Autumn Hiking on Rigi

We’re still enjoying the last warm days of summer, but the most foresighted are already preparing for autumn mountain hikes. If you’re planning a hike in the Rigi area, here are a few brief tips to make your trip more comfortable. This text doesn’t claim to be a comprehensive guide to hiking and routes around Rigi, but offers a few useful tips for planning your visit.

1. Temperature Differences

The temperature at the mountain's base and summit can vary significantly. We visited Rigi on November 7 and encountered notable temperature contrasts. Here are the average temperature differences for September, October, and November:

You can always check the latest weather information on MeteoSwiss.

2. Clothing Preparation

If you’re traveling with small children, keeping them warm and comfortable is especially important. We were with our four-year-old son and used all the warm clothing we brought. Ensure you have plenty of layers, a warm jacket, a hat, proper shoes, and gloves.

3. Weather Forecast and Cloud Cover

Rigi is a rather capricious lady. The locals also refer to her as the "Queen of the Mountains." So, be sure to check the weather forecast before your trip. Cameras on the mountain can help you gauge cloud cover: Rigi Mountain Cameras. If there’s heavy cloud cover, you might not enjoy the full Alpine panorama, but even in a misty haze, there’s a unique charm. Regardless of the weather, we were never disappointed by the beauty of the “queen.”

4. Routes

There are many routes well described on Rigi’s official website: Overview Map. Our favorite route — Arth-Goldau - Rigi Kulm - Vitznau (via Rigi Kaltbad) — allows you to enjoy views of two lakes: Zugerlake and Lake Lucerne. This route is especially nice if you plan to combine mountain hiking with a boat trip on Lake Lucerne, for example, from Vitznau to Brunnen or Flüelen.

Rigi's official website