Mt. Pilatus Self-Guided Day Trip + Boat Ride

Tour Highlights

Calling all adventure lovers! This self-guided tour will take you on a journey using various forms of transport to get from Lucerne right to the peak of Mount Pilatus.

Check out our suggested transport route to reach the summit below. All of your transport tickets are included:

Step 1 - Bus to Kriens: Your journey will begin in the heart of Lucerne, where you’ll board bus number 1 from Lucerne train station to Kriens. After an 11-minute bus ride and a short walk, you’ll reach the valley station in Kriens.

Step 2 - Gondola to Krienseregg: From here, step aboard a panoramic gondola for a 15-minute ascent to Krienseregg. While there, we recommend taking in the serene surroundings from the terrace of Restaurant Krienseregg.

Step 3 - Gondola to Fräkmüntegg: Continuing your journey, another 15-minute journey on the gondola will bring you to Fräkmüntegg, where even more adventure awaits! Test your agility at the rope park, or indulge in local delicacies at the self-service restaurant if you feel like grabbing a bite to eat.

Step 4 - Cable Car to Mt. Pilatus: Next, switch to the exhilarating Dragon Ride cable car. With its helicopter-like design and panoramic windows, this 5-minute ride will deliver you to the summit of Pilatus Kulm at 2,132 metres (6,994 feet) above sea level.

Step 5 - Free Time at Mt. Pilatus: At the summit, you'll admire breathtaking views over Lake Lucerne and the majestic Swiss Alps. Explore the panoramic gallery, relax on the terrace, or take a short climb to one of the peaks. The summit also provides ample hiking opportunities to discover the wonders of the so-called Dragon Mountain. For those wanting to grab a bite to eat, the restaurants at Hotel Bellevue and Hotel Pilatus Kulm offer delicious local cuisine.

Step 6 - Cogwheel Train to Alpnachstad: Descending from Pilatus Kulm is an adventure in itself! You’ll board the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, a marvel of engineering built in 1889, that will take you on a thrilling journey through past sparkling streams, rocky landscapes and over meadows filled with alpine flowers, all the way down to Alpnachstad.

Step 7 - Boat Cruise to Lucerne: From Alpnachstad, you'll enjoy a 1-hour scenic boat cruise across Lake Lucerne. After this scenic boat cruise, you'll dock near Lucerne’s train station, where your adventure will come to a close after between 4.5 and 6 hours.

Ticket Options

When booking, you'll be able to choose between a first or second-class ticket for the boat cruise. First-class seats are on the spacious top level of the boat with fantastic views of the lake, while second-class seats are on the lower level of the boat.

Additional Info

• You can choose to invert the itinerary and begin your day trip with the boat cruise from Lucerne and end with the cable cars and bus ride. Whichever direction you choose, be sure to check the timetables in advance to make the most of your experience.
• Any additional activities such as the rope park are not included.
• If you wish to bring a pet, you can do so by buying an additional full-priced ticket.
• If you'd like to have an assigned seat on the cogwheel train, or make sure your party is seated together, you'll have to reserve seats separately. After booking, we'll give you instructions on how to do it.