Queen of the Swiss Alps: Mount Rigi

History of the Mount Rigi Train

When opened on 21 May 1871, the Mount Rigi train was the first mountain railway in Europe, and the second after the Mount Washington Cog Railway in the world. The Rigi Railways are still the highest standard gauge railway in Europe.

Our #7 locomotive was retired in 1937 and later on moved to the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne. The grand old lady of Swiss railways was taken out of retirement to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the railway’s opening.

The original journey only went as far as Rigi Staffelhöhe, although now you can progress until just below the summit at Rigi Kulm, at some 1762 metres – surely one of the most scenic railway stations in the world. It is here that our journey concludes with the most spectacular panorama possible. Mount Rigi weather is unpredictable, but we were fortunate to arrive with the sun out and the clouds high enough to offer spectacular views down towards the lakes. You really feel like you can see all of Switzerland. Once all the trains have left all you can hear the cowbells when the church bells stop ringing.

A Stroll Around Lake Lucerne

The previous night we had stayed in Lucerne, walking around the lake from the Chapel Bridge towards the Swiss Museum of Transport to which #7 will return once the celebrations have died down.

Chapel Bridge was built in 1333, and is one of Switzerland’s major landmarks. Sadly it was bunt down in 1993, so little of the original structure remains, although it is still an impressive structure, and some of the original paintings have been preserved.

That night I had seen many a local taking a late evening dip in the refreshing waters, so I resolved to have a dip myself shortly before breakfast. The lake was surprisingly warm and thoroughly invigorating.

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