Mt Pilatus self-guided trip by cable car or cogwheel railway

Badge of ExcellenceLucerne, Switzerland

3 to 6 hours
Mobile ticket

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Overview

Ascending Mt. Pilatus, Lucerne's landmark mountain, is a must-do when you are in the Lake Lucerne region. For maximum flexibility, choose between a cogwheel railway ride from Alpnachstad, or a combination of a gondola and an aerial cableway from Kriens.Then, enjoy spectacular views of Lake Lucerne and the Alps that you don’t see otherwise from 6,995 feet (2,132 meters) above sea level.

Fun way to ascend to the top of Mt. Pilatus
Spectacular views of alpine scenery, the Alps, and Lake Lucerne
Participate in outdoor activities in Fräkmüntegg
Choose how you spend your time: Hike the peaks or relax on the terrace

What's Included

Panorama gondola between Kriens and Fräkmüntegg
Aerail cableway "Dragon Ride" between Fräkmüntegg and Pilatus Kulm
Steepest cogwheel railway in the world between Pilatus Kulm and Alpnachstad

Tour Guide
Seat reservation for the cogwheel train
Hotel pick up and drop off
Meals and snacks in restaurants
Additional activities (rope park, toboggan run)
Parking fee at the valley station Alpnachstad and Kriens (CHF 5 per day)
Other personal expenses

Meeting and Pickup

Start time

Opening hours

5/6/2024 - 10/20/2024
Monday - Sunday : 08:30 AM - 05:30 PM
10/21/2024 - 11/17/2024
Monday - Sunday : 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM

What To Expect

Start your day at either Alpnachstad or Kriens Valley station. If beginning in Kriens, take the panorama-gondola to Fräkmüntegg. Upon arrival at Fräkmüntegg, you can spend some time participating in the many outdoor activities offered, such as agility climbing in the ropes park or a ride on Switzerland's longest summer toboggan (own expense). Then, change to the aerial cableway “Dragon Ride” and travel to the Pilatus Kulm summit. Alternatively, ride the cogwheel railway from Alpnachsta to Pilatus Kulm.

Once at the summit of Lucerne’s landmark mountain, gain spectacular views of the Alps and Lake Lucerne. Choose to remain inside the panoramic gallery, make the short climb up one of the peaks, relax on the terrace, or eat a meal at the onsite restaurants (own expense) before descending to the valley station in Kriens.

Pilatus Luzern

Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
Check the timetable carefully
Don't miss the last transportation down to the valley
This is an unguided individual tour

Operates in almost all weather conditions; please dress appropriately
Cableways are not in operation in case of storm
Prior reservation mandatory for wheelchairs
Strollers must be folded during transport
Operation of the cogwheel railway: 06.05.2024-17.11.2024
Cable Car closed due to maintenance: 21.10.2024-08.11.2024. During that time, Pilatus Kulm is accessible by cogwheel train from Alpnachstad.
Infants participate for free (age 0 - 5.99 years)
You can choose your start and end point (Kriens and/or Alpnachstad)
The transportation to the start and from the end point is not included
To avoid long waiting times for the cogwheel train between Alpnachstad and Pilatus Kulm (or vice versa), we highly recommend to make a reservation for the cogwheel railway

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.5

177 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-10 of 177 reviews

Fabulous experience

Melissa_S, Sep 2023

Beautiful experience. Lovely views. Easy to access tickets from voucher. Enjoyed cable cars and tram

Spectacular Views!

Bob_C, Aug 2023

The Cable cars, cog train and the views!!! Spectacular!! And I talked to a few locals and vacationers. Great experience!!!! A must!!!

Amazing Vistas!

Jennifer_L, Jul 2023

The cable cars and the toboggan ride we very memorable Pinot Grigio in France. The views were fantastic and overall a great experience.

Incredible

Ioana_T, Jul 2023

It's impossible to describe the majesty and beautyof Mount Pilatus. It has to be experienced. Make sure you go all the way to the top!!

Take Your Chances with your GPS in the Swiss Alps

Cyndee_S, Jun 2023

We spent hours going up and down one lane roads looking for the place we programmed into the gps to redeem the emailed voucher for an actual ticket! Don't just show up at the lift. Plus, reception in the mountains was horrible. We asked for a refund. They rejected it. I won't be using Viator again.

Totally awesome

Donna_S, May 2023

Amazing , highly recommend and worth every cent. Played in snow then looked at green country side. Loved it went to the top.

I had just gotten to...

Lance_B, May 2023

I had just gotten to Europe at the beginning of a 5 plus week trip. Switzerland was my first trip as well as navigating my way from Basel to Lucerne for this excursion. Every thing went great with the exception of the weather, snowy whiteout conditions. This is uncontrollable though and still had fun. I would do it again My only concern was I thought I paid for the train down or tram which was not running at the time. Still cannot figure out if this was refunded

It was a very nice visit

Nick_K, May 2023

The scenery was great! The rides were good Just dress warm since it had snow on top and needed covering up

Visibility problems

Deb_L, May 2023

Cloudy, couldn’t see much. Trails closed. Cog railway closed too. May is not a good time to go. I don’t have anything else to say

The beauty of Switzerland never disappoints

Aaron_S, May 2023

We spent most of the day on Mount Pilatus and we had a fantastic time. Unfortunately, heavy cloud meant we could see very little at the top but by the time we took the cable car back down, the view of the lakes was stunning. We also had lunch in the restaurant, had fun on the toboggan ride and had a lovely two hour walk back to Kriens, offering some lovely views and the sound of nature. I gave 4 stars rather than 5 because you are literally only paying for cable car access and I'm not sure how the price equates to what you would pay at the entrance.

Great experience but not a tour

Greg_M, May 2023

Great experience but you can save yourself a few euro by getting your tickets from the ticket office.

Mt. Pilatus excursion.

Catherine_E, Apr 2023

A wonderful experience. Even though it was a bit cloudy for part of the day the scenery was truly breathtaking. Definitely recommend this event.

Awesome

Jane_R, Apr 2023

Smooth operation. Loved the views going up and at the top. We also enjoyed lunch on the first stop. Just right for everyone. We recommend this trip

Not to be missed.

Lola_S, Apr 2023

To be able to reach the mountaintop is a once in a lifetime experience . It’s not cheap but nothin in Switzerland is. Absolutely worth it at least on a mostly clear day.

Steeler Nation in Switzerland!

Jean_D, Apr 2023

The view is amazing. The cable car was a smooth ride. The employees were very nice and helpful. A thrill for us to take a photo with oSteeler Nation ur Pittsburgh Steeler Terrible Towel!!

The beauty of the...

Karen_d, Apr 2023

The beauty of the mountains was spectacular The view awesome!! We had cocktails looking out at the beautiful mountains

A must do activity.

Kathy_R, Apr 2023

Worth every euro! Comfort gondolas and very organized. And very safe. The food options at the top were very good. And the views are outstanding. The parking lot was price very well and it was safe with a clean bathroom

Great views, poor deal.

Richard_M, Mar 2023

Great lift, great mountain but this is not a tour of any kind. It’s a lift ticket! One that can be purchased for $43 not the $65 charged by Viator. An honest to goodness rip off!

Beautiful view

Doreen_L, Mar 2023

Easy transaction - it's a self guided tour. we enjoyed the view . We were lucky to see snow. Unforgettable experience

The entire experience was...

Sonia_M, Feb 2023

The entire experience was spectacular! We waited all our lives to see it. We are from USA and traveled to four countries on this trip. Mt Pilatus was the highlight of our adventure.

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