Aerial Tramway Adventures in Vitznau
Incredible Rides directly from Vitznau
Two aerial tramways run from Vitznau up the mountain. The Hinterbergbahn connects Vitznau with a Bergweiler and is operated by riders via a machine. From autumn to spring, you can escape the fog and soak in the sun on the terrace in the Restaurant Hinterbergen.
The historic Wissifluh gondola boasts a unique manner of construction: over a length of 930 meters, it gains 448 meters in altitude without any intermediate supports. It is also the first facility in Switzerland to combine the technnology of aerial tramway and orbital railway.
Up the Rigi with the Hinterbergen Seilbahn
The Hinterbergen cable car took off for the first time in 1913. Back then, it worked only with counterweight. In 1965 the renovated new cable car was put into operation and in 1989 an electric control was added. Since 2007, the blue and yellow cabins accommodating up to four people carry passengers from the village to the terminus.
High on the southern slope of the Rigi, at 1,100 meters above sea level and Vitznau, in summer as well as in winter, an incredible view opens up over Lake Lucerne.
Once at the top, visitors can choose from six different trails. There are leisurely circular hikes and challenging tours, all ideal for combining with the mountain railways:
- The hike to Rigi-Kaltbad takes about two hours and leads over lush alpine pastures in summer and offers fantastic views. The crowning glory is a ride on the historic cog railway.
- In 1.5-2 hours you can hike to Rigi Scheiddegg, from which you can take the cable car in the direction of Gersau or further to Goldau, and from there catch public transport back to Vitznau.
Before or after the hike, the Bergrestaurant Hinterbergen warmly welcomes guests. Some of the ingredients for the typical Swiss dishes come directly from the adjacent farm. Small guests can romp around on our own outdoor playground.
Good to know: when the restaurant is closed, visitors are welcome at the self-service hut with drinks and snacks.
Discover Wissifluh with the Gondola
The nostalgic Wissifluh Gondola is one of the rare examples of an aerial tramway with only one rope. The cable car soars over the rocks suspending passengers at a dizzying height towards the mountain station above. In the early days, staring in 1908, the Wissifluh aerial cableway still operated with water ballast as a counterweight. The electric drive was installed in 1942.
Up on the Wissifluh there is much for visitors to discover and experience. The restaurant is open upon reservation to pamper larger groups with regional products. The Wissifluh is also an ideal place for seminars. And anyone wishing to enjoy a sweeping view of Lake Lucerne first thing in the morning can spend the night in the charming mountain hotel.
Discover the Rigi Mountain Trains
Hop on board and experience the queen of the mountains: that's the motto of the nine mountain railways that carry passengers up the Rigi. Whether it's about enjoying the incredible views from the Rigi, or enjoying summer and winter sports such as hiking, skiing and sledding, or treating yourself to a relaxing time in the Mineralbad in Rigi Kaltbad.
