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.

You can also walk to higher viewpoints (Esel, Oberhaupt, and cliff walk to Tomlishorn) which are fantastic photo spots.

Open: year round

Location: close to Lucerne city

Conditions: live status • webcam • forecast

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How to get there

You can reach the top of Pilatus by:

• aerial cableways from Kriens - Schlossweg 1, 6010 Kriens

• Alpnachstad mountain train - Bahnhofplatz 6, 6053 Alpnach / train station Alpnachstad (closed late Nov to mid May)

GOLDEN ROUND TRIP: From mid May to mid October, you can do the "Golden Round Trip," which includes a boat ride from Lucerne, cogwheel train on one side, and cable car on 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.

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Where to eat at the top

Restaurant Bellevue is a self-service cafeteria, with simple meals like pasta, salad, soup, chicken nuggets and fries. Convenient, but nothing special and pricey.

Restaurant Pilatus-Kulm is full-service with outdoor seating with a view and an indoor formal dining room for colder days. Best to make a reservation to avoid a long wait.

We find the restaurants on Pilatus expensive, crowded and not amazing. So we prefer to eat back in Lucerne or bring a picnic.

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Amusements

As part of your Pilatus visit, stop 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 info on SwissFamilyFun.com

Pilatus Website: www.pilatus.ch