Visiting Lucerne’s landmark mountain, Mt. Pilatus, is a must-do when you’re in the Lake Lucerne region. Start at the valley station in Kriens, and enjoy a 30-minute gondola ride over a pre-Alpine landscape to reach Fräkmüntegg, where you’ll transfer to the aerial cableway known as the ‘Dragon Ride.’ After another five minutes, arrive at 7,000 feet above sea level (2,132 meters). Soak up the panoramic views over the lake and Alps, and then take the world’s steepest cogwheel railway down through rock faces, mountain streams, and lush meadows to reach Alpnachstad (from beginning or middle May till 15th November 2020, otherwise the panoramic cable car is operating).

This is a no guided tour and it’s why that there is no meeting point.

Start your Mt. Pilatus tour at the valley station in Kriens to hop aboard the panoramic gondola for the 30-minute ride to Fräkmüntegg. If you have kids, perhaps hop off the gondola halfway through the ride in Krienseregg, where a playground provides a chance for them to burn some energy before continuing the gondola ride. 

At Fräkmüntegg, you can participate in activities, if you wish, such as a ride on Switzerland’s longest summer toboggan or climbing through the rope park (own expense). When you’re ready, board the ‘Dragon Ride,’ an aerial cableway with a spacious interior, cockpit-like design, and large windows that give you the impression of being in a helicopter—only the flying is even more exhilarating. Admire views over Lake Lucerne and the Alps when you reach the summit of the mountain, and decide if you want to stay inside the panoramic gallery, relax on the terrace, climb one of the peaks (5-10 minutes), or get a bite to eat at one of the restaurants (own expenses).

When you’re ready to head back down, take the world’s steepest cogwheel railway (since 1889) for a trip past streams, steep rock faces, and fields of Alpine flowers. The railway brings you to Alpnachstad, marking the end of your Mt. Pilatus experience.

Ideal Itinerary:

9:00   Departure by gondola to Fräkmüntegg

9:45   Change to the cable car ‘Dragon Ride’

9:50   Arrival at Mt. Pilatus; enjoy the view and stroll around

10:50 Departure by cogwheel train to Alpnachstad

11:30 Arrival in Alpnachstad

Click on the ‘View additional info’ link to see the departure timetable for both stations.

• The gondolas are closed for maintenance from 23 October to 10 November 2017; access from Alpnachstad only.
• The cogwheel train is closed from 20 November to around mid-May; access from Kriens only

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