Pilatus

Map Pilatus

Near Lucerne and easily accessible by public transport, the Pilatus (2,132m a.s.l.) is the ideal adventure mountain for the whole family.

The world’s steepest cog railway starts its climb at Alpnachstad and tackles a maximum gradient of 48 percent, thereby passing forests, meadows and rock faces. On the north side, a gondola cableway and an aerial cableway connect Kriens to Pilatus Kulm.

With the aerial cableway Dragon Ride, guests are practically flying up to Pilatus. It takes the cableway a mere 3.5 minutes to reach Pilatus (2,132 m a.s.l.) from the intermediate station Fräkmüntegg (1,416 m a.s.l.). Thanks to spacious seating, a cockpit-like structure and large windows, the cableway offers a unique view of Lucerne and its lake.

Facts
  • Altitude: 2,132 m a.s.l.
  • Arrival: Gondola from Kriens (Lucerne) via Krienseregg to Fräkmuntegg, aerial cableway to Pilatus Kulm or cog railway (only during summer) from Alpnachstad (boat or train from Lucerne) to Pilatus Kulm
  • Travel duration to summit: app. 40 minutes
  • Attractions: Historic mountain hotel Pilatus-Kulm at 2,132 metres (6,995 feet), Golden round trip Luzern – Kriens – Fräkmüntegg – Pilatus Kulm – Alpnachstad – Luzern (by bus, aerial cableway, cog railway and boat)
  • Special highlight: The world’s steepest cog railway from Alpnachstad to Pilatus (48 % gradient), spectacular passage “Eselwand”, interactive round tour “Dragon World”
  • Website: Pilatus
Food & Beverages
  • Restaurant Krienseregg and restaurant Chalet
  • Historic mountain hotel Pilatus-Kulm at 2,132 metres (6,995 feet) a.s.l.
Timetable
  • Year-round operation from Kriens, except during revision from 23 Oct–10 Nov 2023
  • Cog railway operates from 18 May–19 Nov 2023
Tickets & Reservation

Ticket

  • 50% discount with Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) and Swiss Half Fare Card
  • 50% discount with Eurail / Interrail
  • Reservation strongly recommended for the cog railway. Reservations in the amount of CHF 5 per person and ride online