Mt. Rigi Cheese-Dairy Farm Hike & Overnight
Photo by Ralph Welling
Experience The Most Authentic Lake Lucerne Region Mt. Rigi Day Hike & Overnight in a 7th generation working Cheese-Dairy Farm “Chäserenholz”!
Chäserenholz Farm is a sure highlight for your visit to Switzerland! The stunning 180 degree alpine panorama-featuring many gorgeous snow-covered peaks and valleys above lake Lucerne and villages below. At the 5,000 ft altitude of the farm – the view gives one a sense of the magnificent beauty and grandeur of the alps.
After a day hiking with your guide on Mt. Rigi, you’ll enjoy the beautiful sunsets and see the amazing stars in the clear skies above. The sounds of the dairy cows are comforting – their voices & bells pasturing nearby and, in the barn, providing soothing sounds as you “soak in” the incredible Central Swiss Alps ambiance.
During the overnight you are surrounded by the silence of the Alps and the hospitality of Franz-Toni Kennel’s family, the Chäserenholz alpine farmer and cheesemaker.
Highlights of the tour:
- You will meet your Guide at the Lucerne train station – under the arch in front. Your guide will escort you to Mt. Rigi for 2 to 3 /1/2 hours of easy walking on marked trails with panoramic views over the Lake Lucerne Central Alps.
- Overnight at this 5,000ft Chäserenholz, Cheese-Dairy Farmhouse after a full day of hiking with your guide.
- Your transportation on the train, the Mt. Rigi cogwheel railway and Lake Steamer to the farm and back to Lucerne the next day are included.
- Light outdoor grill lunch with awesome Central Alps view and breakfast the following morning are included. The best fondue in the area for an indoor dinner is available and a speciality at Chäserenholz.
- Your Guide will explain the several different ways for you to travel on your own back to Lucerne the next day upon leaving the Chäserenholz farmhouse.
The Hike
This is an easy to moderate 2 -to 3 ½ hour hike on mountain ridge paths, trails and through alpine meadows. Given the conditions of the day, your guide will present you with the best hike so you experience the most awesome views of Mt. Rigi.
Your guide will bring you to the Cheese Chäserenholz Farm stay by late afternoon to get you settled and oriented as to what to expect for the evening and the next day.
For your return to Lucerne the next day, your guide will explain how to get to the respective Mt. Rigi train stations either at Rigi Kulm or Rigi Staffel. You will have a return Mt. Rigi rail ticket and steamer ticket back to Lucerne.
Season
Year Round
THE CHAESERENHOLZ STAY
The choice of one available room with beds or a mattress on the floor is what the Swiss call a “Massen-lager”, or what some might call “Swiss dormitory style” will be another one of your Swiss Alps highlights! All male and female changing rooms are separate, modern and convenient.
Chäserneholz has a cozy dining room and limited dinner menu. Whatever you order the food will be home- made and very tasty. Whether you choose Käseschnitte (cheese on toast), fondue, a meat & cheese platter or specialities like carpaccio with alpine cheese and other delights – the delicacies at the Alp Chäserenholz will be an unforgettable experience.
The Chäsernholz cheese fondue consisting of 3 different cheeses, all made on site. They make for another highlight – the best Lake Lucerne tasting experience ever!
In the morning, if possible to do, you may respectfully request a possible visit to see Franz-Toni working in the cheese-dairy and cheese storage area where the cheeses are cured.
At “Chaesernholz” Franz-Toni Kennel, the 7th generation family member living on Mt. Rigi, will have completed his morning cheese making activities and will be cleaning up. He normally starts around 5.00 AM, filling his 1300 litre copper vessel with milk provided by the 30 cows he milks, houses and feeds. These activities produce approximately 24 cheese rounds daily.
The Mt. Rigi tour does indeed make one fortunate to have witnessed such an essential and time honored tradition and way of life among the Swiss people for centuries.
Meet Toni-Franz-Kennel, Cheese-Dairy Farmer
Rates
Rates
Price per person:
- $535 is based on a minimum of 2 people
- $236 per child
- $99 Reduction for Swiss Pass & GA
- $57 Reduction Half-Card
Includes
Includes
- Private Mt. Rigi hiking tour with experienced local English-speaking guide
- Light grill lunch of Swiss sausage selection (Vegetarians also most welcome but please give us advance warning!)
- All transportation from and return to Lucerne
- There are His & Her restrooms with modern porcelain conveniences on-site.
- Overnight at the Chaeserenhloz in either a bed in one of the few available rooms or in the “Massen-Lager”, on a mattress on the floor in the dormitory that includes clean duvets and blankets. ECHO Rails & Trails staff have overnighted both in the bed and in the “Massen-Lager”, and have enjoyed a most authentic and wonderful experience each time.
- Breakfast the following morning. Please note: This is a working farm house so it’s all very clean yet rustic, authentic with the Franz Tone-Kennel family sleeping in the same area as you. So please show the respect you would expect if someone was staying at your house.
Not Included
Not Included
- Dinner is on your own. The Chäserenholz only accepts cash so make sure you bring between 50.- to 100.- Swiss francs with you for whatever you consume at night.
- All items of personal nature
- Luggage transfer – We recommend you stow your luggage at the Lucern train station lockers and just take what you need for the overnight. The next day you will return to the Lucerne train station, go to your locker and now ready to continue on your next adventure.
What to Bring / Wear
What to Bring / Wear
- Water bottle
- Sunhat and sunscreen
- Sturdy footwear / trainers with a solid sole
- Warm layered clothing, especially a wind and waterproof jacket – it can get cold on the mountain.
- All blankets and bedding included
The Chäserenholz only accepts cash so make sure you bring between 50.- to 100.- Swiss francs with you for whatever you consume at night.
Cancellation & Changes
Cancellation policy
- The tour departs rain or shine.
- Cancellations made before 90 days prior to departure are subject to a $200.- per person cancellation fee.
- Cancellations made 90 days prior to departure are subject to a 100% non-refundable cancellation fee.
- Swiss hotel and transportation suppliers require pre-payments and have strict non-cancellation policies.
Review
Review
Reviewed by juliesaxstu
Mar 13, 2023
My son and I had the most amazing time on this tour. We actually spent the night at the farm.
Our guide, Andrea was the best and we hope to remain in contact with him.
I can’t express the level of care and compassion he had for my son and I. Also his knowledge of Mount Rigi and the culture was an added benefit.
He BBQ a lunch of us over a campfire and we chatted about our lives. It was the highlight of our two week tour of the area. I would definitely recommend this tour!
The overnight at the farm was awesome too. Our host Tony was very accommodating and the fondu dinner he prepared was the best ever!
Our room was comfortable and very clean.
The morning we awoke to a beautiful breakfast with many choices ranging from fresh croissants, fresh fruit, eggs, cheeses and local meats.
I want to go back just writing this review. This was well planned and very professional from start to finish. Great job to Rene and your team. We will be back!!