New Trains Revitalize Rigi Bahnen, Enhancing Tourism Experience in the Swiss Alps

Published on December 22, 2025

Stadler will supply four new tailor-made rack-and-pinion trains for Rigi Bahnen, the iconic mountain railway and cable car operator known for its scenic routes on the Queen of the Mountains in Switzerland. This new order, announced recently, marks a significant step in enhancing the region’s tourism infrastructure and improving travel experiences for visitors to the Rigi massif, one of Switzerland’s most popular mountain destinations.

The addition of these new rack trains is designed to meet the growing demand for both tourism and local transit in the area. The Rigi Bahnen operates on one of the most famous mountain railways in the country, attracting tourists from around the world to experience its breathtaking views, tranquil surroundings, and unique historical charm. With the new trains, Rigi Bahnen aims to continue providing a reliable, comfortable, and efficient service to the thousands of tourists who visit every year.

Rigi Bahnen: The Queen of the Mountains

Known as the “Queen of the Mountains”, Rigi offers visitors some of the most spectacular views of the Swiss Alps, including views of Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug, and Lake Lauerz, making it a prime destination for mountain tourism. The Rigi Railway, which has been in operation since 1871, is one of the oldest and most famous rack-and-pinion railways in the world. It is especially renowned for its scenic routes, which take passengers through picturesque landscapes, forests, and alpine meadows.

As one of Switzerland’s premier mountain tourism hubs, Rigi Bahnen plays a key role in the region’s tourism industry, offering visitors not just train services, but also cable cars and hiking routes that allow them to explore the beauty of the Rigi massif. The train ride to the summit is considered a must-do experience for tourists, providing an unforgettable way to take in the landscape.

The Importance of New Trains for Tourism

The decision to order four additional trains from Stadler reflects Rigi Bahnen’s commitment to improving the visitor experience and accommodating increasing passenger numbers during peak travel times. The new trains will replace older models and are specifically designed for the steep terrain and high-altitude conditions of the Rigi railway system. These modern trains will also improve energy efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint of the operation, in line with Switzerland’s growing focus on sustainable tourism and transportation.

With the new fleet, Rigi Bahnen aims to enhance the overall travel experience for visitors, offering more comfortable seating, improved accessibility for people with mobility challenges, and an overall more efficient and timely service. Additionally, the new trains will help handle larger crowds, especially during the tourist season, ensuring that guests can enjoy a smooth and enjoyable ride.

Supporting Sustainable Tourism and Regional Economy

The investment in new trains is not just about enhancing the tourist experience—it is also a key element of sustainable tourism in the region. By modernizing its fleet, Rigi Bahnen is aligning itself with broader sustainability goals, reducing its carbon footprint, and improving its overall efficiency. This effort supports Switzerland’s push toward greener, more environmentally friendly travel options, particularly in highly visited destinations like Rigi.

Furthermore, the new trains will have a positive economic impact on the local region by supporting tourism growth and increasing the number of visitors to the area. As Rigi becomes more accessible, the surrounding towns and businesses are likely to benefit from the increased foot traffic, leading to more opportunities for local entrepreneurs, hotels, restaurants, and tourism providers to grow.

Rigi Bahnen’s Role in the Swiss Tourism Sector

Rigi Bahnen plays an integral role in Switzerland’s tourism sector, not only as a top tourist attraction but also as a vital transportation link between the Swiss Alps and cities like Lucerne and Zurich. The mountain railway is particularly popular among international tourists, many of whom visit Switzerland specifically to explore the stunning natural landscapes. The service provided by Rigi Bahnen is a key feature of Swiss tourism, offering an authentic experience that connects visitors with the country’s natural beauty and historical charm.

The upgrade of the fleet with Stadler trains also supports regional development by improving transportation efficiency in central Switzerland. As Rigi Bahnen continues to grow and improve, it further strengthens its role as a key destination and a prime example of how tourism infrastructure can drive economic development while preserving the region’s environmental and cultural heritage.

Looking Ahead: More Investments and Growth in Swiss Tourism

The ongoing improvements to Rigi Bahnen’s services reflect the broader growth and investment in Swiss tourism infrastructure. With increasing demand for both nature-based tourism and luxury travel, Switzerland continues to develop and maintain world-class attractions and transport systems to cater to international travelers. The addition of the new rack trains is just one step in the continued evolution of Switzerland’s tourism landscape, providing efficient, sustainable travel options while ensuring an exceptional experience for visitors.

In the coming years, Rigi Bahnen plans to continue investing in both transportation infrastructure and tourism services, ensuring that the Queen of the Mountains remains one of Switzerland’s most beloved and accessible destinations.

Conclusion

The arrival of four new rack-and-pinion trains for Rigi Bahnen marks a significant development for Switzerland’s tourism and transportation sectors. With enhanced comfort, sustainability, and efficiency, the new fleet will continue to improve the experience for visitors traveling to Rigi. As the trains make their way through the stunning landscapes of the Swiss Alps, tourists can look forward to a smoother, more enjoyable ride, while local businesses and tourism operators benefit from the increased accessibility and growth of this iconic destination.