The finest views of Lake Lucerne
Towering proudly above Lucerne, Mount Pilatus is typically a gentle giant. During stormy conditions, this rugged peak can easily turn into a grey beast though! We recommend visiting the summit on a sunny day and travelling to the top on a combined excursion by boat and mountain railway. This will allow you to cruise on Lake Lucerne and reach Alpnachstad by modern motor vessel or vintage paddle steamer, before taking the world's steepest rack railway to the summit station Pilatus Kulm. From that stunning vantage point high above Lake Lucerne, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. For the return from Pilatus Kulm to Lucerne it is also possible to take the aerial cableway down to Kriens and then the trolleybus back to Lucerne, thus completing a fantastic, circular journey.
We hope that the following travel tips might provide you with a measure of inspiration and assist your excursion planning.
Facts about Mount Pilatus
Elevation: 2128 m
Opening date of the Pilatus Railway: 4 June 1889, electrified in 1936/37
Hiking time on foot from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm: about 5 hours
Action facilities: Rope park for climbers with 10 different courses, family playground at Krienseregg
