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Mt Pilatus Experience Self-Guided Tour

43 reviews

from USD $65.53

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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.

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: As members of ABTA and ATAS we are 100% financially bonded. You can book your day trip with us in absolute confidence, no matter where in the world you are.

In Brief

Location:

Lucerne, Switzerland

Country:

Switzerland

Duration:

2 hours 15 minutes

Operates:

Daily

Highlights:

Family friendly

Popular choice with kids

Perfect for all ages and skill level

Enjoy fantastic aerial views

Multiple departure times and locations available

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

Inclusions

Cable car ride (except during maintenance)
Cogwheel train ride (from mid May to November 15th)
All taxes, fees, and handling charges

Exclusions

The listed price does not include a CHF 5 parking fee (per day)
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Departure Time

4/1/2020 - 11/30/2020

Monday - Sunday:

08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Departure Point

Mount Pilatus, PILATUS-BAHNEN AG Schlossweg 1 Kriens, Lucerne 6010 Switzerland

Returns To

Kriens or Alpnachstad

Additional Information

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Don't miss the last transportation down to the valley.
Operates in almost all weather conditions; please dress appropriately
Cableways are not in operation in the case of storms
Only printed vouchers will be accepted
Please note: You can start the tour from Kriens or Alpnachstad
The gondolas are closed for maintenance from 19 October to 6 November 2020; access from Alpnachstad only.
The cogwheel train is closed from 16 November to mid-May; access from Kriens only
It is not possible to book a specific time slot
Not wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund

Booking Information

A paper voucher is required for this attraction/activity. You must print and bring your printed voucher with you on the day of the activity, as required by our local provider.

Cancellation Terms

This trip is fully refundable up to 96 hours prior to the commencement of your trip.

Booking Terms and Conditions

When you book this trip, you need to read and accept the terms and conditions for booking our day trips in excursions.

Scoring an average traveller rating of 5 out of 5 based on the last 24 recent reviews

“

We took the paved trail that starts beyond the Kulm Hotel. After a little while, we looked up the mountain and saw 2 Alpine Ibex sitting in the grass. A bit further, 5 more; then 5 more, all walking on the steep rock faces. in all we saw about 25 that day. It was cloudy and chilly, but a great day for Ibex! Cog Railway was fantastic too. Worthwhile visit.”

Kevin L • Submitted 08 Oct 2019

“

You can´t miss this Tour not only for the exiting route in gondola and Aerial cableway but the beautiful views of the Alps and Lake Lucerne. There are other options for enjoying outdoor activities in a middle space called Frakmuntegg before riding the cableway. Top recommendation to this attraction.”

Eddy • Submitted 03 Jul 2019

“

Gorgeous views, and lots of fun overall! There’s a small shop at the top, but know the food (like everything in Switzerland) isn’t cheap! Be prepared to walk up a lot of paths/steps at the top for even better views. Athletic sandals were fine for me. In summer, I suggest wearing layers and sunscreen; we expected to be chilly, but it was still hot (especially while hiking around) and the sun can do damage at altitude. *Be aware this specific ticket does not include transport back to the starting point where the gondola is (a few miles away)- no problem if you want to just buy a train/bus pass at the station the cogwheel train lets you off at.”

Elizabeth R • Submitted 03 Jul 2019

“

My girlfriend and I had to walk close to a mile from the bus to get to the tram - not too bad, but longer than we thought. There was a pretty long wait even for those of us that had tickets. The trams were fun - not scary at all, although I thought it would be. The weather was cold - but very tolerable. We had lunch in one of the hotel restaurants - okay - hotel, fast food. There was lots of snow (I'm from Atlanta GA and haven't seen that much in years!). In all - it was a very enjoyable afternoon until the walk back down to the bus - but even that was okay.”

Wendy F • Submitted 03 Jul 2019

“

If you like scenic landscapes, breath-taking views and adventurous travel...you shouldn't miss this trip. Was the highlight of our vacation.”

Julie R • Submitted 03 Jul 2019

“

This is an absolute MUST. Start to finish it was one of the best trips in my 2 week holiday in switzerland”

Lee G • Submitted 12 Aug 2018

“

loveley day !”

nachum.izenberg • Submitted 14 Jul 2018

“

The sights during the gondola and cable car ride up the mountain was amazing. It was a bit unfortunate that the weather had a lot of fog while we were up the mountain, but during moments when it would clear up, the view was breath taking. The rail car going down was a nice experience.”

Marie Stephanie J • Submitted 10 Jul 2018

“

Great trip!”

Steven R • Submitted 07 Jun 2018

“

We were very lucky with the weather for this time of the year and the day turned out perfect. Great ride, great views, great memories.”

Klaus M • Submitted 27 Mar 2018

“

Great mountain top to check out if your in Lucerne. We got lucky with the weather so it was great overall. Highly recommend.”

Jae K • Submitted 11 Mar 2018

“

Loved it... a must-see place. One important hint: If you park car at the entrance, please don't forget to get the token at that time or upon return their office is closed. There is a machine for the token but it only accepts small currency bills and there is nothing around there to get the change. I had to wait for sometime until a gentlewoman helped me in getting the change. Went up using chair lift and returned by gondola ride. Enjoyed going to the main area, where car was parked, by using public train and then bus. Had to walk for 30 minutes after getting down from bus. It was so pleasant walking through the streets of Lucerne.”

Rits • Submitted 12 Mar 2018

“

Outstanding”

Nancy L • Submitted 16 Jan 2018

“

Incredible views! Took close to an hour to get all the way up top, but it was completely worth it. Very windy atmosphere and lots of birds, so be careful. Definitely not for those scared of heights. Trust me!”

Stacy M • Submitted 13 Nov 2017

“

Although we couldn't do the round trip due to maintenance the cogwheel ride was lovely and enjoyable. Breathtaking views and lucky to have been there whilst two men were yodeling made the experience all the more interesting and fun. Would most certainly recommend this tour.”

JOHN ANTHONY C • Submitted 09 Nov 2017

“

Most amazing place, we actually booked for the wrong day by mistake but when we got to the cable car there were no problems whatsoever not even making us feel bad, just said there was no problem and up up and away we went.”

Carlos L • Submitted 09 Oct 2017

“

Trip was awesome. Definitely take the cog wheel train up -- it was worth the wait in line.”

Bonita M • Submitted 28 Aug 2017

“

Highlight of our trip. It is a must see.”

Deborah M • Submitted 23 Jul 2017

“

This tour was amazing!”

Kevin B • Submitted 17 Jul 2017

“

For starters we had an almost perfect day with weather. It wasn't sunny, but the cloud was quite high so it didn't obscure the view. We caught a ferry from Lucerne to the train station. No wind made the trip very smooth and the staff on board were very good. The train ride up gave spectacular views and my advice would be to try to grab a spot at the back of the car so you can take snaps of what lies below you - it gives a great impression of how steep the line is and gives great photos. On top of Mt Pilatus Pee-lar-too-s there are many viewing points and it makes sense to try to use them all - it will require a bit of leg work. At the bottom you'll need to catch a bus back into town. This can be a little confusing as the bus station at the bottom of the ride wasn't the one we needed to get back into town - that required a bit of walking downhill. The manager at our hotel pre-warned us about this and gave great advice.”

Mark C • Submitted 15 Jul 2017

“

Another great event! The process was easy and the views were out of this world. Taking the gondola up, the train back down and a boat ride back to Lucerne made for a great half day trip. A must do while in the area!”

Timothy M • Submitted 26 Jun 2017

“

Totally breathtaking! The scenery and views are not to be missed! I would highly recommend this tour”

Anne D • Submitted 25 Jun 2017

“

We loved the tour, each level had something different to offer. The bottom level had a great playground that is perfect families. The middle level had restaurants, the toboggan ride, and the ropes course although not all of these activities were open when we were there. The top level had hotels, restaurants, and of course the most INCREDIBLE view. The gondola and dragon rides were so fun and overall it was a beautiful experience”

Brianna F • Submitted 19 Jun 2017

“

Magical! This includes tickets ONLY to get you to the top and then back down but that's all you need since the scenery is the reason for going up! You can choose to go up on the cable car and return on a cable car OR you can go up on the cable car and then down the Cogwheel train. HOLD ON the the ONE ticket you get since this is your passage up and down the mountain. The cogwheel train looks intimidating due to the steep incline but it's been in operation for at least 120 yrs and the persons who work on Pilatus use this every day to get to and from work. Initially we saw it and were scared but then said we had to since it was the steepest cogwheel train in the world. The train travels slowly and takes 40 min to descend allowing you to soak in the wonderful views of the swiss alps. When going up, the Cable Car has 2 stops before you need to come off and switch to a larger cable car before getting to the top. You can hang out at any of the stops and then travel along. As I said, we went up on the cable car from Kreins, went down on the Cogwheel to Alpnachstad on the other side of Pilatus then we took the boat back to Luzern the boat ride costs 50 euros, maybe Viator has a discounted price for this as well. The boat ride was also absolutely amazing 1.45 hrs and would also recommend this. If you plan on taking the boat back, ask the ticketing person what time you should get on the Cogwheel train so that you do not miss the last boat. We drove and parked in Kriens 5 euros payable at a machine opposite the ticketing counter recommend paying before ascending. We took a bus from Luzern back to Kriens lovely 8min walk from the drop off point back to the carpark. If I did it again I would not take a car and just use public transportation.”

Nira R • Submitted 29 May 2017