Weggis
Intro
The small, idyllic holiday resort of Weggis lies at an altitude of 435 metres on the shore of Lake Lucerne and at the foot of the renowned Rigi. Weggis offers tranquillity and relaxation in front of a beautiful lake and mountain panorama. The region on the southern flank of the Rigi is often termed the ‘Riviera’ of central Switzerland.
“The most charming place…“ It is true. Even in the past, many people raved about Weggis: above all, the American author and travel writer Mark Twain. In 1897 he wrote that Weggis was the “loveliest place” he had ever visited.
The climate in Weggis is extremely mild and the resort usually benefits from many sunny days. On certain days, the presence of the ‘föhn’, a warm down wind, leads to particularly clear views across Lake Lucerne. The Rigi, thanks to its position embedded between the Zugersee, Lauerzersee and Lake Lucerne, offers outstanding views and is a popular walking region.
Before mountain rail- and cableways were constructed on the Rigi, Weggis was already an important starting point for sedan chair bearers who carried their affluent guests up to the summit from here. Since the construction of a panoramic cableway from Weggis to Rigi Kaltbad, this has been the fastest way to ascend the «Queen of the mountains» from Lucerne. By this route, it takes just under 10 minutes to reach the vista-rich resort of Rigi Kaltbad at 1450 metres above sea level from the lakeshore. Still part of the parish area of Weggis, Rigi Kaltbad is the villagey centre of the island of sunshine and holiday experiences that is the Rigi. From Rigi Kaltbad, a rack railway leads further up to Rigi-Kulm.
