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Mountain · Lucerna, Lucerna
Pilatus
Mountain south of Lucerna, with a cogwheel railway dating from 1889 and gradients up to 48%, the Dragon Ride cable car and a gondola to Kriens; at the top, viewpoints and trails above 2,000 m.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Pilatus
Pilatus rises south of Lucerne and its highest point is Tomlishorn, at 2,128 m. The Pilatus Kulm station, next to the Esel peak, sits above 2,000 m and has a hotel, restaurants and viewpoints over the lake and the Alps.
The classic ascent is the Golden Round Trip. From Lucerne the boat takes you to Alpnachstad. There the 1889 cogwheel railway begins, with gradients up to 48% and about 30 minutes of travel. For the descent, the Dragon Ride aerial cableway goes from Pilatus Kulm to Fräkmüntegg, and the panoramic gondola continues to Kriens, from where the bus returns to Lucerne. The return can be done in reverse order.
The cogwheel railway runs from May to November. The cableway and the Kriens gondola operate year-round, with maintenance breaks. Check operations before you go up.
At the top, short trails lead to the Esel and Tomlishorn. Local legend speaks of dragons in the caves and the spirit of Pontius Pilate, who supposedly gave the mountain its name.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day to a full day for the Golden Round Trip.
Best time
From May to October, when the cogwheel railway is operating. Go up early: clouds tend to form in the afternoon. In winter, ascent is only possible via the Kriens gondola.
How to get there
For the cogwheel railway: boat from Lucerne to Alpnachstad or train to Alpnachstad station. For the gondola: city bus from Lucerne station to Kriens and a short walk to the lower station.
Tip
Take the cogwheel train uphill, sitting facing the valley, and the cableway for the descent. Bring a jacket: it is much colder at the top than in Lucerne.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Pilatus
When does the Pilatus rack railway operate?
From May to November. The rest of the year the ascent is via the Kriens gondola and the Dragon Ride cable car.
What is the Golden Round Trip?
The circuit by boat from Lucerna to Alpnachstad, the rack railway to the summit and the descent by cable car and gondola to Kriens, with a bus back to Lucerna.
How steep is the Pilatus train?
The slopes reach 48%, with an average of about 38%.
Do train passes cover Pilatus?
Some tourist passes cover the ascent or offer a discount. Check the conditions of your pass.