Walter Ponce
Near Lucerne in the Swiss Prealps is a mountain called Mount Pilatus. Because of the rack railway that gets to it, which avoids slopes up to 48%, it is not because of its modest height of 2,132 meters that it is a symbol of mountain excursions in Switzerland. The most well-known excursion in Lucerne and all of central Switzerland, Mount Rigi, is nearby. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable day on the world’s steepest rack railway.
One of Switzerland’s and all of Europe’s natural wonders is the Lake of the Four Cantons. Mountains that rise more than 2,000 meters plunge into the lake, forming an extraordinary and beautiful landscape.
Its name derives from a legend that Pontius Pilate is interred atop it. The legend that dragons lived in Pilatus and the surrounding mountains is even more legendary. As you can see, Pilatus is represented by a dragon.
Getting to Pilatus
There are two main access points to climb Pilatus:
Through Alpnachstad
Given that it involves using the renowned rack railway, it is the most well-known method of reaching the summit. Large parking spaces are available at the lower station, which is also easily accessible by train in about 20 minutes from Lucerne Central Station. Another very popular choice is to travel from Lucerne by boat, which enables you to take in the lake’s beauty from within.
From Kriens
Another option is to ascend from the opposite side of the mountain, though in this instance a cable car is used. The number 1 bus from Lucerne must be taken; it departs from the area near the city’s main train station. Take the 15-minute journey and get off at the Kriens stop. The cable car station is a five-minute walk from here.
What to do on the Pilatus
Because the train stops inside the Bellevue hotel, the initial impression is a little odd. As soon as you exit the train, the first thing you see is advertising, posters, and souvenir shops, and it is actually a little confusing. You can tell right away that the area is incredibly touristy and is definitely not going to be one of those remote locations with the allure of the mountains.
You can also see throngs of people climbing the stairs when you step outside onto the spacious outdoor terrace that connects the Pilatus Kulm hotel and the Bellevue hotel. These lead to various vantage points, such as Oberhaupt, from which one can enjoy breathtaking views of the Alps and lakes.
There are a number of stair-accessible viewpoints. If you want to get to the point and only visit one viewpoint, the one at Essel, which is close to the Bellevue hotel, is the best. However, you will need to climb quite a bit for about 10 minutes. The panoramic view of the entire Pilatus enclosure and its location on the erratic orography, as well as the view of the lakes and the Alps, are both breathtaking.
You can also take the Drakenweg, or “path of the dragons,” which partially winds through a stunning rock gallery, before descending from the summit.
I advise you to ascend the 2,132-meter Tomlishorn, which serves as the apex of the entire Pilatus environment. The sensational path is located between the rock and the abyss, and it is a straightforward and straightforward path. Crows and the brave who parachute in an unforgettable environment call them their homes.
Longest mountain slide in Switzerland
One of my day’s highlights was the mountain slide at Fräkmüntegg’s intermediate station (1,416 m). You can reach it via the breathtaking and futuristic panoramic cable car that departs from the Bellevue hotel’s underground floor, which was my second stop.
Switzerland’s longest rodelbahn, offering a thrilling 1,350-meter descent, is a must-try at CHF 8 per ride (children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult). There’s also a variety of hiking trails and an adventure park, the Seilpark.
While the route is stunning and you can pick up speed, safety precautions are essential. It’s crucial to obey all safety signs, especially when they indicate you should stop.
Conclusion
Overall, the experience at Pilatus is great. Many people complained about the amount of people but in my point of view is just part of being in such a popular place. There are some areas that are less crowded and quite enjoyable. I had the chance to visit this place a few times and I can say its one of my favourite spots in Switzerland.
The Golden Round Trip
A popular way to see Pilatus is the so-called Golden Round Trip, which combines several types of transport in one loop:
- Take a boat across Lake Lucerne from Lucerne to Alpnachstad.
- Ride the cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad up to Pilatus Kulm.
- Descend by aerial cableway and gondola via Fräkmüntegg to Kriens.
- Take the bus from Kriens back to Lucerne.
You can also do the loop in the opposite direction. Tickets can usually be bought online or at Lucerne station, and travel passes such as the Swiss Travel Pass or the Half Fare Card may give discounts. Check current prices and conditions before you go.
When to Go
- Summer (around May to November): the cogwheel railway typically runs only in the warmer months, and this is the best time for hiking and the summer toboggan run.
- Winter: the cogwheel railway is usually closed, but the cable cars from Kriens normally keep running, giving access to the summit and winter activities such as snowshoeing and sledging.
- Weather: clouds can cover the summit even on sunny days in the valley. Check the live webcams on the Pilatus website before heading up.
Always check current operating dates and timetables, as they change each season.
Tips for Visiting
- Go early to beat the crowds, especially in summer and on weekends.
- Bring a warm layer. At over 2,000 metres, it can be much colder and windier than in Lucerne.
- Wear good shoes if you plan to walk to the viewpoints or the Tomlishorn.
- Book tickets online in high season to save time.
- Watch the weather. Paths can be closed in snow, ice or storms.
Where to Stay
- Lucerne: the most practical base, with a wide range of hotels and easy connections.
- On the mountain: Hotel Pilatus-Kulm and Hotel Bellevue offer the chance to see sunset and sunrise from the summit.
- Kriens: a quieter option close to the cable car station.
Other Excursions Nearby
- Mount Rigi, the “queen of the mountains”, reachable by cogwheel railway and cable car.
- Stanserhorn, with its open-top double-decker cable car.
- Titlis, with its glacier and rotating cable car, from Engelberg.
- Lucerne Old Town, with the Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument.
FAQ
How high is Mount Pilatus? The highest point, the Tomlishorn, is 2,132 metres.
How long does the cogwheel railway take? The ride from Alpnachstad to the summit takes around 30 minutes.
Can you visit Pilatus in winter? Yes, via the cable cars from Kriens. The cogwheel railway usually runs only in the warmer months.
How long should I plan for the trip? Plan at least half a day, or a full day if you want to do the Golden Round Trip and the toboggan run.
Is the steepest cogwheel railway really on Pilatus? Yes. It is known as the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, with gradients of up to 48 percent.
