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Excursion to Mt Pilatus
Adventure

Excursion to Mt Pilatus

location_on Lucerne, Switzerland schedule 2 hours

Overview

Head up Mount Pilatus above Lake Lucerne for wide views over central Switzerland’s lakes and the Alps from over 2,000 metres. Depending on the route, you climb by cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad or by gondola and cableway from Kriens.

Highlights

  • Cogwheel railway: Steep rock faces climbed from the lakeshore.
  • Gondola and Dragon Ride: Panorama gondolas from Kriens, then a cockpit-style cableway.
  • Dragon Trail: A short circuit through rock passages near the summit.
  • Summit viewpoints: Short walks up to Esel and Oberhaupt.

Good to know

  • Time on site: About 2 hours at the summit; the journey up and down from Lucerne is extra.
  • Activity level: Easy to moderate: short paths with steps at over 2,000 metres, often windy and cool.
  • Pairs well with: The Mt Titlis excursion for a contrasting glacier day.

Facts

History

  • The cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad opened on 4 June 1889 with steam and switched to electric power in 1937.
  • Eduard Locher's design uses a horizontal double rack between the rails so the cogwheels cannot climb out on steep sections.

Did you know?

  • With gradients up to 48%, it is known as the steepest cogwheel railway in the world.
  • One legend says Pontius Pilate was buried on the mountain; another links the name to the Latin pileatus, 'cloud-topped'.

Tour manager tips

  • Bring a warm layer – the summit is over 2,000 m and often windy.
  • Agree a regroup time and place at the top station before people head off for photos.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the viewing paths and steps.

Included in the price

Included

  • Panorama gondola from Kriens to Fräkmüntegg
  • Dragon Ride aerial cableway up to Pilatus Kulm (2,132 m)
  • Access to the summit viewpoints and paths

Not included: Transport from Lucerne to Kriens, cogwheel railway, food and drinks, gratuities, personal expenses.

Please note: Access depends on the ticket type booked and on the attraction being open on the day of your visit, and on weather conditions at the summit.

Meeting point

Pilatus valley station Kriens
Schlossweg 1, 6010 Kriens, Switzerland

From Lucerne take bus 1 to Kriens, Zentrum Pilatus, then walk about 10 minutes.

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Entry fees for museums, monuments and civic sites are set by the authority that runs each one and can change without notice. Figures here are a guide; your final quote confirms them.

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