Rigimarsch

The Rigimarsch is one of those things that sounds vaguely doable. Until you’re about half way through it, or at least so I hear.

As a concept, it’s simple enough. Walk from Brengarten to the bottom of the Rigi. Then up the footpaths on the north-western side of the mountain for breakfast at the top.

Quite straightforward then. Except the walk to the Rigi is the length of a marathon. And the climb up the footpath is nearly a mile in elevation.

Add to that it doesn’t start until early evening and you’ll begin to find that sleep deprevation plays an important role.

And it seems that the walk is done at a fast pace. Not a gentle stroll at all. Fair enough I guess. After all “marsch” translates to “march” not “amble”.

There were a lot of exhausted people at the end (I took the train up). Many people were vowing never to do it again. And apparently the first aid station at the end of the walk was more like a field hospital – bodies everywhere.

But more and more people do it every year. So I expect some of them might be back. Especially as the views from the summit are spectacular.

But others will be repeating the Rigimarsch mantra: “Never Again”.

Photos: Author.

Info: www.rigimarsch.ch