Mt Pilatus Self-Guided Round Trip from Lucerne
Description
Visit Mt. Pilatus on a half-day tour by a scenic train ride, steepest cogwheel railway in the world, aerail cableway "Dragon Ride" and panorama gondola. Enjoy a mountain experience at 2132 meters above sea level Incredible view from Mount Pilatus over the Lake Lucerne and Swiss Alps Scenic train ride between Lucerne and Alpnachstad World's steepest cogwheel railway between Alpnachstad and Pilatus Kulm See the mountains and valleys from the panorama gondola and aerial cableway "Dragon Ride" between Kriens and Pilatus Kulm
Tour Options
Itinerary
Take bus no. 1 (direction Kriens/Obernau) from Lucerne’s train station. After an 11-min. bus ride to the station "Kriens, Zentrum Pilatus" and a short walk, you reach the valley station in Kriens. The Panorama Gondolas take you to the middle station Fräkmüntegg in 30 min. where you can try the rope park or the Dragon Glider (own expenses). Change to the aerial cableway "Dragon Ride" to the top (5 min.).
From Pilatus Kulm, enjoy the panoramic views over Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps and either stay inside the panoramic gallery, relax on the terrace, climb one of the peaks or enjoy a local specialty in our restaurants (own expenses). The world's steepest cogwheel railway brings you back down to Alpnachstad in 35 min. Next to the valley station you take the public train back to Lucerne (20 min). The trip can also be done in the opposite direction, starting by train from Lucerne. In any case, check the timetable before your visit.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Check the timetable carefully
- Round trip can be done in both directions
- Operates in almost all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Cableways are not in operation in the case of storms
- A maximum of 9 people per booking
- Prior reservation mandatory for wheelchairs
- Strollers must be folded during transport
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- To avoid long waiting times for the cogwheel train between Alpnachstad and Pilatus Kulm (or vice versa), we highly recommend to make a cogwheel train reservation
Reviews(92)
Worth every penny! This has been the best experience I've had so far going to a mountain. Did not disappoint.
Magnificent experience to do if you are in Lucerne. Everything is very well organized in terms of transport. The weather was perfect, we had a memorable day, splendid panoramic views!
It was easy to navigate, staff was friendly, views were impeccable! This was my second time to Pilatus, my husband's first, and it did not disappoint!
How to get to Mount Pilatus in Switzerland? Just take a boat 🛥️, the steepest cogwheel train in the world 🚂, a panorama gondola 🚠, a large aerial cable car 🚡, and a bus 🚌! Basically, an entire transit museum was used just to get to the top of one mountain today. But honestly? Every single vehicle switch is worth it for these mind-blowing views. 😍 🏔️The classic route—known as the Golden Round Trip—proves that when the Swiss want to get to an alpine peak, they just say, “Yes, all of the above, please.” Here is how the epic journey breaks down: The Slow & Scenic Start: Cruising across Lake Lucerne on a boat, surrounded by glassy water and dramatic green mountains. The Heart Attack: Ascending a 48% gradient on the Alpnachstad Cogwheel Railway, climbing high above the clouds. The Summit Visuals: Stepping out onto the jagged peak to a 360-degree panoramic view of 73 alpine peaks and endless blue lakes. The Descent: Soaring down on the “Dragon Ride” cable car, floating over deep valleys and lush forests. The Reality Check: Hopping on the local city bus back to Lucerne to complete the ultimate—and most beautiful—commute on Earth....
An experience you should not miss if you are in Lucerne, very beautiful and breathtaking views from Pilate
Viator reservation/payment via the internet for 3 people, ages 91, 86, and 81. It was very laborious. But: on-site: top service from all Pilatus Railway employees! Many thanks to everyone, including on the return trip up the Pilatus Railway, despite the "crowds," immediately helpful, friendly staff, e.g., Angelika.
Easy to follow instructions and the views were amazing. The provider was able to answer my questions fairly quickly.
We went up in the rain. By the time we got to the top the clouds had lifted. We had amazing views of the alps and possibly into France and Germany. It was breathtaking.
Excellent day out visiting My Pilatus. Move at your own pace. Travelling was easy and forms the basis of the day - specially the cog railway. Cable car and aerial tramway also a great experience. We started our journey taking the train from Lucerne and then the bus back at the end. Glad we did it this way round as it was a 10 minute walk all downhill to find the No1 bus - if you started with the bus it isn’t obvious where to go and all uphill to the starting base. Overall a great day and the views from My Pilatus are amazing.
The Round Trip Pilatus trip should not be missed. A truly great way to spend the day. We did the trip in clockwise - started with the boat, then the cogwheel up to the top, then the tram / gondola down to Kriens, finishing with a bus back to Lucerne. Start early and get up there for lunch, and then do a few of the short hikes. Really amazing views. The finish is pretty disappointing, however. When getting off the gondola in Kriens, it is pretty confusing how to get back to Lucern. There are signs, but I found no detailed directions in the email with our reservation. It’s a city bus back to town, which was fine, but the company could do a much better job explaining how to get back. Felt more like a Almost Round Trip tour, but still well worth it.
