Holidays in Weggis

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Each day, a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like.

Why we love walking holidays in Weggis

The beautiful mountain walking area of Rigi behind Weggis and Vitznau is a must for all keen walkers. With over 120km of well-marked trails, you will be covered if you're a leisurely walker, or a daring hiker looking for a challenge. You also have great public transport connections allowing you to explore other mountain ranges around the lake like Mount Pilatus – so it's time to get those laces tied and head outside.

Guided walks

The local Weggis/ Vitznau tourist office runs an attractive programme of guided walks and days out all season (payable locally).

Weggis has a great network of public transport and lifts that make getting around the area really easy. We recommend pre-booking a Tell Pass to help you make the most of exploring the area or you can use your included Swiss Half Fare Card to get up to 50% off most public transport, lifts, boat trips and scheduled cruises.

Please see the “Cards & passes” tab for more information.

Lifts

Around Lake Lucerne you will find a variety of lifts and mountain railways, including unique open-top cableways and cogwheel trains to reach mid-stations and peaks. These are fantastic to use for accessing summit circulars, panoramic hikes, flower trails, themed paths, viewing platforms and so much more.

Often you will find routes that intertwine below the lifts, providing a great opportunity for a point-to-point ascent or descent where public transportation can assist in the opposite direction.

The most popular mountain ranges around the lake accessible by a lift system include:

• Mount Rigi
• Mount Pilatus
• Stanserhorn
• Mount Stoos

Boats

The lake has a fantastic fleet of boats and a selection of ports to travel to, meaning you can glide across the water to reach additional walking routes and mountain ranges. Lucerne is easy to access via a short boat journey. You can also opt for a leisurely lake cruise and even get lunch on board.

Popular ports include:

• Weggis
• Lucerne
• Brunnen
• Vitznau
• Fluelen
• Küssnacht

Lake Zug, just north of Weggis and Lake Lucerne, also has boat trips you can take. This is a separate lake which you can reach by bus, where even more lakeside walks, moderate hikes and challenging ascents await.

Buses

There are lots of bus lines in and around Weggis, which will comfortably connect you to nearby villages, walking hotspots and the city of Lucerne.

Bus timetables and routes can be found online on the Weggis Vitznau Tourist Office website.

Trains

The closest train station to Weggis is Küssnacht am Rigi, which you can access via bus line 502 in around 15 minutes. From here you can take a train to the main station in Lucerne in around 20 minutes for any onward journeys.

In as little as two hours from Lucerne station you can reach Interlaken Ost, where you can travel further to explore the Jungfrau region. From here you can complete one of its many hikes available before returning on the same day.

Weggis circular

• Easy walk
• 5km
• Expect to take around two hours

This is a scenic trail which takes you past farmhouses, through fruit tree meadows and over elevated paths above the village. Go from overlooking the lake on mountain paths, to strolling beside it on the promenade towards the end – the perfect mix of trail to familiarise yourself with the surrounding area.

Rigi panorama path

• Easy walk
• 6.4km
• Expect to take around three hours

Hike along the route of the former Rigi-Kaltbad-Scheidegg railway, passing over the historic Unterstetten bridge, along winding paths and next to beautiful rock formations. Located on the "Queen of the Mountains", you’ll have a spectacular view of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding peaks. And, on a clear day you can see 24 of 26 cantons.

Helsana trail in Vitznau

• Moderate walk
• 5.8km
• Expect to take around two hours

Make your way east to Vitznau, where you can follow the signposted Nordic walking trail around the village and base of Mount Rigi. Prepare yourself for inclines and declines, as well as amazing views above the treeline before heading back along the lakeside.

Recommended equipment

Suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, rain jacket, sun cream, insect repellent, sun glasses, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a re-usable water bottle, a snack and cash. You may find walking poles useful.

Walking maps and apps

For Weggis we recommend Kompass Map number 116, which has a scale of 1:25,000 / 1:35,000 or 1:50,000. Maps will have a key to help you understand the nature of the walk before you begin. You can often find these from the hotel reception area too. 

Hiking guidelines

The mountains are a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help it stay that way, and remain an enjoyable and safe place for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

• Plan your route well and don't overestimate yourself
• Check the weather forecast
• Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
• Take all the recommended equipment
• Make a note of emergency numbers:
  • Swiss Emergency Services: 144
• Don't leave the marked trails or go onto a glacier without a guide
• Let nature stay wild by not picking alpine flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
• Always leave gates as you found them
• Leave no trace

Check out our Responsible Walking insider guide if you want more tips for your summer walking holiday.

Flights to Geneva or Zurich airports are available from seven UK airports.

Flights to Zurich:

Unfortunately travel by train isn't possible to Weggis as the last boat from Lucerne to Weggis is too early to allow sufficient time for travel.

The Swiss transport network is an excellent combination of trains, mountain railways, cable-cars, boats and buses that make it a pleasure to get around and explore at your own pace. 

Swiss Half Fare Card included for all Inghams guests

The Swiss Half Fare Card is included in the price of your holiday and is sent to you as part of your rail transfer tickets. This card can be used around Switzerland for up to 50% discount on various modes of transport - so make sure you keep it with you. It also gives free travel to children from 6 to 15 years old, when accompanied by a parent with the Family Card.

Tell Regional Pass (pre-bookable)

2 consecutive days, from £171 (2nd class)
5 consecutive days, from £225 (2nd class)
10 consecutive days, from £287 (2nd class)

Individual upgrades to 1st class tickets payable locally.

Discover the region with this great value pass, which gives you unlimited travel on regional boats, buses, trains and cable-cars including:

• Free travel to summits Pilatus Kulm, Rigi Kulm and Stanserhorn for fantastic views, open-top cable-car and walking.
• Free unlimited boat trips around the whole of Lake Lucerne to Weggis, Brunnen, Vitznau, Fluelen and Küssnacht
• Free trains to Meiringen, Engelberg, Zug and Arth-Goldau
• Free trip on the Mount Titlis revolving aerial cable-car
• Free unlimited boat trips on Lake Zug
• Free unlimited use of city buses in Lucerne
• Free trip on Mount Titlis revolving cable-car
• Upgrade to 1st class locally

Prices and supplements are correct at time of publishing but may vary up or down; correct prices will be advised at the time of booking.

Things to do in Weggis

Weggis is surrounded by beautiful peaks, mountain excursions and plenty of on-lake activities. Located in the heart of Switzerland and renowned for its popularity, Lake Lucerne is a fantastic summer holiday destination for everyone.

Walking for all abilities

With a multitude of walking routes in Weggis and more from Rigi Kaltbad just a short gondola ride away, hiking in this region offers plenty to explore. If you are looking for a short route, then the five-kilometre Weggis circular walk takes you behind the village passing fruit-tree fields and beautiful meadows. For a trickier hike, try the Mark Twain Trail, spanning 10 kilometres and reaching 1,795 metres-altitude for a rewarding finish and great view.

Cable Cars

Soar above Lake Lucerne on panorama gondolas and aerial cableways to reach spectacular viewpoints and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. The cable car from Weggis will get you up to the great views from Rigi-Kaltbad in no time, and there's lovely walks to enjoy from the top. Or head to Lucerne and take the "Dragon Ride" cable car up to explore Mount Pilatus. Have you ever thought of an open-air cable car? The CabriO Cableway from Stans to Stanserhorn is just that. Stand on top of the cable car in this unique seven-minute experience.

Cog-Wheel Railway

Take a trip to Vitznau where you can get the cogwheel train in just under one hour to Rigi Kulm. Sit back and relax as you take in the beautiful scenery and experience Europe's first mountain railway for yourself. Or, ride the steepest cog railway in the world from Alpnach up to Mt. Pilatus, near Lucerne.

Weggis Lido

Swim, sunbath, dive, play, dine and relax at the Lido in Weggis. You have full access to changing rooms, equipment and toilets for a full day of lakeside living. With an on-site beach and volleyball court, this Swiss lake instantly turns into a whole new atmosphere - it even has a 25-metre indoor pool with Finnish steam bath and sauna.

Swimming

Lake swimming is said to have natural healing properties as well as combining summer fun. Whether you're looking to dip your toes in to cool off, or go for a full lake swim, Weggis and its surrounding villages have you covered. Sunbath on the sandy beach at Vitznau's Brougier Park for ultimate relaxation with stunning Swiss mountain views.

Water sports

Grab your paddle and head towards the secluded beaches along the lake shore. In Weggis there are several options to hire a variety of water sports equipment locally. Want to sit back and soak up the sun on the lake? Hire a kayak. Fancy putting your balance to the test? Stand-up paddle boards are the way to go.

Lake cruises

Spend a relaxing day on the water through a lake cruise. Plenty of motorboats and steamboats operate on the lake, so there's endless options to choose from. Discover first-class service with an onboard dining experience like no other, or simply hop-on and hop-off to explore the surrounding villages and mountain peaks.

Lakeside concerts and the best spot for sunset

Relax and enjoy the music with regular concerts on the Weggis promenade and the lakeside pavilions in Weggis and nearby Vitznau. Enjoy calm evenings with great company, traditional & cultural entertainment. The lakefront is the best spot for fabulous sunsets too – a perfect end to a perfect day.

Visit Lucerne

Take a boat ride to Lucerne - here foodies will be spoilt for choice with lots of restaurants and outdoor seating – ideal for sipping cocktails in the sun. Wander the Old Town, see the famous Chapel Bridge or head for Mount Pilatus and walk the flower trail.

Museums

Immerse yourself in the culture of Lake Lucerne with the help of many art, history and panoramic museums within the region. We love the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne, where you can visit the gigantic road-sign building, learn all about the fantastic Swiss trains and see all the fun interactive exhibits.

Cycling

Weggis is home to flat lakeside paths, perfect for easy rides whether it be a quick afternoon ride or scenic day trip to a nearby town. If you are more of a mountain-biker looking for a challenge, then Mount Rigi - Queen of the Mountains - is right behind Weggis. It's a biker's paradise and you can find mountain paths as well as intertwined forest routes.

Festivals in Weggis

The Heirassa folk music festival is often held over four days in June, bringing together lots of ensembles – making great entertainment paired with a traditional atmosphere to enjoy by the lake. In July the Rose festival brings together flower and food markets, live music and an incredible firework display.

Swiss Army Knife making

Assemble the famous Victorinox Swiss Army Knife under expert instruction in Fluelen, not far from Weggis. Your task is to put together 27 separate pieces with Swiss levels of precision. You then engrave your ‘Spartan’ knife which will be yours to take home. This model has been developed by the founder of Victorinox, Karl Elsener, and was legally trademarked on 12 June 1897.

Family activities in Weggis

Weggis is an excellent base for a summer holiday exploring Lake Lucerne and its surrounding mountains with the kids. You have a selection of peaks to visit, modes of transport to enjoy, and an exceptionally large lake with never-ending family photo spots to go to.

Mount Rigi playgrounds

Spend a day on Mount Rigi, where plenty of playgrounds await your children's arrival. You can visit Rigiland Adventure, Rigi Scheidegg or Rigi Burggeist playground for an exciting day out – perfect for kids to burn off some energy.

Bürgenstock views

Take a trip across the lake to the Hammetschwant Lift, the highest outdoor lift in Europe with breath-taking views from 1,132 metres. You'll start with a cliff walk on the mountain edge, so make sure the kids have their brave boots on.

Mount Pilatus

If little ones love to climb, the the PILU Rope Park is the place to go. Children aged four to eight can join the mountain mascot on a treetop adventure. For older children and teens, the higher ropes course has a range of courses, from easy to more demanding – great for adventure lovers.

Let off some steam in the dragon-themed playground at PILU-land. Kids can balance their way across beams, whizz down the tube slide or climb across the wooden frames. There's also a BBQ in the designated area – fantastic for refuelling for round two.

Step inside the dragon's lair as you immerse yourself in an interactive and cinematic experience. Dragon World is perfect for days when the weather isn't so good, allowing the whole family to take part in skill-based games with amazing motion effects. Watch out though, the floor may turn into lava.

Klewenalp Flower Trail

Have your cameras at the ready as you spot up to 120 different flower species along the three-kilometre trail. Your trip starts by boat to Beckenried, and then a cable car to Klewenalp mountain station - it's great for experiencing Lake Lucerne from a different point of view. This route is suitable for families with prams, perfect for introducing little ones to the love of nature.

Pre-book your excursions online or give us a call

Price include Swiss Half Fare Card discount.

Mount ‘Rigi Roundtrip’ - from £33

Mount Rigi is known as the ‘Queen of the Mountains’. Take the cogwheel railway from Vitznau, and return by cable-car to Weggis (or vice versa). Return boat journey between Vitznau and Weggis included.

Pilatus Golden Round trip - from £32

A spectacular journey up to the summit of Lucerne’s impressive mountain for wonderful views over the lake.

Bookable locally

Many more options available locally through your Representative.

1st Class day ticket on Lake Lucerne

Spend the day cruising the lake, getting on and off as you please. Discover towns such as Flülen and Altdorf, ‘birthplace’ of William Tell.

Prices shown include a Swiss Half Fare Card discount.

Please note that the price of excursions will vary depending on the resort you are staying in. We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.