On a sheltered, south-facing bay, protected from cold northerly weather by the Rigi itself, WEGGIS basks in its own subtropical microclimate – the palm trees, figs and magnolias grow naturally. It looks out over the lake and across to the Bürgenstock cliffs, and has been a popular summer resort for a couple of centuries, with a dedicated older clientele returning year after year to soak up the sun.

The tourist office for Weggis, the Rigi region and the whole north shore of the lake (taking in Brunnen and Schwyz as well) is right beside the boat station, at Seestrasse 5 (May–Sept Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat & Sun 9am–2.30pm; Oct–April Mon–Fri 8am–5pm; 041/390 11 55, www.weggis.ch). There’s no shortage of accommodation. Least pricey is the Budget Hotel, a plain, spartan place with en-suite and shared-bath rooms in a residential district a stiff walk uphill and west from the boat station (041/390 11 31, fax 390 14 80; a); the eyesore of the Victoria, with shared-bath rooms over the promenade, is easier to reach (041/390 11 28, fax 390 01 09; a). A couple of minutes east of the landing stage is the Seehof Hotel du Lac (041/390 11 51, fax 390 11 19; b–c; mid-Jan to Oct), a charming, quiet family-run place of some quality – it’s worth splashing out for the lakeview rooms with balcony. Just beside it is the classy Beau-Rivage (041/392 79 00, fax 390 19 81; d–e; April–Oct), with plenty of creature comforts in the rooms and an enclosed lakeside lawn for sunny lounging. The cable-car station for Rigi-Kaltbad is northeast of the landing stage, well signposted.