History

The Rigi is perhaps the best-loved mountain in central Switzerland. It dominates Lake Lucerne, and is a most popular place to visit. As early as the beginning of the 19th century, a regular tourist trade was established. 1869 saw the first moves towards building a railway from Arth to the top of the mountain, and in 1871 a line from Vitznau to the top was opened. The Arther Rigibahn was formed in 1873, and construction of the line started very soon. The Arth line opened in 1875; it consisted of conventional track to Oberarth, and a rack-and-pinion track to the summit. Shareholders received dividends under the form of free tickets.