Hiking from Brunnen to Mount Rigi

The hike from Brunnen to Mount Rigi was my third hike in Switzerland. I planned to start from the cable car station above Brunnen, as I was staying at the Campingurmiberg.ch campsite (link at the end of the article).

Route

The total length of the hike is around 19 km, with approximately 1130 metres of elevation gain. It is not particularly demanding. The trail is mostly well maintained, and some sections are specifically intended for cycling. After the first 10 km, the route is more or less flat, only climbing again at the end near Mount Rigi. You can skip the final climb, though. A cable car runs up the mountain from Vitznau, and you can buy a one-way ticket. I used it on my way down.

If you are also starting from Brunnen, you can return by bus. There is a bus from Vitznau to Brunnen. You can find connections on Google Maps or Rome2Rio.com. Search for Vitznau - Brunnen (you will find the Rome2rio.com link at the end of the article).

If you are travelling by car or motorcycle, there is a car park by the cable car station in Brunnen. So if you are starting your hike there, you can park here. You can also start a third of the way along the route by taking the cable car up from Kräbel. There is a car park there too.

The full hiking route is shown below.

If you start in Brunnen, a view of Lake Lucerne opens up as soon as you reach the top by cable car. 

After walking for approximately 3 km, you will see the town of Arth in the distance.

and then Lake Lauerz.

Even the breaks while climbing the hills on this route have their own appeal.

The very best views start to appear at the Unterstetten viewpoint. 

From this viewpoint, you are only a short distance from the Rigi Felsenweg. This is a stunning rocky trail in Switzerland, approximately 750 metres long, carved directly into the side of Mount Rigi. There are rope barriers, and you can enjoy views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding area.

This trail takes you almost as far as the Känzeli viewpoint.

If you decide to walk up the final hill, you will get this view of the Sendeanlage Rigi Kulm transmitter. 

The climb up Mount Rigi is short but fairly steep. Still, you are rewarded with a beautiful view of the surrounding area.

I don't know about you, but when I finally make it up a hill, I like to reward myself with some good food and a drink. And when it comes with such a beautiful view, I simply can't say no.

• Campsite: Campingurmiberg.ch
• Bus connection from Vitznau to Brunnen