Switzerland's First Mountain Hotel: Rigi Kulm's 200-Year Journey
The Rigi Kulm Hotel, Switzerland's first mountain hotel, has a rich history dating back over two centuries. Perched on the 'island mountain', it has evolved from a simple alpine hut to a grand hotel, witnessing significant changes in tourism and transportation.
The Rigi Kulm Hotel's story began in 1816 when it opened with just six beds, resembling more a large alpine hut. It was the brainchild of two donation campaigns and quickly attracted visitors, serving around 1000 guests annually within three years, thanks to a connecting horse path.
The hotel's growth mirrored the rise of tourism on the Rigi, known as the 'Queen of the Mountains'. By 1730, over 25,000 visitors, predominantly pilgrims, were recorded, marking early 'mass tourism'. The hotel's expansion continued with the Belle Époque in Switzerland, culminating in the construction of the palace-like Grand-Hotel on the summit in 1875.
The Rigi Railway's completion in 1871 ended the era of Rigi carriers, who previously transported wealthy guests up the mountain. The current Rigi-Kulm-Hotel, built in 1954 using salvageable material from the previous hotel, offers 32 rooms today. Despite the hotel's rebuilding in 1949, the person or group responsible remains unclear.
From its humble beginnings to its current grandeur, the Rigi Kulm Hotel has been a symbol of Switzerland's evolving tourism landscape. Standing tall at almost 1800 meters, it continues to draw visitors, offering a unique perspective above the fog-covered lowlands in the fall.
