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Mount Pilatus

Discover Swiss Alpine beauty at Mount Pilatus. Ride the cogwheel train up to Lucerne's mountain on a scenic 30-minute journey. Reaching the top, take in the stunning wheels, strolling the flower paths and hiking trails. Enjoy roundtrip transfers between Alpnachstad and Pilatusbahn.
Mount Pilatus

Top things to do in Lucerne

Mount Pilatus Guide

Embark on a mesmerizing journey to Mount Pilatus with a panoramic cable car ride. Explore the legendary Dragon Path, where ancient tales of dragons once roamed. At 2,073m above sea level, the excitement continues with winter tobogganing from Fräkmüntegg to Krienseregg. Here’s an in-depth guide to Mount Pilatus tickets, tour highlights, opening hours, and other essential details to help you get the most out of your visit to Mount Pilatus. 

When is Mount Pilatus open?

Mount Pilatus is open all year round. To get to it, you will need to board a cable car at Pilatus-Bahnen AG at Kriens. 

What are the cable car timings to get to Mount Pilatus?

The timings for the ascent from Kriens to the intermediate station Fräkmüntegg are 8:30 AM to 4 PM. From Fräkmüntegg to Pilatus, the timings for the Dragon Ride Aerial Cableway are 9 AM- 4:30 PM.
For the descent, the timings for the Pilatus-Fräkmüntegg Dragon Ride are 9 AM to 4:30 PM 

How do I get to Mount Pilatus?

You can reach Mount Pilatus by taking the cable car from Kriens to Fräkmüntegg. From there, take the Dragon Ride Aerial Cableway to the mountain. 
The location to take the cable car from Kriens is Pilatus-Bahnen AG, Schlossweg 1, Kriens | Find on Maps

How to get to Pilatus-Bahnen in Kriens?

By Bus: Hop on bus number 1 from platform A  from the Lucerne Main Station. After around 15 minutes, get off at Kriens, Zentrum Pilatus. The valley station is a 5 minute walk from there. 
By Car: Follow Autobahn A2 heading in the direction of Lucerne, and take the exit marked Luzern Süd/Kriens. Once you exit, follow the signs leading towards Kriens and proceed to the valley station of Mount Pilatus. 

Can I get to the Pilatus-Bahnen by bus?

Yes, bus number 1 from the Lucerne main station connects to Kriens. The valley station is a 5 minute walk from the bus station. 

Can I drive to Mount Pilatus?

No, unfortunately, you cannot directly drive to reach Mount Pilatus. However, the valley station in Kriens has parking available for the rate of 5 CHF per day. 

Is Mount Pilatus wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the cable cars, as well as several other installations in the site are wheelchair accessible. 

Are there restaurants located at Mount Pilatus?

Yes, there are several restaurants situated on Mount Pilatus to take care of all your gastronomic needs. 

Are dogs allowed?

Yes, dogs are allowed in the cable cars. Make it a point to keep them leashed and in control for the convenience of co-travelers.
Mount Pilatus is a captivating destination where nature and adventure converge. Renowned for its breathtaking vistas, the Dragon Ride cable car, and the cogwheel railway, it offers an unforgettable experience. Explore the Pilatus Summit and enjoy activities like hiking and dining with panoramic views.

Cogwheel Train Excursion

If visiting between June and October, be sure to take the cogwheel train to Alpnachstad cogwheel railway. Enter the world’s  steepest cogwheel railway, an engineering marvel that offers breathtaking panoramic views such as those of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Alps as you traverse the mountains. 

Hiking

Mountains and hikes go together like peanut butter and jelly. Embark on captivating hikes in Mount Pilatus where well-marked trails allow you to choose your own adventure. . From leisurely strolls such as the Flower Trail to challenging treks. Prepare yourself for breathtaking views of the Central Switzerland Prealps with their picturesque peaks and summits.

Toboggan

Get ready for family fun at Mount Pilatus with the Fräkigaudi, Switzerland's longest summer toboggan run with a length of 1,350 meters. Zoom through twists, turns, dragon dens, and jumps, starting conveniently near the Fräkmüntegg mountain station. You can rent toboggans at the Fräkmüntegg-Krienseregg.station.

Observatory

Take your trip to the skies even higher with your visit to the observatory in Mount Pilatus. Thanks to the secluded location of the mountain and the crisp air quality, get ready to enjoy star gazing in the absence of any light pollution. 

Are all the activities for Mount Pilatus included with my ticket?

No, activities like the Observatory require you to make reservations in advance to avail them. 

Is the cogwheel train open all year round?

No, sadly due to snow conditions hampering operations, the cogwheel railway is only operational between June to October. 

Can I drive to Mount Pilatus?

No, there are no driving routes to Mount Pilatus. You can however use the cable cars or the  cogwheel railways to reach Mount Pilatus. 

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