The Rigibock – sweet legend from the foot of the Queen of the Mountains: Anyone walking through Goldau today can hardly escape the smell: freshly baked bread, sweet notes of almonds and butter – and somewhere in between the seductive smell of the Rigibock. This pastry, whose shape is reminiscent of a hefty billy goat, is much more than just a tasty treat to go with your coffee. The Rigibock is a piece of cultural history, a symbol of the region’s ingenuity and a culinary ambassador for the Rigi, the “Queen of the Mountains”.
The Birth of a Tradition – Rigi Fair around 1870
The Rigibock’s story begins in the 19th century. In the 1870s, when Mount Rigi was already attracting visitors from across Europe – among them famous guests like Mark Twain – the Rigi Fair (Rigi-Kilbi), a colorful folk festival on the mountain, was held every year.
At this fair stood a man known as “Knörr,” a simple Alpine herdsman and improviser. Out of leftover dough he playfully shaped small figures. They were crude, sometimes resembling bats without wings, sometimes goats. The locals laughed and called them “bucks” – and so the name stuck.
What began as a humorous pastime soon developed into a product with a life of its own.
From Makeshift Snack to Delicacy
The turning point came when a clever innkeeper from Rigi Kulm – Mrs. Mettler – recognized the potential of these dough “bucks.” She urged the supplier to refine the idea into a proper pastry. Thus, a recipe was born that still defines the Rigibock today: a delicate shortcrust pastry filled with aromatic nut paste.
Gone were the days of rough leftovers – in came the finest ingredients: butter, sugar, flour, and as the centerpiece, almond paste that elevated the Rigibock from a joke to a genuine delicacy. Soon it gained recognition far beyond Goldau.
The Symbolism of the Buck – Strength, Pride, and the Rigi
Why a buck? In Alpine culture, the mountain goat is more than an animal – it is a symbol of strength, endurance, and pride. It represents life in the mountains, where goats and bucks have been loyal companions to humans for centuries.
The connection to Mount Rigi is no coincidence: hikers encounter lush meadows, ringing cowbells, and the sight of proud goats scaling slopes too steep for humans. The Rigibock captures this Alpine spirit in edible form – a pastry one can take home, share, or enjoy as a memory of the mountains.
The Secret of the Recipe
The recipe of the Rigibock is carefully guarded and legally protected by Bakery Pfenniger in Goldau. Only here is the “true Rigibock” produced according to the original formula.
Its foundation is buttery shortcrust dough, wrapped around a tender almond-and-nut filling. The filling provides a subtle bite – sweet yet never overwhelming. The outside is firm and golden brown, while the inside is soft and fragrant.
It is this combination of humble appearance and refined heart that makes the Rigibock unique – just like Mount Rigi itself, which draws visitors with its approachable charm but holds deep stories within.
The Rigibock as an ambassador for the region
Today, the Rigibock is much more than a local pastry. It is a culinary symbol of Central Switzerland. Visitors traveling to Goldau or up Mount Rigi often take it as a souvenir. Packaged in elegant boxes, often adorned with Rigi motifs, it makes a perfect gift – a sweet greeting from the Queen of the Mountains.
Thanks to its patent, the Rigibock is also a modern example of how a traditional handcrafted product can thrive in the 21st century. It embodies regionality, craftsmanship, and authenticity – values highly prized in contemporary tourism.
Moments of Enjoyment – When to Eat a Rigibock
Whether with a cup of coffee in a Goldau café, as a hiker’s snack on the way to Rigi Kulm, or as dessert after a hearty dinner – the Rigibock fits almost any occasion.
Perhaps its greatest charm lies in being eaten outdoors: on a bench along the Rigi Panorama Trail, overlooking Lake Lucerne. Every bite connects the landscape with history, a story that one can literally taste.
“A visit to Mount Rigi – the Queen of the Mountains – is always one of the highlights of my exclusive luxury trips through Switzerland,” says Brigitte Heller, General Manager and personal tour guide of Luxury Travel Switzerland.
“My guests not only enjoy the unique atmosphere of this magical place, but also the legendary Rigibock. In combination with the special energy of the mountain, this creates an incomparable feeling of happiness and fulfillment.”