Rigi – Mark Twain Trail

Following in Mark Twain’s footsteps, the route climbs from Lake Lucerne through mountain forest and across open slopes to Rigi Kulm. A sustained ascent with steep sections, rock pillars and an airy finale.

The Mark Twain Trail begins at the Weggis, Felsberg bus stop, close to the shore of Lake Lucerne. The long ascent starts among the houses. The route follows the traditional climb dating from before 1871, with information boards recalling Mark Twain and his book about the Rigi.

Initially broad, the hiking trail enters the forest and climbs increasingly steeply. By Heilig Kreuz, considerable height has already been gained. The mountain trail then leads to Felsentor, whose rock pillars stand in open mountain forest. Above, the woodland begins to thin, and the terrain opens up again at Rigi Kaltbad.

The trail continues upwards in winding lines via Rigi First and Rigi Staffel. Meadows and open slopes now dominate the scenery as the summit draws closer. After just under six hours and around 1,360 metres of ascent, the route reaches its highest point at Rigi Kulm, at just under 1,800 m. The Regina Montium mountain chapel stands shortly before the destination; the ascent ends at the Kulm near the railway station.