Mount Rigi Scenic Train

Mount Rigi Scenic Train

There was train station ahead at station. We jumped in to the train as everyone did. The train took us to the top of mount Rigi. The rail tracks took several twist and turns around the snow covered mountain. We were trying to take glimpse of beauty around through every corner of the train. We could see few restaurants, hotels and homes on our way to the top of the mountain.
The train halted at the final destination and we hopped off. Being my first experience of the snow, I had almost gone crazy. We rolled in the snow and everything what ever was possible. We climbed observatory at top of the peak and took some pictures.

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Ropeway to Mount Rigi

Ropeway to Mount Rigi

The ropeway was huge one and accommodated 20 to 25 people for single trip. That was my first experience and we were wondering what we are ultimately going to experience in the foggy clouds. As we rose higher and higher above the clouds, the skies became clear and in front of us were mountain tips covered with snow. To our surprise we could see some snow scattered on the mountain cliffs next to the ropeway path. Hmm…the exciting journey had just started but suddenly the ropeway halted at its destination and everyone de-ported it.
Everyone was assuming that its top of Mount Rigi. We walked through the tunnel un-know of what’s going to come up ahead in our path. At the exit we could see snow shovelled off the path. I immediately jumped into one and took a snap. That was my first encounter with snow. Well it was not the last one.

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Rigi Village, Luzern

Rigi Village

Our initial plan was to stroll in the village Rigi and take the next boat back to Luzern city. On enquiry at the information desk, we came to know about the ropeway. Since I had not sat in ropeway, we decided to experience one. The ropeway centre was on top of a small mountain and we had to climb several steep streets to reach there. Both of us were tired and were bit taken off when we came to know that we have to pay 50% of the fair amount for train journey to top of the mountain tip. We were in dilemma, whether to spend 50 Franks for the train after the ropeway or just opt for the ropeway. Ultimately we decided to go for both.

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Switzerland: A travellers paradise

Switzerland is traveller’s paradise Travel Plan:
Before planning your trip, check out how effective is the Switzerland Train pass.Day 1 : Luzern local site seeing

Day 2: Luzern cruise, Mount Rigi, Golden Pass Panaromic Train Interlaken Youth Hostel

Day 3: Train to Jungfraujoch,Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald YHA, Kase Fundo Dinner

Day 4: Scenic Train From Interlaken to Montreux , Montreux

Day 5: Interlaken, Interlaken Cruise

Day 6: Zurcih, Back to Heathrow
Miscellaneous:

1) Essentials for Jungfraujoch

2) Vocabulary for first time tourist in Switzerland

3) Luggage storage falcility in Switzerland Train stations
If I am not mistaken, every Indian bollywood fan has dreamt of making a trip to Switzerland. This is most filmed country by the Indian film Industry. It attracts a lot of tourists all over the world.

We had planned our visit to Switzerland during Easter holidays for 6 days. Since there was no tourist visa required for UK Residents on work permit.

We booked BA return flight from London Heathrow to Zurich. If you are planning to go to Switzerland during Easter or summer holidays, I will advise you to book your tickets in advance. Last minutes deals to most wanted destination are always costly.

There is budget airlines airport at Basel and you can catch flights to Basel from any of the UKs budget airlines airport.

Luzern, Switzerland, Day 2

The Luzern youth hostel had breakfast facility. We had breakfast and started with second day in Luzern. Our Swiss Rail pass was starting from the second day, so we had decided to avail cruise in Luzern and train services form second day.
Cruising in Lake Luzern

Rigi Village

Ropeway to Mount Rigi

Mount Rigi & Scenic Train

Lunch:

We ate at the restaurant
at top of Mount Rigi. There were not many options available. We tried Hot dog and Tomato and Basil pasta.

Downhill to Rigi Village:

We had to take train back to the station where the ropeway left us. Took Rope way and reached the village. On the return journey, we were more strategic and managed to grab corner seat to get the best view. Thus the unplanned visit to Mount Rigi was a real surprise for us.

Cruise back to Luzern City:

We had to rush to the Luzern city centre to catch panoramic train to Interlaken at 4 o clock in the evening. Our luggage was lying in the Hostel and we had to rush back to the hostel to collect it. We could have managed the entire thing more efficiently by keeping the luggage in the Luggage deposit lockers at the station.

Recommendations: There are many other activities and small villages or mountain peaks to explore in the area around the Luzern Lake. For more information, I would recommend you to explore the available options at the tourist information desk at the station.

We were all set to enjoy the scenic Swiss beauty in the panaromic train.

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