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Intro

The holiday resort of Vitznau lies on Lake Lucerne in Central Switzerland. From here, Europe's first mountain railway takes you to Rigi Kulm in around 30 minutes. In the village, you'll find palm trees along the lakeshore, a once-secret fortress inside the mountain and boats connecting destinations around the lake.

Vitznau at a glance

This is Vitznau

Vitznau is a popular starting point for excursions up Mount Rigi and across Lake Lucerne. The village lies in the canton of Lucerne in Central Switzerland, around 1 hour by boat from the city of Lucerne.

Discover Vitznau

Vitznau is part of the «Lucerne Riviera», where its sheltered position at the foot of Mount Rigi ensures a mild climate. Palm and fig trees grow along the lakeshore. In the freely accessible Kurpark next to the boat landing, you can swim and relax on the lawn. Enjoy a meal on a lakeside terrace or dine at a restaurant with 2 Michelin stars. In the former schoolhouse near the lake, the regional museum explores local traditions and the history of the Rigi Railway.

Up Mount Rigi on Europe's first mountain railway

The Vitznau-Rigi Railway is Europe's oldest cogwheel railway and helped put Vitznau on the map. Board the train next to the boat landing and travel in around 30 minutes from 435 metres to Rigi Kulm at 1,798 metres. On a clear day, you can see 13 lakes, the Alps and parts of Germany and France. That's why Mount Rigi is also known as the «Queen of the Mountains».

Vitznau's once-secret fortress

Fortress Vitznau is an artillery fortress built into the rock of Mount Rigi above the village. The Swiss Army constructed it during the Second World War and kept it secret for many years. On a guided tour lasting around 2 hours, explore 500 metres of tunnels with cannons, sleeping quarters and a hospital. As the temperature inside is only 12°C, you can borrow a jacket free of charge.

Around Vitznau

At the Mineralbad & Spa Rigi Kaltbad, designed by Ticino architect Mario Botta, you can bathe in water heated to 35°C. Follow the Nature Treasures Trail on a 2.5-hour hike from Rigi Kaltbad to Hinterbergen, then take the cable car back to Vitznau. From Vitznau, you can also dive to a shipwreck at a depth of 94 metres in Switzerland's only passenger submarine. Boats also take you to Lucerne, Weggis and Bürgenstock.

Experience Vitznau for less

As an overnight guest, you'll receive the digital Weggis Vitznau Rigi guest card, which offers numerous discounts, including 20% off Rigi Railways. The paid Lucerne Travel Pass includes trains, buses, boats and Rigi Railways.

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  • Foxtrail Helios Vitznau Weggis

    Chase the clever fox, solve tricky riddles and discover the Weggis Vitznau region with Foxtrail. A team experience for friends, clubs, companies and families. For further information click here.

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  • Vitznau Weekend Crime by Peter Denlo

    ProgramFriday7:30 PM: Welcome Drink and DinnerFollowed by Non-Stop Crime ThrillerSunday, 12:00 PM:... from CHF 480
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    valid: 04.12.2026 - 06.12.2026

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  • Vitznau Weekend Crime by Peter Denlo

    ProgramFriday7:30 PM: Welcome Drink and DinnerFollowed by Non-Stop Crime ThrillerSunday, 12:00 PM:... from CHF 480
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    valid: 04.12.2026 - 05.12.2027

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  • Vitznau Submarine Diving Trips for Companies

    You'll be diving as part of a corporate event in a submarine to a wreck deep in Lake Lucerne. Your... from CHF 600
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    valid: 25.10.2026 - 30.11.2026

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  • Vitznau U-boat dive to the wreck of the Vitzanove

    You dive in a submarine into Lake Lucerne to a depth of about 94 meters off Vitznau. There lies the... from CHF 980
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    valid: 25.10.2026 - 30.11.2026

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  • Weggis U-boat Dive to the Wreck at Bürgenstock

    You dive in a submarine into Lake Lucerne at Mount Bürgenstock. The shipwreck located there lies at... from CHF 400
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    valid: 25.10.2026 - 30.11.2026

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  • Arth-Goldau Rigi paragliding tandem

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    valid: 24.10.2026 - 31.12.2026

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  • Lucerne "Beat the groom" in Lucerne: action-packed stag party

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    valid: 12.11.2026 - 21.10.2027

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  • Lucerne "The Keepers" Outdoor Escape Game Lucerne

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    valid: 24.10.2026 - 21.10.2027

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  • Lucerne Hiking holiday Waldstätterweg

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    valid: 20.03.2027 - 17.10.2027

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Travel information: Vitznau