A Visit to Mount Pilatus

Whether you are young or old, or have just a few days or a few weeks in Switzerland, you have to add a visit to Mount Pilatus to your itinerary!

Why visit Mount Pilatus, Switzerland?

Almost every visitor to Switzerland wants to explore the Swiss mountains. And why not?! Most of us around the world have heard about them since we were young. We’ve seen these amazing photos from their base and their peaks. They are truly absolutely stunning and most have amazing 360 degree views.

That said, many visitors leave Switzerland without having that lifetime experience. Some feel the mountains are too far from their accommodation, some feel that the travel during the excursion will be too hard, some are concerned that they are not fit enough and some families feel that it would be too difficult for their children.

If you find yourself in one of these situations, you really need to consider a visit to Mount Pilatus, one of Switzerland’s most easily accessible peaks. Many of us would also call Mount Pilatus one of Switzerland’s most fun mountain excursions!!

distant view of large mountain over the top of the orange roof city of Lucerne is Mount Pilatus
A view of Mount Pilatus in the distance

Where is Mount Pilatus?

Mount Pilatus is centrally located with the base start locations being approximately an hour from Basel or Zurich and 15 minutes from Lucerne.

There are two starting locations possible: one in Kriens and one in Alpnachstad. We recommend that you take the start at one location and return to the other. A round trip route will allow you to see more of this wonderful area and will also allow you to experience a series of famous Swiss means of transportation including gondolas, cable cars and the steepest cogwheel railway in the world!

So tell me, how do I get to the top of Mount Pilatus?

As mentioned, there are two possible starting points.

Option 1: Ascend Mount Pilatus via Alpnachstad

You can go directly by rail to Alpnachstad (depending on where you are based in Switzerland) or start in Lucerne and travel to Alpnachstad (the base) by train or boat. You would then take the steepest cogwheel train in the world to the top.

red cogwheel train going up green lush mountain that is Mount Pilatus

Once finished, you can return the way you arrived OR you can purchase a Golden Round-Trip ticket upfront and return by cable car from Pilatus to Fräkmüntegg (part way down the other side) and then by gondola to Kriens.

This is an easy route to navigate but we recommend travelling in the other direction and returning instead on the cogwheel train to Alpnachstad.

Option 2: Ascend Mount Pilatus via Kriens

When we visited Mount Pilatus we opted to ascend Mount Pilatus from Kriens. We started with a panoramic gondola and took a cable car to the top. We then took the cogwheel train down and then a boat back to Lucerne.

two red gondolas passing each other in air on a metal cord to top of Pilatus

It worked out really well so we definitely recommend that you take this route too. There are a few reasons that will likely make this the best option for you.

The Kriens side of Pilatus is filled with wonderful activities. All these activities have opening and closing hours. We were concerned that if we started by going directly to Pilatus Kulm (the top), we may wish to stay longer than expected and could miss being able to participate in other activities.

If you’re travelling with children, they may be tired later in the day and choose to skip some of the more active activities on the Kriens side if they’re saved for last.

Finally, while the option is available to start your day with a boat trip along Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad (as in Option1), for us it would have led to a much later start to our day thereby again impacting the activities available on the other side. Also, the later you start your day, the busier the mountain will be. It will also mean a later return to Lucerne.

The bottom line is that the decision is totally up to you. If you have little interest in the activities en route to Pilatus Kulm and if you’d like a relaxing start to your day, by all means go with the first option. You’ll have an amazing day which ever you choose!!

Our Recommended Route for the Most Fun from Lucerne to Pilatus Klum & Return

If you plan to experience the cogwheel railway, the cable car and the gondola by going up one side of Pilatus and returning on the other side, which ever direction you choose to do first, you will want to purchase a Golden Round-Trip ticket. This will cover the cost for all transportation. If you also have a Swiss Rail Pass, make sure to mention it when you purchase your Mount Pilatus tickets as there is a significant discount for rail pass holders.

If you are not staying in Lucerne, travel there early in the morning that you wish to visit Mount Pilatus. The mountain gets busy as the day progresses so the earlier the better.

At the Lucerne Rail Station, take a city bus to Kriens (Pilatus-Bahnen). You can check Google Maps for the bus number or ask at the station. Buses depart every 15 minutes. The bus takes approximately 20 minutes and there is a 10-minute walk to the gondola where you can purchase your tickets.

The gondola will travel from Kriens to Fräkmüntegg (20min). Many visitors will stay on the gondola all the way but you can definitely get off and explore at the first stop, Krienseregg. If you’re travelling with children, you’ll definitely want to check it out.

Pilu Land at Kreinseregg, Mount Pilatus

Krienseregg has a beautiful recreation area with picnic tables, fire pits and, best of all, Pilu Land, a wonderful Dragon themed playground area. Kids will find Dragon Forest, Dragon Castle and many dragon themed playground activity areas.

When you tire of Pilu Land, hop back on the panoramic gondola and head up to Fräkmüntegg. You and your kids are going to LOVE it here!!

Rope Park at Fräkmüntegg, Mount Pilatus

In Fräkmüntegg, you’ll find the largest rope park in central Switzerland. It has 10 parcours which range from easy to difficult. Caiden was too young to participate when we visited so we skipped the rope park in favour of the summer toboggan rides but it looked like so much fun.  And its bigger now than when we visited!

Children need to be over 8 years old and over 120cm tall in order to do any of the parcours. Older children, teenagers and adults will love it though.  

Monkey Trees at Fräkmüntegg, Mount Pilatus

You’ll also find monkey trees in Fräkmüntegg. Picture rock climbing structures but with trees and you’ll understand what monkey trees are!

Toboggan Run at Fräkmüntegg, Mount Pilatus

When we visited Fräkmüntegg, we spent most of our time at Fräkigaudi am Pilatus toboggan run. This is the longest summer toboggan run in Switzerland and it is so much fun!! That said, learn from our mistake!!

The toboggan is a blast but if you have anyone in your family (ahem, not pointing any fingers at my hubby) that likes speed, make sure he goes first.

On our first run, Lucas went first, John followed with Sydney on his lap and I followed with Caiden on my lap. We were going great … until we weren’t. As Caiden and I took a lower turn, we saw a huge pile … It was my family!

Note: Sorry, no photos of any of this. Kinda tied up with other things! 🙂

John apparently was having a great time, and took the turn to find Lucas going much slower than him. He called out to him but Lucas didn’t hear. Without time to react, John literally drove over Lucas with steel toboggan slats. It wasn’t pretty. When I arrived, all were in a pile off to the side of the course. Lucas was bleeding and shaky.

The staff were wonderful. They noticed right away that someone didn’t take a turn that they were supposed to (video and mirrors everywhere) and came down to meet us almost immediately. They slowly brought us to the end of the run and cared for Lucas’ arm and bandaged it well. We then enjoyed a backward pull up to the top of the hill (this is a normal part of the route and super for those of us that hate that part of tobogganing). But it definitely put a damper on our stop.

Caiden wanted to go for another run so I stayed at top with Lucas and Sydney while each of the kids enjoyed an ice cream.

John and Lucas on toboggan waiting to go down Mount Pilatus

Once Caiden has his last run, we headed to Pilatus Kulm, the top of Mount Pilatus, with hopes that Lucas would return to his normal cheery self as the day went on.

At the Top: Pilatus Kulm

The top of Pilatus is meant for exploring. There are several trails you can follow or you can wander the flat area around the hotel grounds. Many myths and legends surround the history of Mount Pilatus. In the middle ages, people believed that dragons with healing powers lived in the caves and cliffs of the mountain. These stories follow the many trails around the Kulm.

Despite our experience on the way up the mountain, we had a wonderful visit to Pilatus Kulm. When we arrived, there was a gentleman playing the alphorn and he taught the boys how to play!! It was so much fun and definitely took Lucas’ mind off his injury.

man with black pants and blue vest over white shirt holding a very long light beige alphorn at top of Mount Pilatus
Lucas wearing red shirt and grey jacket blowing into alphorn
Caiden with orange jacket blowing alphorn while man teaches him how to blow

Pilatus Kulm is a great place for walking. There were three main trails that we decided to take.

The first was the Dragon Trail. It brought us around the base of a peak and up even further via stairs.

distant view of beige hotel with part of Mount Pilatus behind and stairs with railing going to the top
Dragon Trail climbs the part of Mount Pilatus behind the hotel

The view from the Dragon Trail was incredible!

On the other side of the platform, near where we arrived, there was another set of stairs that climbed to another peak. I opted to stay below while John and the kids did the climb. They really enjoyed it despite having to make the excursion short due to fog coming in.

The final trail is the Flower Trail which departs from near the Hotel Pilatus Kulm.

beige rectangular hotel next to large stone cliff with trails on it
Access to the Flower Trail
a look down the hill to a mixture of grass and stone with trails and tiny people
Look closely and you can see people walking the trails below
John and the kids walking on the pavement in front of the beige hotel with tables for eating on each side of them
John and the kids enjoyed the Flower Trail

We passed a wonderful two hours at the top of Mount Pilatus and felt that we really saw as much as we wanted. You can definitely spend more time if you’d like to eat in one of the wonderful hotel restaurants.

Travel Tip: Even in the middle of a summer heatwave, Pilatus Kulm is cool. Make sure to bring a jacket.

Returning by Cogwheel Train from Mount Pilatus to Alpnachstad

Keep an eye on the departure times for the cogwheel rail from Pilatus Kulm to Alpnachstad. You don’t want to miss the steepest cogwheel rail in the world! It really is a wonderful experience. And to think that this was built 1889 with a grade of 48%, it really is amazing.

red cogwheel train car with five windows climbing steep Mount Pilatus

Just as we finished exploring Pilatus Kulm, the cogwheel train was about to leave so we hopped on. There is at times a line to get on and since the cogwheel only departs once an hour, you’re going to want to check the Pilatus cogwheel departure schedule when you’re planning your visit.

If you time it right, you’ll also be able to arrive in Alpnachstad just in time for the ferry that departs for Lucerne. Otherwise, you may need to wait for the next ferry. Just make sure that, like the cogwheel, you check the Lake Lucerne ferry schedule so you don’t miss the last ferry. If you do miss it, despite having purchased the Golden Round Trip ticket, you’ll have to return the same way you arrived, via Kriens … and you could possibly have to pay for the cable car and gondola on the way down.

The ride from Mount Pilatus to Alpnachstad is a wonderful 40 minutes ride. Look for incredible Swiss pastures and beautiful cows with bells ringing.

The cogwheel train arrives within close walking distance to the Alpnachstad ferry terminal.

Lucerne ferry at dock as arriving from Mount Pilatus
The Lucerne Ferry was already in dock when we arrived.

The Ferry on Lake Lucerne

The ferry from Alpnachstad to Lucerne will take about 90 minutes. It is truly a wonderful experience to ride the lake, looking up at the beautiful mountains on each side.

three kids sitting on front bench with Swiss flag between them turned around with mountains behind them

If you can, grab a seat on top. If you have a first-class Swiss pass, the top deck is included. If not, ask for an upgrade before boarding. The views are absolutely worth it.

As you travel, look closely and you’ll see the avalanche breaks set up on the mountains. You can see these throughout Switzerland.

stone wall in mountain with wooden ladders attached
These wooden ‘ladders’ are avalanche breaks.

You’ve had a busy day so relax, have a drink and a snack as you slowly float on this beautiful Swiss lake.

our family of five sitting at a table for four on top deck of boat having drinks and food
Snacking delicious Swiss cheese, fruit and bread as we stop at one of the villages en route to Lucerne.

The arrival into Lucerne by boat is absolutely beautiful!

view of Lucerne from the water seeing another ferry, dock, beautiful double steeple church, and large square buildings

If you’re planning to explore Lucerne today or another day, you have to check out our Lucerne self guided walking tour.

If you’re considering another day trip, you may be interested in spending a day in Rheinfall, Schaffhausen and Stein am Rhein, or exploring all the great activities in Basel. If the latter, our Basel City Guide will also be helpful.

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Categories: Switzerland

Avatar for Joanne

Joanne

Hi! I'm Joanne. I'm a Canadian mom of three wonderful kids who love hockey, swimming, cheerleading and, of course, travel.

19 Comments

Avatar for Sharon

Sharon · June 1, 2019 at 11:37 am

We are planning to go to Lucerne in September, so I’m pinning this for travel planning! Your post really excites me to visit! I love the cogwheel train — and the views!

Avatar for Lara Dunning

Lara Dunning · May 25, 2019 at 11:00 pm

Thanks for all the helpful tips in this post. Switzerland is on our list I would love to try my hand at alphorn and the hubs would like the toboggan. What a great view!

Avatar for Maggie

Maggie · May 25, 2019 at 7:00 am

What an incredible place!! Sounds like the perfect adventure for kids (or parents who can’t hike up anything too intense, like mine!) Love the pictures with the alphorn guy, how cool was that!

Avatar for The Holidaymaker

The Holidaymaker · May 23, 2019 at 8:19 pm

I know that we will get there one day, and would love to visit this mountain. They afford the best views. It looks like a great place for families giving kids lots of options of things to do.

Avatar for Mei and Kerstin

Mei and Kerstin · May 23, 2019 at 7:17 am

We really should visit Switzerland more often! It’s not that far away from our home in Luxembourg, but somehow we rarely go there. Probably because they use another currency and thus we prefer staying in the EU zone. Still, we were talking about visiting Lucerne someday. When we do, we’ll certainly also head to Mount Pilatus! It’s good to know that it’s one of Switzerland’s most easily accessible peaks! Because we don’t see ourselves hiking up the other huge Swiss mountains.. haha!

Avatar for Alison

Alison · May 23, 2019 at 5:37 am

What a beautiful and fun day trip! Sounds like you’ll have to put some speed limit restraints on the toboggan hills!! Thanks for sharing such an accessible mountain day trip…in the Swiss Alps!

Avatar for Candy

Candy · May 22, 2019 at 5:52 pm

Looks like you packed in a ton of fun sightseeing and activities into one day. I would love to visit this area while I am in Switzerland. Great tip about getting upgraded to the top deck of the ferry for the best views.

Avatar for Erica

Erica · May 22, 2019 at 4:44 pm

Spectacular views! Love that there´s something for everyone, from the dramatic views and scenery to the fun parcour activities for the little ones. Definitely fun for the whole family!

Avatar for Melody PIttman

Melody PIttman · May 21, 2019 at 8:47 am

How fun! I did a similar trip to Jungfrau but no toboggan on my trip. That would have been ultimate, thought the temperatures were 40 below. I was not prepared for the whiteout at the top of those mountains. Thanks for sharing. I’d never heard of this mountain before.

Avatar for Tanya Shelburne

Tanya Shelburne · May 21, 2019 at 8:32 am

Great article and I’m glad your son was OK!! We were in Lucerne last month and went up Mt. Titlis and loved it! We hope to return and next time check out Mt. Pilatus!

Avatar for Myles

Myles · May 20, 2019 at 10:40 pm

Those views are amazing. Thank goodness there’s a cable car to get up the mountain!

Avatar for Candy

Candy · May 20, 2019 at 4:28 pm

What a fun day! I’ve got to get to Switzerland!

Avatar for Kristina

Kristina · May 19, 2019 at 4:19 pm

Wow! What an adventure! Thanks for sharing a part of Switzerland I’ve never seen.

Avatar for Anna

Anna · May 19, 2019 at 2:42 pm

Wonderful post! I enjoyed reading it. Thank you for sharing. Wonderful memories!

Avatar for Merryn

Merryn · May 19, 2019 at 2:08 pm

Looks like a fantastic trip with kids (except for the accident, of course). We were just in Cervinia/Mont Blanc area last year, and I wish we’d had time to make it to Switzerland – this post gives me just one more reason to return!

Avatar for Ruth Murdoch

Ruth Murdoch · May 19, 2019 at 12:25 pm

A great post and one all the family look like they’re enjoying. I hope Lucas recovers quickly and doesn’t develop a fear for speed. X

Avatar for jerserry

jerserry · May 19, 2019 at 8:48 am

what a beautiful trip x this is amazing and so much fun
lovely post love all the picture x

jess

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[…] A Fantastic Day at Mount Pilatus […]

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[…] If you’re looking for another day trips from Zurich, Basel or Lucerne other than Rheinfall, Schaffhausen and/or Stein am Rhein check out a day to Mount Pilatus. […]

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