Europe's first mountain railway has been climbing the 'Queen of the Mountains' since 1871, and Rigi still does the definitive Swiss day out: steamer from Lucerne to Vitznau, red carriages rising through orchards and cliff cuttings, and a summit panorama sweeping across thirteen lakes to a horizon crowded with Alps. On selected summer days the original 19th-century steam locomotive hauls vintage stock — check the heritage timetable and plan around it. Swiss Travel Pass holders ride free.
Featured in Ten mountain railways with views you won't believe · Mountain