Nestled in a picturesque bay of Lake Lucerne, Vitznau is one of Switzerland’s most attractive holiday resorts. The Rigi towers behind the town, with its 1798-metre-high peak serving as an imposing backdrop. From wandering the chocolate-box streets and cruising Lake Lucerne on a historic paddlewheel steamer to soaking up the views from the sun terrace of a mountainside restaurant and exploring the Vitznau Artillery Fortress, there’s plenty to do in Vitznau.
Vitznau is a popular base for exploring Lake Lucerne, as well as the vast network of walking trails that wind their way along the mountain. For those wanting to unlock breathtaking panoramic view across the Alps, the Vitznau-Rigi railway ferries passengers from the lakeshore to the Rigi viewing platform in just 30 minutes.
The town itself is small the best way to soak up the lakeside ambience is by foot. From a historic point of view, riding Europe’s oldest rack railway is a Vitznau rite of passage. It’s been operating since 1871 and continues to ferry passengers up the Rigi.
The scenic lakeside town shot to fame during the 19th century, with English tourists flocking to ride the world’s first rack and pinion railway. Today it remains a popular holiday hotspot, particularly during the summer months and the winter ski season. The Rigi is also renowned for its stunning alpine flora, with more than 1,000 species blooming throughout the year.