Mt. Rigi Cog Railroad and Cruise from Vitznau to Lucerne

Yesterday afternoon, we took the train to Arth Goldau on Lake Lucerne where we picked up the cog railroad to the top of Mt. Rigi. This historic railway opened in 1871 and was the first European mountain railway. The railway offers views of the Jura mountains, the Black Forest and the Vosges. 

 

 The cog railway is electrified, not diesel. The photo to the right shows the cog in the middle flanked by rail lines. 

 

 Yesterday was my birthday, so I was given a card signed by the group, a Swiss magnet and a box of chocolates! I was very touched.

Some views along the way:  

 On

 

There were lots of different milk cows grazing. They all had cowbells around their neck which rang as they moved. It was a delightful sound. They bring them up to graze and then bring them down when it gets cold. It's a celebration of sorts in the towns when the cows "come home."

Someone said this was not a hot tub even though people looked quite warm in the water. It looked inviting to me.

We took the boat below back to Lucerne. It was a beautiful ride. I had a glass of Prosecco to toast my birthday with my new friends.

This Ferris wheel is for an upcoming celebration in Lucerne.