Mount Pilatus is one of the most accessible peaks in Switzerland. Visitors can hitch a ride on the gondola and aerial tram, or the steepest cogwheel train in the world. Making the trip to the top easier than the other way: hiking. Along the aerial route, guests can stop to enjoy outdoor adventure, then continue to the top with a historic hotel serving chef-created meals.
Where’s Mount Pilatus?
Overlooking Lake Lucerne and a few minutes from the Lucerne Train Station, Mount Pilatus is a mountaintop destination with a peak of 6,983 feet (2,128 metres) on Tomlishorn. On clear days, visitors can see the Swiss Alps, I did. Also delightful, I saw Chamois, the small hoofed animals.
Steeped in ancient folklore, Mt. Pilatus is an elevated outdoor destination. During my trip, I enjoyed the mid-mountain activities and continued to the top-of-the-mountain experience, from its locally sourced Swiss-inspired meal to the sunset views of the Alps.
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Learn About Mount Pilatus
Take the Panoramic Gondola From Kriens
Play at PILU-Land with Kids
Stop in Fräkmüntegg
Ride the Dragon Glider
Do the Highest Ropes Course in Switzerland
Take Switzerland’s Longest Summer Toboggan Ride
Enjoy the View of the Swiss Alps
Ride the Dragon Ride Aerial Tram to the Top of Mt Pilatus
Go on a Hike
Spot Wildlife
See the Sunset or Sunrise
Stargaze
Visit the Mount Pilatus Christmas Market
Spend the Night
Enjoy Dinner on Top of Mount Pilatus
Take the Steepest Cog Wheel Train in the World
Learn About Mount Pilatus
Mount Pilatus is composed of several peaks; the highest is Tomlishorn at 6,983 feet. Its name could be derived from several sources; however, it is often thought to be named after Pilate, the belly of a large man.
It was first ascended in the 14th century; however, Queen Victoria and Theodore Roosevelt both climbed to the top. The queen did it sidesaddle on a donkey in 1868, after the death of Prince Albert. The Dining Room is named in her honor at the Hotel Pilatus Kulm.
Mount Pilatus is home to a military, civil aviation and weather radar system. The Oberhaupt summit is where the weather station is located, not open to the public.
According to a story in the American Alpine Club magazine in 1949, a farmer saw a dragon fly from Rigi to Pilatus in 1421. He saw it drop a stone, later discovered to be a meteorite. Mt. Pilatus was considered dangerous for centuries.
Today, the mountain’s dragon history is celebrated. The aerial tram is called the Dragon Ride and Dragon Glider in Fräkmüntegg.
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PILU-Land at Krienseregg
From the station at Kriens, the gondola stops at several stations on its way up the mountain. The first station is Krienseregg.
This area is just for families. Pilu is a friendly dragon, and this area is a woodland-themed playground.
The area features a dragon castle, dragon woods and dragon land. The Dragon Moor is a circular hike with interpretive signs about the history, flora and fauna in this area. It passes moors, mosses, streams and meadows and takes one to two hours.
PILU-Land at Krienseregg is the first mountain station along the panoramic gondola. The playground is free to enjoy. Krienseregg restaurant is in the area and features a relaxed atmosphere.
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Take the Panoramic Gondola to Fräkmüntegg
Along the scenic gondola ride, the second station is Fräkmüntegg. This area is not accessible by car; however, visitors can hike to the area.
Fräkmüntegg is an outdoor playground with several rides, from tame to thrilling. It is one of the stops along the route to the top of Mt. Pilatus.
Outdoor adventure attractions include the Dragon Glider, High Ropes Course, a summer toboggan ride and the Wipfelfab, a netted tree-top path.
For those who enjoy more views, they’ll find restaurants like Restaurant Fräkmüntegg, a self-service restuarant with Swiss favorites. I even found a chapel at Fräkmüntegg.
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Ride the Dragon Glider
Take a ride through the treetops. In an upright apparatus, people gently swing through the trees as they take in the view.
During my visit, I rode the Dragon Glider. The ride is shaded and gentle and it meanders through the treetops. My only complaint, my ride went by too fast.
Adult admission is CHF 8, and kids up to 16 are CHF 6. It is open seasonally from mid-April to mid-October.
Switzerland’s Longest Summer Toboggan Ride
The Fräkigaudi is a summer alpine toboggan ride. Riders sit in flat-wheeled carts and ride on a metal slide track. At 1350 metres, it is the longest summer toboggan ride in Switzerland.
The track includes banked curves and tunnels. Riders can set their speed for a more thrilling ride or a leisurely one.
Worth noting, rides are pulled back up to the departure point at Fräkmüntegg, near the Dragon Glider. Adult one-way rides are CFH 9, kids 8 to 16 are CFH 7, kids 6 and 7 are CFH 5 and those 5 and younger can ride for free with an adult. Open seasonally from April 1 to mid-October.
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Highest Ropes Course in Switzerland
For those who are looking for thrills, take to the highest ropes course in Switzerland with views of the Alps. The Pilatus Ropes Park features ten different courses with 100 elements.
There’s a kid-sized ropes park for younger guests. The minimum age for the regular course is 8 years old and there are weight restrictions. Adult admission starts at CHF 30 for three hours. It is open seasonally from mid-April to mid-October.
Enjoy the View of the Swiss Alps
The Fräkmüntegg offers views of the Swiss Alps, above Lake Lucerne. It is one of the top things to do at Mt. Pilatus.
The Drachenalp is an outdoor area with picnic tables, an outdoor grill and a snack hut. During my visit, it sold drinks, including regional beer, along with meat to grill on the outdoor BBQ.
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Dragon Ride Aerial Tram to the Top of Mt Pilatus
To reach the top of Mount Pilatus, travelers have to switch to the Dragon Ride Aerial Tram at Fräkmüntegg. The aerial tram is much larger than the panoramic gondola ride.
The first aerial gondola started in 1956. It has since undergone two conversions. The latest occurred in 2015.
The ride takes about 3 or 4 minutes, rising up 646 meters, or 2,120 feet. The cable is over 1387 meters long, or 4,550 feet. Two cable cars run at the same time, one ascending and one descending. Each holds 55 people, plus an attendant.
The Dragon Ride Aerial Tram is operational year-round. However, it undergoes a yearly maintenance closure. During this time, the cog railroad is the only way to the top of Mt. Pilatus.
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Hiking on Mt. Pilatus
Hiking is one of the top things to do on Mt. Pilatus. There are several trails; however, remain mindful of the effect of elevation when hiking in the mountains.
Krienseregg-Schönenboden-Fräkmüntegg Trail—A 2.2-mile trail with a 1,430-foot elevation gain from Kriens, Luzern, to the adventure area at Fräkmüntegg. It is a year-round trail; however, best to hike from late spring to early fall.
Dragon Moor Path—A 1.4-mile trail for families with interpretive signs at Pilu-land.
Fräkmüntegg-Heitertannliweg-Klimsen-Pilatus—A 4.7-mile challenging trail starting at the Kriens-Fräkmüntegg gondola lift with a 2,952-foot elevation gain. It is accessible from April to October.
Alpnachstad-Ämsigen-Pilatus—A 13.1-mile challenging trail with a 6,128-foot elevation gain ascends to the peaks on Mt. Pilatus.
Drachenweg—This trail goes around Mount Pilatus and takes about 40 minutes.
Viewpoint Esel—Climb the steps to the viewpoint from Mount Pilatus of Lake Lucerne below.
Flower Trail—A 1.9-mile trail with a 462-foot elevation gain from the gondola to the peak of Tomlishorn. Accessible from June to October.
Spot Wildlife
Mount Pilatus is a wilderness, and it is home to several species of wildlife. During my visit, I saw a group of three Chamois near the hotel.
Ibex is another animal on Mount Pilatus, reintroduced about 60 years ago and its colony numbers about 100 animals. Marmots are found in the Alps. Fox can be found at the lower elevations.
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See the Sunset or Sunrise
As a mountaintop, the weather is variable. During my visit, I had a windy and cloudy day for sunset with light rain. When I woke up, it was clear and calm.
For those wanting to see the sunrise or sunset, an overnight stay is required due to cogtrain and gondola hours. Guests staying overnight should be prepared with jackets regardless of the time of year.
The patio off the Hotel Pilatus Kulm is an excellent place to watch the sunrise or sunset. More adventurous travelers can climb up to one of the viewpoints.
Stargaze on Mt. Pilatus
If the weather is clear, stargazing is one of the top things to do on Mt. Pilatus. With the naked eye, visitors can see a dazzling night sky.
Mt. Pilatus Kuhn hosts Astronomy Nights throughout the year. This program includes telescopes, a three-course dinner and is available in English on certain dates.
Winter at Mt. Pilatus
Mount Pilatus is a year-round destination. The gondola is used during the winter season.
Visitors can enjoy a view of the Alps from indoors or out, then dine on fondue. Or they can shop at the Christmas Market.
Mount Pilatus Christmas Market
Mount Pilatus Christmas Market is the highest market in Switzerland. Running from mid-November to mid-December, visitors can browse 40 different stalls.
The Christmas Market features indoor and outdoor stalls. Guests will find roasted chestnuts and mulled wine for purchase. There are activities for kids as well.
Snowshoeing and Sledding on Mt. Pilatus
Visitors will find three marked snowshoe trails between Krienseregg and Fräkmüntegg. The Fräkmüntegg circular route travels through the northern foothills, off the Fräkmüntegg gondola stop. The Fräkmüntegg to Krienseregg route travels between gondola stops. The Krienseregg circular route travels through the foothills at the Krienseregg stop.
Mt. Pilatus features two sledding routes: one easy and a more challenging one. Both start at Fräkmüntegg. The easier route is 2.9 miles (4.8 kilometers) long, and the more difficult route is 1.8 miles (3 kilometers) long.
Snowshoes and poles are available for rent at the Valley Station at Kriens. Adult rental is CHF 20 for the day and CHF 15 for a half day. For sledding, the adult day ticket is CHF 35 and CHF for a half day.
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Stay at Hotel Pilatus Kulm
Overlooking Lake Lucerne, 2,132 meters above sea level, Hotel Pilatus Kulm is a historic property dating back to 1890. Queen Victoria rode a mule up Mount Pilatus; however, visitors can ascend the steepest cog train in the world or take a pair of aerial trams.
On top of Mount Pilatus, visitors can hike one of its trails to the Donkey Lookout Point to views of Lake Lucerne. On a clear day, visitors can see up to 73 peaks, including the Alps.
The Hotel Pilatus Kulm is a Belle Epoque property with 45 rooms and suites. Each offers a view of the Swiss Alps. A newer property, the Hotel Bellevue, is located on Mt. Pilatus, too.
The rooms offer comfortable accommodations with beds dressed with white duvets. Guests enjoy beverage service in their rooms and complimentary Wifi.
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Where to Eat on Mt. Pilatus
During my stay, I had dinner in the Queen Victoria Hall, named in the English Queen’s honor after her 1868 trip up the mountain. Mourning her husband, she traveled to Mt. Pilatus to enjoy the outdoors and paint.
The Hotel Pilatus Kulm was built in 1890, and its dining room features details like green marble columns, wood panels, and brass chandeliers.
For dinner, we had a seasonal four-course dinner, with options including beef, fish and vegetarian. Many of the ingredients were from the region, like lake fish. We enjoyed Chasselas white wine from Switzerland.
After dinner, the cheese cart came around. The attendant cut several cheeses from Switzerland, accompanied by honey. There are sweet desserts available too.
The Hotel Pilatus Kulm offers special meals, like fondue, raclette and a Christmas meal, offered throughout the holiday season. It hosts a Sunday Brunch. Gondola passengers can arrange for champagne or fondue for their ride.
In the morning, a hot and cold breakfast buffet is available. There is a self-service option at the Restuarant Bellevue.
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Take the Steepest Cog Wheel Train in the World
The Mt. Pilatus cog wheel train in the world goes up a 48% gradient at its steepest section. It was commissioned in 1889 and powered by steam. Electrified in 1937, today’s passengers ride in panoramic cars from 2023.
During my trip, I went from the treeless mountaintop, descending past Alpine meadows and farms. Then we reached the Alpnachstad station, where we took the train back to Lucerne. The boat dock is located in the area, too.
The Cogwheel Railway travels between its dedicated station at Alpnachstad and Pilatus-Kulm. The trip takes about 30 minutes, and each railcar holds 46 passengers.
The Cogwheel Railway operates from May to November. Reservations are recommended for the Cogwheel Railway.
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How To Get to Mt Pilatus
Visitors can’t drive to the top of Mt. Pilatus; however, you can hike. During my visit, I took both the gondola, the aerial tram and the cog train. I recommend this route if available.
From Lucerne Station, I took the No. 1 Bus to the Kriens/Zentrum Pilatus stop. Then walked a short way to the Gondola station in Kriens. It took about 15 minutes to get from the city center to the gondola station.
I boarded the panoramic gondola and got off at the second station at Fräkmüntegg. It is like a standard gondola used in mountain resorts. A gondola leaves the station about every minute.
After playing in the outdoor adventure park, I then boarded the larger aerial tram with its floor-to-ceiling windows. It holds over 50 people, and there are two in use: one up the mountain and one down.
You can take the cogwheel train up the mountain and reverse course. Then, descend with the gondola, depending on your schedule.
There is a Golden Round Trip option from Lucerne. It includes a one-hour boat ride from Lucerne.
It is offered in both first-class and second-class options for the train and boat. The boat dock is across from the Lucerne Train Station. Prices start at CHF 111 for adults.
A Silver Round Trip option swaps out a bus for the boat from Lucerne to Alpnachstad.
Luggage at Mt. Pilatus
During my trip, I was using a luggage forwarding service. I used the Express Door-to-Door service, an additional fee with the Swiss Travel Pass.
In the morning, I deposited my larger luggage in my hotel’s lobby. Then I took my day pack for the day’s excursions. In the afternoon, my luggage arrived at my hotel. It was seamless and took the drudgery out of traveling.
For two suitcases up to 50 pounds (23 km), the flat fee is CHF 50, plus an express fee of CHF 50 and CHF 12 for each piece of luggage. It is purchased with your Swiss Travel Pass. Reservations need to be made at least the day before for pick-up the following morning.
Just to be safe, always lock your luggage and add an AirTag. It is wise to carry your medications and passport in your daypack.
For larger luggage, guests can rent a locker at the Lucrene Train Station. Then you can travel with a small bag. There are also lockers at the Kriens Gondola Station.
Swiss Travel Pass
During my trip in Switzerland, I used the train exclusively. I had an 8-day Swiss Travel Pass.
It allows visitors unlimited travel by train (including panoramic ones), post bus and boat. It grants pass holders entry to 500 Swiss museums.
The Swiss Travel Pass is available in 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 consecutive days. Plus, kids six and younger travel for free with an accompanying Adult Swiss Travel Pass.
To travel to Mt. Pilatus, you will need to purchase a discounted fare. It is half-price, so guests can travel to the hotel and back for CHF 40 using the gondola + aerial tram and the cogwheel railroad.
Travel Tips for Switzerland
I took the train to and from the Zurich International Airport. It was easy, and I also reserved hotels near the main train station in my destinations.
The public transportation system is easy to navigate, and most travelers and residents use it. It was exceptionally clean and included cafe cars and vending machines.
The trains leave at the top of the minute and are very punctual.
Have a picture of your travel pass downloaded on your phone. Conductors will check it.
I used my French while traveling in the French-speaking portion of Switzerland. However, I don’t speak much German and didn’t have a problem getting around.
Most navigational signs are in multiple languages, including English.
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc, CHF; however, Euros are routinely accepted. Cards are widely accepted. During my trip, I carried a small amount of Swiss Francs for tips and small purchases.
Switzerland uses a different type of electrical outlet. A three-prong, not the standard two-prong for the rest of the EU. Also, a converter is necessary for devices like hairdryers, curling irons and flat irons.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. During my trip, I was hosted by Switzerland.
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