Last Hike of 2016 -- Sun up High above the Fog on Mt. Rigi

December 31, 2016 --  So little snow and so much fog, if you want sunshine at this time of year you have to go into higher elevations, above 900m or so. At much higher elevations the winter walking trails just don't have enough snow for that magical winter quality I am hoping we still get before the end of the winter season... but the regular hiking trails can be dangerous if there are hidden icy sections.

Then we remembered that we have our "almost" house mountain, Mount Rigi, rightly named "Queen of the Mountains" because of its accessibility and fantastic panorama views, and only 14 km from home as the crow flies, a mountain we used to spend lots of time on especially in winter when there is snow and great tobogganing but this year not having gone up one single time yet.... and this became the goal of the last hike of 2016.

We mapped out a hike again that would take us along ridges and the sunny flank of the mountain and we were not disappointed. Because of the little snow and sunny exposure the ground was dry and we hiked as we would have in fall. By going up one side and down the other with cable cars, we managed the entire 10-km in the sunshine without walking in the fog, although it wasn't too far below us.

Near the start of our hike on Rigi Scheidegg, you can see the Bernese Alps.

Heading East. Most of the lowlands are in thick fog.

Heading East across the ridge, we turn South below the dark peak on the right.

My favourite peak in the Uri Alps is called Schärhorn (Mount Scissorhorn)

The fog is not far below us.

A small piece of our hike was through a shady forested area.

A small piece of our hike was through a shady forested area.

Having descended from the ridge, we now head West with the central Alps in our sights (Stanserhorn on the right).

Coffee break. The dark peak on the left is unsure of its name, as both communities below it in the valley claim it as their own. So it goes by the name of Vitznauerstock-Gersauerstock.

This is our view until we reach our goal at Hinterbergen. In the back, Mount Pilatus. Lucerne is to the right at the base of Mt. Pilatus.

In the back, the unmistakable Mt. Pilatus.

Below on the left, the cable car station, where we will descend to Lake Lucerne to return home by bus.

Hinterbergen Cable Car to Vitznau on Lake Lucerne.

Descending into the fog.

We started on the North side of the mountain, riding the car to Scheidegg, then walking to the Gätterli Pass, and then Westward to Hinterbergen before heading back home to the North side of Lake Zug. Mount Rigi is mostly known for the Rigi Kulm side, where most of the tourists go.