Weggis to Rigi Kulm: Schwyz, Central Switzerland
The best way to get yourself into Swiss hiking shape at the beginning of summer is to hoof it up the Mark Twain Trail, from Weggis to Rigi Kulm.
It’s a 10km, 1350 meter ascent, but considered a “moderate” trail because it’s not technical and pretty straight forward (just also straight up). Mark Twain famously hiked this route when it was the only way up the mountain (pre-RigiBahn days), and maybe more famously, took three days to get to the top. That’s because our man Mark liked to start his day at about 3pm. Raunaq and I made it in about 3 hours, keeping a brisk (and really sweaty) pace. By the time we got to the very top, though, the fog and clouds rolled in so thickly you could barely see the communication tower at the top of Rigi-Kulm. If this happens to you, just wait it out for a bit. The fog sometimes dissipates as quickly as it develops!
The Mark Twain trail winds through forests, small hamlets and cow pastures, with panoramas of Lake Lucern and the surrounding Alp landscape the whole time. You’ll be climbing pretty much the whole time, but in the words of Twain, you’ll also be treated to views “as charming as glimpses of dreamland,” too. The one big downside to this trail? The hordes of tourists that await you at the top, thanks to the RigiBahn that whisks them straight to the summit. It does take a little bit away from the ambiance - so I’d recommend soaking in the view 15-20 minutes before the summit, where it’s a bit quieted.
Start: Weggis, Dorfplatz
End: Rigi-Kulm (take the cogwheel train back down either to Arth-Goldnau or Vitznau)
Basic Route: Weggis - Felsentor - Rigi Kaltbad - Rigi Staffel - Rigi Kulm
Length and Rating: Moderate. It’s a strenuous hike due to the consistent ascent, but anyone with stamina can manage. 10.4km, 3-4 hours.
**Note: Rigi mountain transport one of the included bonus excursions in GA passes and the Swiss Travel Pass - so if you have one of these passes, you don’t need to buy any additional tickets**
