Hospitality since 1816

From its opening to its 200th anniversary and beyond - the history of the Rigi Kulm Hotel is characterized by vision and innovation. Each generation has contributed to its development without losing sight of the soul of the hotel: The traditional hospitality and the deep connection with the mountain landscape can therefore still be felt today.

1601 - 1816

Kulm Hochdruck
Gasthaus Rigi Kulm 1816

1601: The first mention

Town clerk Renward Cysat of Lucerne mentions Kulm for the first time as the name of the highest peak of the Rigi. The name Kulm is derived from the Latin word "culmus" = gable, peak.

1814: Building preparations for the first summit hotel

The Arth cloth cutter and Rigi guide, Joseph Martin Bürgi (1778 - 1833), begins the first preparatory work for an inn on the Kulm (felling wood and transporting tree trunks to the Kulm).
Bürgi was the landlord of the Hotel Krone on Rigi-Klösterli, which he had built in 1805. In the same year, he ran out of funds to continue the Kulm project.

1815: Early crowdfunding

Heinrich Keller (1778 - 1862), the famous Zurich panorama draughtsman who often stayed with Bürgi in the Klösterli, launched an appeal for donations in Zurich for Bürgi's guesthouse building - with great success: 971 Swiss francs were collected, which is equivalent to around CHF 25,000 today. These funds were used to finance the construction of the house. Shortly afterwards, Bürgi ran out of money again.

1816: Numerous donors

Keller sent a second begging letter to influential people in the larger Swiss cities. 338 patrons donated a total of 1400 Swiss francs (today approx. CHF 36,000). Bürgi was able to buy the hotel furnishings with this amount.

August 6, 1816: Opening of the first summit hotel

The first Kulm inn in Switzerland has 6 beds. The builder and the workers are the first overnight guests.

August 14, 1816: The guests arrive!

First entry in the guest book by 5 hotel guests:
Publisher Sauerländer from Aarau, Dr. Feer, Government Councillor Zürrer; Mr. and Mrs. Dolder. During this season, 294 visitors sign the guest book.

1601 - 1816

1601: The first mention

Town clerk Renward Cysat of Lucerne mentions Kulm for the first time as the name of the highest peak of the Rigi. The name Kulm is derived from the Latin word "culmus" = gable, peak.

1814: Building preparations for the first summit hotel

The Arth cloth cutter and Rigi guide, Joseph Martin Bürgi (1778 - 1833), begins the first preparatory work for an inn on the Kulm (felling wood and transporting tree trunks to the Kulm).
Bürgi was the landlord of the Hotel Krone on Rigi-Klösterli, which he had built in 1805. In the same year, he ran out of funds to continue the Kulm project.

1815: Early crowdfunding

Heinrich Keller (1778 - 1862), the famous Zurich panorama draughtsman who often stayed with Bürgi in the Klösterli, launched an appeal for donations in Zurich for Bürgi's guesthouse building - with great success: 971 Swiss francs were collected, which is equivalent to around CHF 25,000 today. These funds were used to finance the construction of the house. Shortly afterwards, Bürgi ran out of money again.

1816: Numerous donors

Keller sent a second begging letter to influential people in the larger Swiss cities. 338 patrons donated a total of 1400 Swiss francs (today approx. CHF 36,000). Bürgi was able to buy the hotel furnishings with this amount.

August 6, 1816: Opening of the first summit hotel

The first Kulm inn in Switzerland has 6 beds. The builder and the workers are the first overnight guests.

August 14, 1816: The guests arrive!

First entry in the guest book by 5 hotel guests:
Publisher Sauerländer from Aarau, Dr. Feer, Government Councillor Zürrer; Mr. and Mrs. Dolder. During this season, 294 visitors sign the guest book.

1833 - 1875

Kulm Bergerlebnis Scharler1875

1833: Generation change

Death of J. M. Bürgi. His son Caspar Bürgi-Ritschard and his wife Elisabeth took over the house.
 

June 8, 1848: First 6, now 130 hotel beds

Opening of the new, stone-built Kulm Hotel with 130 beds.
Prices: Fr. 2.- for the room, service: Fr. 1.-, breakfast: Fr. 1.50, lunch and dinner Fr. 3.- each. At that time, around 40 - 50,000 tourists visited the Rigi every year.
 

1856: The 2nd hotel on Rigi Kulm

Opening of the second hotel with 200 beds by the brothers C. & J. Bürgi, called Regina Montium "Queen of the Mountains". The building plot cost CHF 57,000 and CHF 30,000 was paid for a 10-year non-competition clause on Rigi Kulm.
This house was built according to the plans of the Zurich architect F. Stadler, who also designed the Bundeshaus in Bern. As the Rigi railroads were not yet in operation, all the building materials had to be laboriously carried to the summit. At that time, there was the profession of Rigi porters, who carried both guests and materials to the top of Mount Rigi.
The hotel had 200 beds and a dining room with just as many seats, which was a sensation at the time. An overnight stay cost Fr. 4.
 

June 7, 1875: And No. 3

Opening of the third hotel on the Kulm, the palatial grand hotel "Schreiber" with 300 beds (advertising text: "que ne laisse rien à désirer sous le rapport du confortable") and with two restaurants, billiard, reunion, ladies', reading and music rooms. The construction time was 3 years, cost of the building site CHF 200,000.
Just before the hotel opened, the Arth-Rigi cable car was also put into operation.
The pompous hotel specialized in luxury, and the most famous chefs, including Escoffier, and the best maîtres d'hôtel fulfilled the wishes of the pampered clientele. (Bavarian King Ludwig II, who was a guest several times with his entire entourage, brought a tea service as a gift, which is kept in a display case in today's dining room). Goethe, Brahms and many other intellectuals of the time were inspired here.
A day's stay cost CHF 20, which at the time was equivalent to a worker's weekly wage.
Although the Grand Hotel was only open from the end of June to mid-October, it was managed profitably for many years.

1833 - 1875

1833: Generation change

Death of J. M. Bürgi. His son Caspar Bürgi-Ritschard and his wife Elisabeth took over the house.
 

June 8, 1848: First 6, now 130 hotel beds

Opening of the new, stone-built Kulm Hotel with 130 beds.
Prices: Fr. 2.- for the room, service: Fr. 1.-, breakfast: Fr. 1.50, lunch and dinner Fr. 3.- each. At that time, around 40 - 50,000 tourists visited the Rigi every year.
 

1856: The 2nd hotel on Rigi Kulm

Opening of the second hotel with 200 beds by the brothers C. & J. Bürgi, called Regina Montium "Queen of the Mountains". The building plot cost CHF 57,000 and CHF 30,000 was paid for a 10-year non-competition clause on Rigi Kulm.
This house was built according to the plans of the Zurich architect F. Stadler, who also designed the Bundeshaus in Bern. As the Rigi railroads were not yet in operation, all the building materials had to be laboriously carried to the summit. At that time, there was the profession of Rigi porters, who carried both guests and materials to the top of Mount Rigi.
The hotel had 200 beds and a dining room with just as many seats, which was a sensation at the time. An overnight stay cost Fr. 4.
 

June 7, 1875: And No. 3

Opening of the third hotel on the Kulm, the palatial grand hotel "Schreiber" with 300 beds (advertising text: "que ne laisse rien à désirer sous le rapport du confortable") and with two restaurants, billiard, reunion, ladies', reading and music rooms. The construction time was 3 years, cost of the building site CHF 200,000.
Just before the hotel opened, the Arth-Rigi cable car was also put into operation.
The pompous hotel specialized in luxury, and the most famous chefs, including Escoffier, and the best maîtres d'hôtel fulfilled the wishes of the pampered clientele. (Bavarian King Ludwig II, who was a guest several times with his entire entourage, brought a tea service as a gift, which is kept in a display case in today's dining room). Goethe, Brahms and many other intellectuals of the time were inspired here.
A day's stay cost CHF 20, which at the time was equivalent to a worker's weekly wage.
Although the Grand Hotel was only open from the end of June to mid-October, it was managed profitably for many years.

1903 - 2016

Rigi Kulm Postkarte 1912

1903: Guests from all over the world

Total income (only room and board income, without the two restaurants) in August: CHF 99,208.15, peak day was August 8th with 237 arrivals, of which 72 Germans, 47 French, 30 Americans, 21 Russians, 11 Swiss, 5 English.
 

August 1908: An impressive "shopping list"

Food orders from the hotels:
14,100 Weggli
1,730 kg bread
141 kg rusks
1,980 kg chicken
 

1912: The patron dies

Death of the long-standing director and sole proprietor Dr. iur. Friedrich Schreiber.
 

1914: The world changes

Outbreak of the 1st World War. Drastic decline in the number of tourists.
 

1936: Hard times

Reduction in the number of beds to 300 units in all three hotels.
 

1949: The Käppeli family takes over the Kulm Hotel

Purchase of the hotel property by Mr. Ernst Käppeli Sr.

 

1950-1954: A new era begins

Demolition of the old "Palais Schreiber" and construction of the new Rigi Kulm Hotel according to the plans of architect Max Kopp from Zurich. Special "recycling" preserves historical trouvailles: All materials and objects that were still usable were reused in the new building. Parquet floors in the rooms, sandstone staircases and corner blocks, mirrors, display cabinets, silverware, etc. allow future hotel guests a glimpse into the past.
 

1994: More space, new infrastructure

Extension of terrace and veranda, major renovation of building services and kitchen.
 

2007: Contemporary comfort

Extensive renovation of the rooms.
 

2016: A reason to celebrate!

200 years of Rigi Kulm. During the anniversary week at the beginning of August, the Queen of the Mountains wears a crown of lights. It always sparkles at the blue hour and is visible as far as the surrounding valleys and the Mittelland. The Rigi Railways bring 8000 guests to the Rigi summit for the closing event. The program also includes a Schwyzerörgeli record attempt. The ambitious goal: 200 Schwyzerörgel players are to play a birthday serenade. The huge success: in the end there are 256 musicians, the youngest 9 and the oldest 84 years old.
 

A permanent exhibition is created to mark the 200th anniversary. The title says it all: "From ice axe to selfie stick", travel paraphernalia takes you through two centuries of tourism on Rigi Kulm.

1903 - 2016

1903: Guests from all over the world

Total income (only room and board income, without the two restaurants) in August: CHF 99,208.15, peak day was August 8th with 237 arrivals, of which 72 Germans, 47 French, 30 Americans, 21 Russians, 11 Swiss, 5 English.
 

August 1908: An impressive "shopping list"

Food orders from the hotels:
14,100 Weggli
1,730 kg bread
141 kg rusks
1,980 kg chicken
 

1912: The patron dies

Death of the long-standing director and sole proprietor Dr. iur. Friedrich Schreiber.
 

1914: The world changes

Outbreak of the 1st World War. Drastic decline in the number of tourists.
 

1936: Hard times

Reduction in the number of beds to 300 units in all three hotels.
 

1949: The Käppeli family takes over the Kulm Hotel

Purchase of the hotel property by Mr. Ernst Käppeli Sr.

 

1950-1954: A new era begins

Demolition of the old "Palais Schreiber" and construction of the new Rigi Kulm Hotel according to the plans of architect Max Kopp from Zurich. Special "recycling" preserves historical trouvailles: All materials and objects that were still usable were reused in the new building. Parquet floors in the rooms, sandstone staircases and corner blocks, mirrors, display cabinets, silverware, etc. allow future hotel guests a glimpse into the past.
 

1994: More space, new infrastructure

Extension of terrace and veranda, major renovation of building services and kitchen.
 

2007: Contemporary comfort

Extensive renovation of the rooms.
 

2016: A reason to celebrate!

200 years of Rigi Kulm. During the anniversary week at the beginning of August, the Queen of the Mountains wears a crown of lights. It always sparkles at the blue hour and is visible as far as the surrounding valleys and the Mittelland. The Rigi Railways bring 8000 guests to the Rigi summit for the closing event. The program also includes a Schwyzerörgeli record attempt. The ambitious goal: 200 Schwyzerörgel players are to play a birthday serenade. The huge success: in the end there are 256 musicians, the youngest 9 and the oldest 84 years old.
 

A permanent exhibition is created to mark the 200th anniversary. The title says it all: "From ice axe to selfie stick", travel paraphernalia takes you through two centuries of tourism on Rigi Kulm.

The 2020s

Rigi Kulm Postkarte 200 Jahre

2020: Far-reaching views and tranquillity

The view from Mount Rigi still has a magical attraction in the 21st century. The mountain experience on Rigi Kulm is incomparable. The 360° panoramic view at 1800 m above sea level presents the incredible number of 125 named Alpine peaks and 13 lakes. A great place to develop your creativity or focus far away from everyday life.

2022:

Normality returns to Switzerland in spring with the lifting of most coronavirus measures. People enjoy it and are eager to get out and about. When the sun is shining, the Rigi summit is bustling again.

The 2020s

2020: Far-reaching views and tranquillity

The view from Mount Rigi still has a magical attraction in the 21st century. The mountain experience on Rigi Kulm is incomparable. The 360° panoramic view at 1800 m above sea level presents the incredible number of 125 named Alpine peaks and 13 lakes. A great place to develop your creativity or focus far away from everyday life.

2022:

Normality returns to Switzerland in spring with the lifting of most coronavirus measures. People enjoy it and are eager to get out and about. When the sun is shining, the Rigi summit is bustling again.