For the 150th anniversary of the Arth-Rigi Railway, the legendary Rigi Festival returns in a newly reimagined version, bringing the impressive natural arena on Rigi Staffel to life once again.
Since June 4, 1875, the first railway entirely within the Canton of Schwyz has connected Arth am See with the summit of the Rigi. What began as a daring technical venture soon became a success story—shaped by pioneering spirit, setbacks, and continuous innovation.
More than 200 performers—from folk dance and music groups to theater ensembles and the renowned Christoph Walter Orchestra—transform the stage into a vibrant panorama of music, movement, and emotion. They bring the customs, stories, and traditions of Central Switzerland vividly to life in a powerful, unforgettable performance.
The following regional associations and players are actively involved:
- Young Swiss wrestlers of the Rigi Association
- Jodlerclub am Rigi
- Dance Company Schwyz
- Tambours Arth, Goldau and Steinen
- Christof Walter Orchestra
The history of the Arth-Rigi Railway is rich in turning points: the repeated relocation of the valley station, the switch to electric operation, visitors from all over the world – just as influential as the tireless work of the mountain farmers and the passing on of cultural heritage over generations. All of this merges with the majestic landscape of the Rigi to create a moving overall experience.
Experience a captivating mix of history, culture and nature, supported by great artists and a backdrop that can only be found once.
Who was the inventor of the cogwheel railroad?
How can a train on rails overcome a gradient of 25 percent? This was the challenge facing Niklaus Riggenbach, born in Alsace in 1817 as the son of Swiss emigrants. After training as a locomotive builder in Karlsruhe and later working as the manager of a Swiss railroad, he was faced with precisely this technical question.
Rail with toothed rack
Riggenbach’s solution was a rack that lies between the rails like a ladder. Its teeth are wider at the bottom so that a large cogwheel under the locomotive can grip securely in it. He had this “Riggenbach system” patented in 1863. However, it would be several years before he had sufficient capital, the necessary expertise and the required license to build Europe’s first mountain railroad.
Rigibahn 1871 first mountain railroad in Europe
After just two years of construction, the first cogwheel railroad ran up Mount Rigi in 1871. Over a distance of five kilometers, it climbed from Vitznau to Rigi Staffelhöhe, covering more than 1000 meters in altitude. Two years later, the final section to Rigi Kulm was completed. When the Vitznau-Rigi Railway carried over 100,000 passengers in 1874 – only its fourth year of operation – it was considered a worldwide sensation. The Arth-Rigi Railway finally opened in 1875.
The racks installed by Riggenbach’s engineers are still in use today. As soon as individual teeth become loose or the material wears out, they are carefully reworked. The line from Goldau to Rigi Kulm measures 8.6 kilometers – without racks, it would have to be around 70 kilometers long to overcome the same 1000 meter gradient. Today, as then, around 86,000 precisely shaped teeth interlock between the rails and secure the ascent.
1905 Electrification
On May 27, 1905, the general meeting of the Arth-Rigi Railway took the pioneering decision to electrify the line. Just under two years later, on May 1, 1907, the Rigi Railway made history: it was the first standard-gauge cogwheel railroad in the world to run electrically from Goldau to Rigi Kulm.
Video excerpts from the Rigi Festival on August 8, 2025
The Rigi Festival combines folk songs, modern pop songs and classical music to create an impressive open-air stage event on Mount Rigi.
They include traditional costume girls, alpine families, yodelers, alphorn players, wrestlers, trychler, artists, dancers and actors. Together they present a diverse mix of music, customs and performing arts that reflects the special character of Central Switzerland.
Video Trychler Parade with Cowbells on Rigi – Queen of the Mountains
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Video Swiss Flag Swinging – Tradition and Customs
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Video Folklore Parade in Switzerland – Festive Farmer Costumes, Animals & Traditions
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Video Alpine Blessing – Swiss Tradition and Customs
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Video Schwinger’s Blessing – Swiss Tradition and Customs
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Video Alphorn Playing – Swiss Tradition and Customs
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Video Elegant Ballet on RIGI – Queen of the Mountains in Switzerland
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Video Alpine Ballet on Rigi – Queen of the Mountains in Switzerland
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LUXURY TRAVEL SWITZERLAND with a visit to the Rigi – Queen of the Mountains
On your luxury trip through Switzerland, you will also visit Mount Rigi – known as the Queen of the Mountains – with 360° panoramic views of 620 Alpine peaks and 13 lakes. You can do this from Lucerne on an idyllic steamboat trip on Lake Lucerne and then take the cogwheel railroad from Vitznau or the aerial cableway from Weggis to Rigi-Kaltbad and Rigi-Kulm, the highest point at 1,798 m above sea level.
LUXURY TRAVEL SWITZERLAND – Brigitte Heller is your personal tour guide
Let yourself be enchanted on a 7-day EXPRESS, 10-day GOLDEN, 14-day DIAMANT, tailor-made luxury trip or luxury trip before/after river cruise or luxury trip before/after ocean cruise through magnificent Switzerland and your charming Swiss tour guide Brigitte Heller.
Video Luxury travel Switzerland – Best of Switzerland – Brigitte Heller
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Video Luxury Travel Switzerland with Brigitte Heller
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Information request regarding luxury travel through Switzerland
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Yours sincerely, Brigitte Heller, Tour Guide for Luxury Travel in Switzerland.