Rigi Song –

Also known as the Rigi Song, it tells the story of a journey from Lucerne via Weggis to Rigi Kaltbad and an encounter with a

Its composer Johann Lüthy came from a poor background: he made the journey to Lucerne in 1832 to work as a caterer at the federal shooting festival. He was so taken by the ensuing trip back across Lake Lucerne that he felt inspired to write a song.

The murals by the Lucerne artist Karl Schlageter (which can be admired in the Rigi Room of the Central Hotel) show why Lüthy, sitting at his loom at home, could not forget his homeland. The enthusiastic musician's two clarinets are also on display in the room.

Sadly, Lüthy's handwritten notes and Rigi Song lyrics were destroyed in a fire. By that time, though, the song had already gained popularity and is still sung today in a number of different versions.