Mount Pilatus is a tall mountain near Lucerne, with one of the most spectacular viewpoints in this region. In summer, we suggest visiting this mountain with the "Golden Round Trip" excursion, which includes a boat ride, mountain train, and cable car ride.

When to go: mid May to mid October

Here is the basic flow:

1. Boat ride from Lucerne to the base of mountain at Alpnachstad.

2. Cogwheel train up to Pilatus Kulm observation terrace on the rocky peak.

3. At the top, you can do short hikes to various viewpoints, visit the dragon cave, and eat at one of the restaurants.

4. Then ride a cable car down the other side of the mountain, optionally stopping for various amusements: summer toboggan, ropes adventure course, and big playground.

5. The cable car drops you off in Kriens, where you can take a bus back to Lucerne.

You can do the round trip in either direction. We typically start with the boat, so we end with the amusements. But the amusements can be crowded in the afternoon, so you may want to start with the gondola and do the trip counterclockwise.

• Learn more about this excursion on SwissFamilyFun.com

Tickets

The Golden Round Trip ticket includes all transportation necessary on this round trip (boat, mountain train, cable car, gondola, bus).

You get a discount with Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Half Fare Card, Eurail, Interail, and other Swiss travel cards. The trip is free with the Lucerne Tell Pass.

• Book Pilatus Golden Round Trip from Lucerne (seat reservation separate, free cancellation up to 24h in advance).

Reservation

You can optionally reserve a seat for the cogwheel train from Alpnachstad. This reservation can help you avoid long waits on busy days. This reservation can be done on the Pilatus website, separate from your Golden Round Trip ticket.

How to get there

If you start with the boat, go to the ferry dock directly across from the Lucerne train station.

If you want to start with the gondola, drive or take the bus to Schlossweg 1, 6010 Kriens.

More details: our article about Pilatus Golden Round Trip

Pilatus Website: https://www.pilatus.ch/en/

Conditions: live status • webcam • forecast