book your flights here.
Getting Around and Staying in Switzerland
- Going Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
- Stay Connected: To navigate the city like a local and share your photos in real time, we recommend getting an eSIM. Pick the option that suits your needs:
- We recommend Airalo for a budget-friendly and basic plan. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim is our top-pick for unlimited data needs. Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Where to Stay: To make the most of your trip, I recommend booking one of these hotels.
Our Adventures at Mount Rigi
In March 2018, we decided to visit Mount Rigi. Because it was the peak snow season, we made sure we were completely dressed for winter weather. We parked our car at Vitznau and decided to take the historic cogwheel train up to Rigi Kulm.
While waiting at the cogwheel station, we found out that this particular railway was actually Europe’s first ever mountain railway. The round trip ticket to Rigi Kulm cost around 25 CHF per person.
Pro-tip: Secure your day-trip to Mount Rigi from Zürich and Luzern using the widget below.
We rode the cogwheel train all the way up to Rigi Kulm. The ascending ride took nearly 30 minutes, and the panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and crisp white snow was absolutely breathtaking.
As we disembarked from the cogwheel train at the summit, we saw a lot of people participating in different winter sports. We decided to try our luck at sledging. We rented our sledges from a local shop and headed straight towards the designated sledging track.
I could easily tell you that our sledging experience was a graceful one, but I would be lying. There was a huge amount of slipping, sliding, and screaming “help me I am going to die” before we finally got the hang of how to steer.
Final Remarks
Despite the panic, it remains one of our most memorable sledging experiences. We loved every single bit of it. Because the track layout wasn’t too steep, we were fortunately able to learn some basic sledging skills without injuring ourselves. Therefore, I would highly recommend individuals looking for medium difficulty tracks to come and sledge at Rigi Kulm.
Found our sledging experience at Mount Rigi useful? We’d be happy to build a personalized itinerary just for you! Head over to our Custom-Plans page to get started.
If you are looking for travel essentials, check out our Resources section for hand-picked products that make travel stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Europe’s oldest mountain railway?
The Vitznau to Rigi Kulm cogwheel railway opened its tracks in 1871, making it the very first mountain railway in Europe.
Is the sledging track at Rigi Kulm suitable for beginners?
Yes. The sledging tracks offer options that fit medium difficulty levels. They are non-intimidating and not excessively steep, making them perfect for beginners to learn steering skills safely.
How long does the cogwheel train take from Vitznau to Rigi Kulm?
The scenic train ride from the lakeside station at Vitznau up to the Rigi Kulm summit takes approximately 30 minutes.
