For panoramic views of Lucerne and the surrounding region, take the world's steepest cogwheel railway to the top of Mt Pilatus. During medieval times locals believed that a dragon lived at the summit of this soaring massif; several 17th-century accounts tell of a winged creature flying between the mount's caves. Today the towering mountain draws visitors with its walking trails, which range from extremely steep and challenging scrambles for serious adrenaline junkies, to easy hikes for everyone else. On clear days the hiking paths offer views that stretch as far as the Black Forest in southwestern Germany. You can also reach the summit by riding the aerial cableway or the panorama gondola, departing from the town of Kriens. The cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm only operates from mid-May till mid-November. The cable-car and gondola from Kriens up to Pilatus operates also in winter. Put Mt Pilatus on your schedule, and learn what else deserves a visit by using our Lucerne travel route builder app.
Create an itinerary including Mt Pilatus
Unable to display map at this time. Please try again later.
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors
Tours to Mt Pilatus
Mt Pilatus reviews
-
it was a fantastic experience especially climbing to such high altitudes. I had a lot of fun . to try more »
-
During our Switzerland trip my one of the most favorite destination was Pilatus at Lucerne. My father took us there specially for us to experienced chilly winter , beauty of picture like environment..... more »
-
An adventure not to miss in this lifetime. One of the most beautiful places on earth. Breathtaking, magical, beautiful from start of trip to get there to the trip back down. Incredible. Wow. The train ride alone makes this trip worthwhile. A hidden gem in this world. Transportation in Europe is made easy to get around and to get to places in general. I will be back with even more excitement and awe and look forward even more to seeing these spectacular views once again.
-
Amazing views, paragliding, mountain birds, mountain cable cars climbing up the mountain one after one fr the tunnel below! Another thing must not missed, thought only few staircase steps will reach the top round n round the mountain footpath without the rod is another challenge but not scary just a bit loose stones here n there! Once you up there you feel proud n happy, just enjoying the view! Surrounding magnificent view make you feel like you are at Himalayan rather than Switzerland!
Plan your trip to Lucerne
Get a personalized trip
A complete day by day itinerary
based on your preferencesCustomize it
Refine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedulesBook it
Choose from the best hotels
and activities. Up to 50% offManage it
Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.
Popular things to do in Lucerne
Side trips from Lucerne
Hidden gems in Lucerne
Historic Sites in Lucerne
Shopping in Lucerne
Trips to Mt Pilatus by other users
33 days in Europe
BY A USER FROM COSTA RICA
Barcelona
·
Paris
·
Amsterdam
12 days in Europe
BY A USER FROM SLOVAKIA
Paris
·
Amsterdam
·
Frankfurt
28 days in Interlaken
BY A USER FROM SWITZERLAND
Staubbach Waterfall
·
Rothenfluh Ruins
·
Rugenbraeu Brewery
7 days in Switzerland
BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM
Geneva
·
Montreux
·
Interlaken
16 days in Switzerland, Madrid & Strasbourg
BY A USER FROM COLOMBIA
Madrid
·
Zurich
·
Strasbourg
16 days in Switzerland, France & Spain
BY A USER FROM OMAN
Lucerne
·
Paris
·
Seville