Mount Pilatus is a tall mountain towering over Lucerne at 2,128.5 meters high (6,983 feet), a popular destination for tourists.

At the top, you’ll find a big observation deck where you enjoy views of Lake Lucerne and countless mountain peaks in all directions. Assuming no snow, you can also walk to higher viewpoints (Esel, Oberhaupt, and cliff walk to Tomlishorn) which are fantastic photo spots.

How to get there

You can reach the top of Pilatus by:

• cable car - Schlossweg 1, 6010 Kriens (closed 21 Oct – 8 Nov 2024)

• steep cogwheel train - Bahnhofplatz 6, 6053 Alpnach / train station Alpnachstad (open thru 17 Nov 2024)

Through mid October, you can do the "Golden Round Trip," which starts with a boat ride from Lucerne, then cogwheel train up one side, and cable car down the other side of the mountain.

In all cases, you get a discount with Swiss Travel Pass and other Swiss travel cards.

• Book tickets for Pilatus cable cars.

Where to eat

The self-service restaurant next to the cable car station is convenient, but nothing special and pricey.

The full service restaurant at the hotel is a bit better, with outdoor seating with a view. The wait can be quite long, so only sit if you aren't in a hurry. So we usually prefer to eat back in Lucerne or bring a picnic.

Amusements

For more fun, we suggest stopping at the Frakmüntegg gondola station (halfway up from Kriens), where you'll find a 1.3km long summer toboggan ride and ropes climbing park in the forest.

More details: our full article about Pilatus

Pilatus Website: www.pilatus.ch

Conditions: live status • webcam • forecast