The journey takes you by sea and overland and presents the beauty of Central Switzerland in all its glory. The trip is a true classic in the region and always manages to delight guests from near and far from May to October.
Discover nowSteepest cog railroad in the world
Pilatus
The world's steepest cogwheel railroad since 1889 makes its way from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm past lush alpine meadows, foaming clear mountain streams and fascinating rocky cliffs. The panoramic view of the mountain range of the Alpine massif will inspire you!
However, it's not just the unique panorama that awaits you on Mount Pilatus. Mysterious legends and myths have shrouded the rugged rock high above Lucerne since time immemorial. In the Middle Ages, it is said to have been home to a healing dragon and a number of spirits. And the restless soul of the Roman general Pontius Pilate even lurks in the former Lake Pilatus!
Varied
Experiences on Pilatus Kulm
At the top of Mount Pilatus, a variety of leisure experiences await, some of which will get your heart racing and others that will simply amaze you. And even if it should rain - deep in the legendary caves of the Drachenberg there are many adventures to discover.
Dragon World
Did you know that a dragon lived in Pilatus a long time ago? It has now been resurrected - at least virtually. The interactive Dragon World breathes new life into the Pilatus legend with games of skill and ingenious effects.
Nostalgia sunrise ride
Pioneering work was done with the construction of the cogwheel railway line up the Pilatus - the ride is legendary and still spectacular today. On the nostalgic sunrise rides, the steep route is tackled with the over 80-year-old railcars before breakfast can be enjoyed in the Bellvue restaurant.
Dragon path
The Dragon Trail on the Pilatus is full of legends and myths dating back to the Middle Ages. There are exciting things to learn in the bare crevices. In the winter months, the trail is not always accessible.
Animal experience
Ibex Safari
These majestic animals have been living on the steep slopes of the Pilatus for over 60 years. They can be observed regularly with a high probability.
Active
Experiences on Fräkmüntegg
The Dragon Ride aerial cableway takes you from the summit of the Pilatus to Fräkmüntegg. A varied world of adventure awaits here with a rope park, toboggan run, treetop path and much more.
Treetop walk
The treetop path leads across twelve platforms through the forest on wide walking ropes and safely protected by safety nets. Six of the twelve nests contain information about the forest and its inhabitants. The Wipfelpad is free of charge and is a wonderful idea for a family outing.
Dragon Glider
Take off and glide like a dragon. Take a bird's eye view with the Dragon Glider and fly off. Sometimes high, then low, sometimes leisurely and sometimes swiftly - the trees are always close enough to touch. Next stop, the Drachenalp.
Toboggan run
Numerous steep bends and "dragon holes" tunnels in the 1,350-metre-long chrome steel channel promise action-packed speed and adrenaline-filled fun. The speed indicator makes every toboggan ride an unforgettable experience.
Pilatus Rope Park
The "Pilatus Rope Park" offers adventure and fun for outdoor fans, families, schools, companies and clubs on 10 courses in the forest, each with 6 to 11 obstacles at lofty heights and varying degrees of difficulty. Three courses are also accessible for young guests aged 8 and over (minimum height 120 cm).
Question and answer
FAQ Pilatus
What is Pilatus known for?
Mount Pilatus (Kulm: 2,132 m above sea level) is Lucerne's striking local mountain and one of the best-known excursion destinations in Central Switzerland. It is famous for the steepest cogwheel railroad in the world, spectacular views over Lake Lucerne and the legends surrounding the "Dragon Mountain".
How do you get to Pilatus?
Pilatus can be reached in various ways:
From Alpnachstad
Take the world's steepest cogwheel railroad directly up to Pilatus Kulm. The railroad climbs gradients of up to 48% and connects Alpnachstad with the summit.
From Kriens
Take the panoramic gondola lift from Kriens to Fräkmüntegg and then the "Dragon Ride" aerial cableway to Pilatus Kulm.
On foot (hike):
- Von Alpnachstad auf den Pilatus:
ca. 1’600 Höhenmeter, rund 4½ bis 5 Stunden Gehzeit bis Pilatus Kulm.
Der Weg führt über Alpweiden und steilere Bergpfade. - Von Kriens auf den Pilatus:
ca. 1’600 Höhenmeter, rund 4½ bis 5 Stunden Gehzeit bis Pilatus Kulm.
Die Route führt über Krienseregg und Fräkmüntegg durch abwechslungsreiche Berglandschaft.
Many guests combine the ascent or descent on foot with a trip by train.
What can you experience on Mount Pilatus?
There are numerous activities on the Pilatus:
- Aussichtspunkte und Panoramawege auf Pilatus Kulm
- Dragon World & Drachenweg mit Geschichten über die Pilatus-Sagen
- Erlebniswelt auf Fräkmüntegg mit Seilpark, Rodelbahn und Wipfelpfad
- Gastronomie und Hotels auf dem Berg
- Ausgangspunkt für Wanderungen
The mountain thus offers nature experiences, family activities and alpine views.
Are there restaurants or hotels on the Pilatus?
Yes, there are several restaurants and hotels on Pilatus Kulm that offer overnight accommodation on the summit. Guests can experience the sunset or sunrise in the mountains.
Is the Pilatus also suitable for families?
Yes, especially on Fräkmüntegg there are numerous offers for families, including a rope park, toboggan run, play facilities and hiking trails.
Is Pilatus accessible without barriers?
The Pilatus is also accessible for guests with reduced mobility. The gondola lift, aerial cableway and many facilities on Pilatus Kulm are accessible.
When is the best time to visit Mount Pilatus?
Mount Pilatus is a popular excursion destination all year round.
The cogwheel railroad from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm generally runs from May to November, while the cable car connections from Kriens operate all year round (with seasonal revisions).