Mount Pilatus is a mountain massif overlooking Lucerne in Central Switzerland. It is composed of several peaks, of which the highest (2,128.5 m (6,983 ft)) is named Tomlishorn.
If you are in Lucerne, it's highly advisable to take one of the day trips offered to the mountains near the town - Mount Pilatus, Mount Rigi or Mount Titlis.
Mount Pilatus is a popular day trip from Lucerne and is a great option to spend time in nature. It offers stunning mountainous scenery, great hiking trails and lots of fun activities both for children and adults. Besides that, it's really easily accessible.
You can book the "Golden Round Trip" excursion and enjoy not only the spectacular mountain but also take one hour boat ride along the incredibly beautiful Lake Lucerne.
The trip starts at Lucerne main train station, where you take bus line 1 for a short 12 minute bus ride to Kriens. You get off at Kriens Zentrum Pilatus and walk for 8-10 min to the station of Panorama Gondolas that will take you up to Fräkmüntegg.
On Fräkmüntegg, there's plenty to discover with the toboggan ride or rope courses. Then, you take the "Dragon Ride" aerial cableway to the top of Mount Pilatus at 2132 m. above sea level. Here you can go hiking and even book a hotel for overnight stay. The views from the top are really spectacular especially if you have clear and sunny weather.
On your return trip, you descend by the world's steepest cogwheel railway that links Alpnachstad with Pilatus Kulm at an altitude of 2'132 m. with a maximum gradient of 48% and a length of 4'618 metres. The descend journey takes about 35 min with scenic views of alpine meadows. The cogwheel railway is a masterpiece from the 19th century, the first trip took place in 1889.
Finally, at Alpnachstad you get on an hour relaxing ferry ride back to Lucerne main station.
It's possible to do the same trip in the reverse direction.
You can reach the top of Mount Pilatus during the whole year with the aerial panorama gondolas and aerial cableways from Kriens.
Bear in mind that the cogwheel railway and Lake Lucerne ferry operate seasonally, only from May to November ( depending on the weather conditions ) and you need to check the schedule when making your travel arrangements.
In the winter you will enjoy downhill slopes of natural snow. Various winter sports activities are offered - sledding, bobsledding and snowshoeing. You can get the snow sports equipment directly at the Kriens valley station.
Comments