Mount Pilatus is one of the most famous mountains in Switzerland, best known for local legends, fabulous hiking trails, and stunning panoramic views. Thanks to a cogwheel railway and cable cars, the mountain summit is easily accessible to anyone willing to pay the ticket.
It’s also possible to hike to the top of Pilatus from the towns at its foothills. Such easy access is precisely why Mount Pilatus has been receiving visitors since the 19th century. If you want to be one of the lucky people who have had the opportunity to explore this spectacular Swiss summit, you’ll find all the information you need to plan your trip right here!
Table of Contents
General Information
| Region | Central Switzerland, Obwalden and Nidwalden (half) cantons |
| Location | https://maps.app.goo.gl/pxJqNUDRDFWAKtor8 |
| Parking | Kriens Alpnachstad |
| Operating Times | Open year-round |
| Prices | 20 CHF – 78 CHF |
| Discounts | Swiss Travel Pass, GA Travel card, Interrail Pass |
| Services | Lodging, Railway, Cable cars, Sledding, Adventure Park, Restaurants, Playgrounds |
| Website | https://www.pilatus.ch/ |
Highlights From Mt Pilatus
Why Visit?
It is one of the most visited places in Lucerne, and for good reason: It offers stunning views of the nearby Alps, Lake Lucerne, and the city itself.
It is also an unforgettable experience, especially if you combine it with the Golden Round Trip (more on that below). This means you get the complete experience including:
- Boat ride on Lake Lucerne
- Jaw-dropping Gondola ride on the Dragon Gondola
- Insanely steep cogwheel train to the Lake (or up)
- And to walk along the ridge above the Pilatus Kulm for more amazing views.
Where Is Mt. Pilatus Located?
Mount Pilatus is located in central Switzerland, just outside of Lucerne.
It is known as Lucerne’s “home mountain” and can be seen looming above the town near the Chapel Bridge and in the distance when walking along the lakeside promenade.
The History
Mount Pilatus has a very interesting history, which is one of the main things that attracts so many tourists. For one, there’s a folk legend that a dragon with healing powers used to live on the mountain. There are also three very different tales about the mountain’s name.
One claims that the mountain is named after Pontius Pilate who is buried there. Another says that the mountain resembles the belly of Pilate lying on his back, who is a very large man. And a third legend (which is the most plausible one) states that the name is derived from the word “pileatus”, which means “cloud-topped”.
The cogwheel railway to the summit opened in 1889, so Pilatus has been attracting visitors ever since the late 19th century. Some of the most famous people to have ascended the summit of this majestic mountain include Queen Victoria, Conrad Gessner, and Theodore Roosevelt.
Trips to Get To Mt. Pilatus
Pilatus Kulm is easily accessible by either a cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad or a cable car from Kriens. Those are the two main towns from which you can travel to the top of the mountain, and I’m about to tell you how you can easily travel to either of the two towns.
From Lucerne
Lucerne is the closest city to Mount Pilatus with a few different routes to the summit.
By Car
If you have a car in Switzerland, driving to Kriens or Alpnachstad is much faster than train, bus, or boat. It’s only 10 minutes to Kriens, and most of that time will be spent on getting out of Lucerne. There’s a parking lot near the bottom station of the gondola lift.
It’s 15 minutes from the city to Alpnachstad, and parking is available at the Mount Pilatus railway station.
By Public Transportation
There are two main ways to reach Mount Pilatus from Lucerne – either via the gondola from Kriens or the cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad. Let’s start with Kriens.
You can take a bus departing from the train station in Lucerne towards Obernau, Dorf. It will take you to the center of Kriens, from where it’s about a five-minute walk to the bottom station of the Mount Pilatus gondola. The gondola ride is about half an hour long, so in total it should take you about an hour to reach Mt. Pilatus from Lucerne via Kriens.
Traveling via Alpnachstad is a little bit quicker. You can take a train from Lucerne to Alpnachstad (just under 20 minutes), and it will take you directly to the bottom station of the Pilatus Railway. Then it’s another half an hour to the top of the mountain, so you could be at Mount Pilatus in under an hour if you don’t have to wait for the train too long.
There’s another option that is doubtless slower, much more fun, and only available in the summer. You could take a ferry from Lucerne to Alpnachstad and cruise on the lake, admiring the views of Mt Pilatus as you come closer. The boat ride is about an hour and ten minutes, and it’s a wonderful experience.
Mt. Pilatus Golden Round Trip
The Golden Round Trip is a great option if you want to thoroughly explore the region, but keep in mind that it’s not something you can do in the winter because it includes a cruise from Lucerne to Alpnachstad. This tour of Mount Pilatus is available only from June to October.
You get to ride on the cogwheel train from Alpnachstad to Mount Pilatus, then on an aerial cableway from Pilatus Kulm to Fräkmüntegg, on a gondola lift from Fräkmüntegg to Kriens, and finally on a bus back to Lucerne.
Tickets are 111.60 CHF for second-class, and you can get a 50% discount with the half-fare card. It’s worth noting that the choice of class matters only for the boat ride; on all other modes of transport, there’s only one class.
Mt. Pilatus Silver Round Trip
The Silver Round Trip is very similar to the Golden Round Trip, and there’s really only one difference – instead of cruising to Alpnachstad on a boat, you ride a train from Lucerne. Everything else is the same, including the fact that the choice of class is relevant only for the journey from Lucerne to Alpnachstad.
You can do the Silver Round Trip any time of the year, and it’s pretty much your only option if you’re planning to do this as a winter trip. The ticket prices are 89.40 CHF for second class and 94.80 CHF for first class, and discounts are available with various travel passes.
From Zurich
Traveling to Mount Pilatus from Zurich is possible, and only takes 40 minutes longer than the previously mentioned routes. That’s how long it takes for the train from Zurich to reach Lucerne, and from there you can do either the route via Kriens or via Alpnachstad.
Trains run from Zurich to Lucerne every 20-30 minutes, although you might want to check the timetable to make sure you’re getting on the quickest train. The fastest one takes just 40 minutes to travel between the two cities, while the slower options can take more than an hour.
Tickets & Prices
The Mount Pilatus railway offers tickets from Alpnachstad all the way to Kriens, and there are multiple variations of tickets you can buy. This includes passes to the cogwheel railway and the cable cars.
The standard price of a return ticket from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm is 78 CHF, although you can get a bunch of discounts on the price. The price is the same for a single ticket from Alpnachstad to Kriens, and from Kriens to Pilatus Kulm. It’s 58 CHF to travel from Alpnachstad to Frakmuntegg.
Seat reservations are another 5 CHF per person. They are not obligatory but are recommended in the peak season if you want to avoid standing in line and waiting.
Discounts
If you have any of the Swiss travel passes, you can get some sort of discount on the Mount Pilatus railway tickets. Half-priced tickets are available to anyone with the half-fare card, the GA travel card, the Swiss Travel Pass, and the Interrail pass.
Also, if you have the Swiss Travel Pass, you don’t need to purchase tickets for the Silver/Golden round trip. Most journeys are included with the pass for free, and you just need the tickets for the ascent and descent, which you can get for half the price thanks to the pass.
Another thing to note is that if you want to be guaranteed a seat, you must pay the full price of the reservation fee regardless of any passes you might have.
Children up to the age of 16 do not have to pay full price for the tickets either. There’s a 50% reduction in price for kids aged 6-16, and all kids in possession of the Junior Travelcard of Swiss Travel Pass can travel for free when they are accompanied by adults.
Timetable
The timetable of the cable car from Kriens to Fräkmüntegg is:
The timetable of the cogwheel train from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm is:
The timetable for the Lucerne – Alpnachstad boats that run only in the summer is:
Best Mt. Pilatus Tours
If you don’t enjoy wandering around on your own, consider booking a guided tour of Mount Pilatus. It’s the easiest way of seeing all the top attractions while learning about their history and significance.
Group tours will be more expensive than doing the trip on your own, but they’ll take a lot off your mind. You just pay for the tour once, and someone else takes care of all the tickets, looking through the timetables, and all you have to do is show up and let yourself be guided around.
There are guided tours from both Zurich and Lucerne, and you can even book a guided hiking trip. Most tours will take you on a round trip across the mountain, so you’ll get to see Pilatus Kulm, Frakmuntegg, Krienseregg, Alpnachstad, and Kriens. During the summer, you can also book tours that include a boat ride on Lake Lucerne.
Weather
Mount Pilatus is at an elevation of more than 2,000 meters above sea level, so the weather is colder and more changeable than in the towns on the shore of Lake Lucerne. The average daily highs are rarely above 15 degrees Celsius even in July and August, while the lows are consistently below 10 degrees Celsius throughout the year.
The winter months usually bring sub-zero temperatures to the mountain, and in December, January, and February, the temperatures are rarely above zero degrees Celsius even during the day. There’s a lot of snow on the mountain in the winter, and you will need footwear that allows you to walk in cold weather in comfort.
Keep in mind that I’m talking about the average temperatures; there are, of course, exceptions and it could be warmer or colder while you’re there. In September 2023, Mount Pilatus recorded a temperature high of 21 degrees Celsius, which is unusually warm for fall.
It’s possible for it to be consistently above 20 degrees Celsius when you visit in the summer, I just wouldn’t count on it and would be prepared for colder weather since it is a high mountain summit and anything can happen.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mount Pilatus generally depends on what you enjoy doing the most, but I really think it’s summer. It’s when everything on the mountain is up and running, you can do one of those beautiful round trips that include a boat ride on Lake Lucerne, and the days are long so all the cable cars and trains run until the evening.
The hiking trails, adventure park, and rope course are all open, as well as all the restaurants and hotels. You can explore the mountain in a T-shirt or even just lounge in the field, soaking up the sun.
Winter is a fun time to be on the mountain if you enjoy sledding, winter hiking, and similar activities, but keep in mind that you won’t be able to explore as much of the mountain. Many hiking trails become inaccessible in the winter because of snowfall, plus the train and cable car will stop running much earlier in the day.
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Also, there are fewer things to do because it’s so cold. If you’re in the area in the winter and thinking about doing a quick day trip to Mount Pilatus, it’s certainly a good idea, especially if you’re lucky enough to be able to visit during the Christmas Market. But if you’re planning a trip to Mt. Pilatus specifically and you want to do it at the best possible time, I would highly recommend going in the summer, maybe even late September.
Summer Activities
Hiking
Hiking is the most popular activity on Mount Pilatus and it can keep you busy for days. The mountain has many trails that range from easy and accessible to anyone, to very challenging and suitable only for the most experienced hikers.
Something most of these trails have in common (except for those that are mostly through the forest) is stunning panoramic views of Lake Lucerne and its surroundings. One thing to note is that, in the summer, it is perfectly possible to hike up to Mount Pilatus from the towns at its foothills.
You don’t have to ride the cable cars or trains if you don’t want to, and you can just hike to the summit instead. It takes at least 3 hours depending on your starting point, and it’s generally easier to ascend Pilatus from Kriens.
Mt. Pilatus Rope Park
Head to the adventure park near the Fräkmüntegg station if you want to have loads of fun on Mount Pilatus. The park features an obstacle course through the trees, a Dragon Glider rope course, and a long rope bridge.
Overall it’s a very fun course, perfect for active adults who enjoy running around and jumping. Most parts of the course are suitable for teenagers, although it’s not really recommended for children. There’s an entirely different playground for them that’s equally fun, but much more suitable for the younger ages.
Summer Toboggan Run
Fräkigaudi Toboggan is a summertime activity at Fräkmüntegg. The run is 1,350 meters long, which makes it the longest summer toboggan in entire Switzerland, so it’s an absolute must for adrenaline junkies.
The ride is fun and exciting, and you get to enjoy stunning views while you’re rushing down the mountain. It’s even suitable for children, so it’s a thing the entire family can enjoy. Ticket prices are just 9 CHF for adults and 5 CHF for kids, and children who are between 2 and 5 years old can ride for free if they’re accompanied by an adult.
Dragon Trail
The Dragon Trail is a hiking path on Mount Pilatus that got its name from folklore tales. Local legends say that once upon a time a dragon with healing powers lived on this mountain, which features many crooks, and crevices, and even passes through a cave.
The path is easily walkable in the summer and features railings for maximum security. But it’s not always accessible in the winter because of snow and ice, so if you want to see the dragon’s lair, you’ll need to visit Mount Pilatus in the summer months.
Trail Running
Pilatus is very popular for trail running with loads of trails that are continuously maintained in the summer months. There’s even a trail that allows you to run from Alpnachstad to Pilatus; it’s by no means easy, so consider doing it only if you’re in great shape and you’re looking for a proper physical challenge.
One of the most popular trail running paths on Pilatus is from Gfellen to Pilatus. The shortest version is 13 kilometers long and takes approximately three and a half hours to complete at a constant running pace. Another popular run is the Swiss Trail Run Pilatus, from Kriens to Fräkmüntegg. It can be done in about an hour and 15 minutes, which isn’t outrageously slower than the cable car.
It’s worth noting that the Swiss Trail Run Pilatus has been an organized event for five years. It usually takes place sometime in the summer, and it welcomes any trail runners who are willing to join and rush to the finish line at Fräkmüntegg.
Star Gazing
One of the best things about being high up in the mountains is that you can always see the stars, provided that it’s not cloudy. There’s no light pollution and you can see countless stars even without any star gazing equipment.
If you want to engage in more serious stargazing, you’ll be glad to know that astronomy nights are a thing on Mount Pilatus. It’s a pricey event to attend, but it includes a night at one of the mountain’s hotels with welcome drinks and breakfast, so it’s a good deal. It’s also possible to book the offer without an overnight stay, and on those nights there is an additional train descent to Alpnachstad at 11:30 PM.
Krienseregg Playground
The Krienseregg Playground is the perfect destination on Mount Pilatus for all families with children. It’s a huge playground with swings, slides, wooden houses, and obstacle courses, and it will make you wish you were a child again.
The playground is very close to the Krienseregg station, so it’s easily accessible without a lot of walking. There’s also a restaurant nearby, where the adults can sit down and relax while keeping an eye on their little ones as they roam around and play.
Esel and Oberhaupt Viewpoints
The Esel and Oberhaupt viewpoints are both very close to the Pilatus Kulm cogwheel railway station and can be easily accessed by anyone. There are quite a few steps to reach the Esel observation deck, but they’re not really dangerous and there’s a rail you can hold onto. The view from the top is absolutely stunning and worth the climb.
The Oberhaupt viewpoint is on a different part of the summit but offers a similar panoramic view of Lake Lucerne.
Fondue Gondola
If you’re traveling to Mount Pilatus from Kriens, you have the option of riding in the Fondue Gondola. It’s the same panoramic journey but with the added benefit of getting a pot of fondue and 250 ml of white wine to celebrate.
This epic experience is 68 CHF per person and available on weekends from November to April. It’s the perfect way to keep warm while traveling to the mountain summit, and you get about 45 minutes to lick the fondue pot clean.
Winter Activities
Sledding
Sledding is always fun, especially on a mountain with numerous runs that range from easy and suitable for kids, to fast and almost dangerous. Of course, it also depends on the type of sleds you rent; there are special sports sleds for adventurers, but also family sleds for those who plan to rush down the mountain with kids.
You can rent sleds at various points atop Pilatus, and at most, it will cost you 20 CHF for the entire day (until 4:30 PM). It’s also necessary to purchase a Snow & Fun day pass so you can access all the different trails and runs on the mountain, and discounts are available to all travelers in possession of the various travel passes for Switzerland.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is the winter equivalent of hiking on Mount Pilatus, and it’s very fun. You can rent snowshoes for 20 CHF if you don’t own a pair and spend the entire day exploring the different marked trails.
The most popular area for snowshoeing is between Fräkmüntegg and Krienseregg. There are three separate marked trails here, all of which will take you to different parts of the mountain. The shortest trail takes about an hour to complete and is suitable for complete newbies to snowshoeing, while the longest trail takes just under two hours and requires some previous experience.
But don’t worry – complete the two easier trails first, and you should be able to complete the third one without a hiccup if you’ve got it in you to spend 4 to 5 hours wearing snowshoes.
Dragon Ride
The Dragon Trail and the Dragon Glider are not accessible in the winter, but the Dragon Ride is. It’s the aerial cableway that’s been in operation since the 1950s, which transports passengers from Fräkmüntegg to Pilatus Kulm. Each cabin can fit about 55 people, and the total travel time is less than four minutes.
This ride offers some of the most impressive views of Lake Lucerne and its surroundings, and it’s absolutely worth doing if you want to see the panorama of Central Switzerland. A one-way ride on the aerial cableway is 19 CHF (return trip is 38 CHF), but you can get 50% off with any one of the Swiss travel cards.
Christmas Market
Every winter Mount Pilatus hosts Europe’s highest Christmas Market. The event takes place over a weekend, so it’s not something you can really stumble upon by accident. It usually takes place in November, from Friday to Sunday. Trains and cable cars run longer on the Christmas Market Saturday so that everyone can get back to their accommodation safely.
The Mount Pilatus Christmas Market includes wooden stalls and vendors you would expect at any Advent event. You can buy food, warm drinks, and all sorts of handmade items. It’s a wonderful event to experience, made even more special by the fact it takes place thousands of meters above sea level, with spectacular panoramic views in the background.
Best Hiking Routes
Mount Pilatus is home to many wonderful hiking trails that are accessible in the summer and shoulder months. Many people choose to hike from either Kriens or Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm – the trail is steep and the hike takes several hours to complete, but it’s perfectly doable and plenty of fun, not to mention entirely free.
The ascent to Tomlishorn is another very popular hike atop Mount Pilatus. It’s the tallest summit of the mountain, so naturally, it’s popular with the more experienced alpinists. Many people will also hike from Pilatus Kulm to Fräkmüntegg. It’s a very steep descent with switchbacks, rock scrambling, and muddy parts, but a very thrilling adventure of 3.5 kilometers.
Where to Eat
There’s at least one restaurant on each station atop Pilatus, whether it’s a cable car or train station. Here’s a quick overview of the best restaurants on the mountain, and their signature dishes that you need to try.
Restaurant Bellevue
Restaurant Bellevue is near the Pilatus Kulm station, in Hotel Bellevue. It’s one of the most easily accessible restaurants on the summit, just a short walk from the observation platforms. The food is decent – it’s nothing mind-blowingly good, but it’s tasty enough and the portions are generous.
The restaurant is pricey, but that can be said for virtually any restaurant in Switzerland, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that most people spend at least 20 CHF per person for a meal here.
Restaurant Pilatus-Kulm
Restaurant Pilatus-Kulm is a Swiss restaurant in the Pilatus Kulm Hotel. It’s one of the two restaurants at the summit, and it has much better reviews than the other restaurant (Bellevue). Pilatus-Kulm’s menu is mostly Swiss staples, but they also have a good number of vegan and vegetarian dishes. If you do end up visiting this restaurant, I highly recommend going for the fondue.
Panoramagrill
Panoramagrill is a fast food stand near the Pilatus-Kulm station. It’s the perfect option for travelers who don’t want to spend 100 francs for lunch atop the mountain, and would rather just get something to eat on the go.
There aren’t many different options here – I think you can only get sausages and french fries, plus a few drinks. But it should be enough to sustain you while you explore the mountain, and it’s certainly cheaper than sitting down at one of the restaurants for a proper meal.
Restaurant Frakmuntegg
Restaurant Frakmuntegg is probably my favorite restaurant on Pilatus, even if it’s just for the cozy wooden interior. It’s a buffet-style restaurant at the Frakmuntegg cable car station. The prices are reasonable, but there aren’t too many different options. Classic crispy rosti are probably the best thing to try at this restaurant.
Restaurant Krienseregg
Restaurant Krienseregg is near the Krienseregg gondola station. It offers the most variety of dishes, including pasta, salads, and various local staples. This restaurant overlooks the children’s playground, and it’s very popular with families.
Where to Stay on Mt. Pilatus
Hotel Bellevue 3*
Hotel Bellevue is a three-star hotel near the top station of the Alpnachstad-Pilatus Kulm funicular. The average nightly rate is 390 CHF for a double room, and it’s worth noting that rooms boast sprawling views of the Alps and Lake Lucerne.
Pilatus Kulm Hotel 3*
Pilatus Kulm Hotel is also near the top station of the funicular, in the same area as Hotel Bellevue. The rooms have a wonderful view of the landscapes below the mountain, but the average nightly rate is higher than at Hotel Bellevue at 470 CHF.
Frakmuntegg Tree Tents
Frakmuntegg Tree Tents are the best option for campers on the mountain. The tents are tied to the trees in the forest near the adventure park, and the rate for one tent is 140 CHF per person. I will say that it’s not really cheaper than a double room at a hotel if there are two of you, so it’s not the best option if you’re trying to save money on lodging.
What to Pack
Comfortable and waterproof hiking boots should be in your suitcase regardless of what you’re planning to do on Pilatus. The same goes for a windproof and water-resistant jacket.
For a summer visit, you can pack shorts and trail sneakers, but I would also recommend packing some warmer clothes so you can be comfortable if the weather changes. A lightweight down jacket could come in handy in the evenings since the temperatures often drop below 10 degrees Celsius.
If you’re heading to Pilatus in the winter, pack your warmest clothes. The temperatures are often below zero, so you will need a warm jacket, warm boots, sweaters, hoodies, and comfy underlayers. Layer up so that you can easily regulate your temperature, especially when you go inside restaurants and hotels where it’s much warmer than outdoors.
Time Needed
How much time you need for Mount Pilatus really depends on what you would want to do there. If you enjoy hiking, trail running, and adventure parks, you could easily spend an entire weekend here having loads of fun.
If, on the other hand, your idea of a trip to a mountain includes visiting an observation deck and getting something to eat, an afternoon should be enough. You can do a round trip in a few hours if you rely on the public transport services instead of walking.
In general, there are plenty of things to do at Pilatus and you could stay busy for days here. If you enjoy being outdoors and exploring, don’t hesitate to book a longer stay. At the same time, if you just want to check out what the hype is about, you can easily see the most popular landmarks atop the mountain on a daily excursion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the myth about Mount Pilatus?
There’s a local myth about Mount Pilatus that a dragon with healing powers used to live on it. You can walk the dragon trail and see where the dragon supposedly lived once upon a time.
What is Mount Pilatus famous for?
Mount Pilatus is partly famous for the dragon myths and also for the spectacular 360-degree views of Lake Lucerne. Two observation decks, one near the funicular’s top station, offer impressive panoramic vistas.
Is Mt. Pilatus worth it?
Mount Pilatus is absolutely worth it, even if all you’re interested in are the views. The mountain boasts a variety of fun things to do in both the summer and winter, including hiking, an adventure park, playgrounds for kids, trail running, sledding, snowshoeing, and many more.
Are Mt. Pilatus and Mt Titlis the same?
No, Pilatus and Titlis are not the same mountain. Pilatus is just outside Lucerne and is the home mountain of the city. Titlis is in Engelberg, a town not too distant from Lucerne.
