the Pilatus mountain massif towers 2128 meters above the clouds to the south of Lucerne. The legendary local mountain of the city is regarded as a weather maker, ruler’s grave and dragon’s seat. With its impressive panorama and views of countless Alpine peaks, Mount Pilatus is a popular tourist destination and offers visitors countless opportunities for leisure activities.
Activities on Mount Pilatus
A visit to Mount Pilatus can be combined as desired with a wide variety of leisure activities. Travelers of all ages will find an extensive selection of cultural, sporting and culinary experiences.
For all sports enthusiasts, there is a wide range of activities on offer: Hikes of varying degrees of difficulty, a climbing park, as well as a summer toboggan run during the warm season, snowshoeing, sledding and much more are inviting in winter.
Those interested in culture can learn more about the history of the mountain on the Dragon Trail, visit the wildlife exhibition or the treetop path, and gaze at the stars on astronomy evenings. For outdoor fans there is also the possibility of an overnight stay in so-called Tree Tents.
To spoil the palate, there is the offer in a fondue gondola to enjoy taste and view at the same time.
In the wintertime, you can not only soak up the sun above the clouds on Mount Pilatus, but also visit the highest Christmas market in Europe from November onwards. It should be noted that the famous cog railroad is under revision in winter and is not in operation.
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View of the landscape
The panorama on Mount Pilatus is breathtaking and on clear days offers views of 73 Alpine peaks. Throughout the year, visitors come from near and far to enjoy the beauty of the pristine mountain peaks in the distance. With the famous cog railroad, you have quickly left the valley with the huge Lake Lucerne below you and are above the clouds. There are many different viewing platforms on Mount Pilatus, all of which offer views of the distant Alps and amaze visitors. You can see far across Lake Lucerne, with countless Alpine peaks on the horizon.
The viewpoints “Oberhaupt” and “Esel” are particularly famous. 2105 meters high is the summit, which is called “Oberhaupt”. A short walk of about ten minutes leads from the top station of the cog railroad up steps to the viewpoint.
The most popular viewpoint is also only a quarter of an hour away from Pilatus Kulm and can be reached via steps. The “Esel” vantage point is perfect for witnessing some of the most beautiful sunrises in all of Switzerland.
Dragon trail at Pilatus Kulm
The arrival hall at Pilatus Kulm is the starting point for the breathtaking Dragon Trail, which delights young and old. Passages in the rock with viewing holes lead visitors out into the open on the northwest side, where you can see the cable car emerging from the sea of mist and have views of Lake Lucerne, the surrounding mountains and the famous Klimsenkapelle on the Klimsenhorn.
Via stairs cut into the rock, you return to the starting point and, with a little luck, may even encounter ibexes along the way.
Admission to the Drachenweg is free. In the winter months, however, it is only partially accessible, depending on the weather, but at moderate temperatures the visit pays off at best for the view of the fabulously snow-covered mountains in the surrounding area.
Hikes on Mount Pilatus
The unspoiled nature, together with the large selection and the most varied degrees of difficulty, invite you to take a hike on Mount Pilatus. From easy to alpine, for old and young, from long to short, there is something for everyone. The impressive alpine panorama leaves visitors in awe, and the chance to see wild ibex on the way to one of the peaks makes hiking on Mount Pilatus an adventure for the whole family.
Excursions on Mount Pilatus are a different breathtaking experience every time. No matter what the weather, you can enjoy the sun on this mountain because the clouds are far below the top station. This makes the Pilatus hikes an extraordinary experience, as you can view the cloud cover from above.
Hiking on the Pilatus
You can also hike up Pilatus. However, the way there is quite steep and we do not recommend hiking all the way to the top. Even with the shortest route, it’s a steep 4.5 to 5 hours uphill. Also, the distance to the summit is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) with an ascent of 1670 meters.
Hike to the Tomlishorn
In June and July, countless wildflowers along the way make the hiking trail from the Pilatus Kulm summit station to the Tomlishorn summit live up to the name “flower trail.” However, there is much more to see on the way to the 2,128-meter-high mountain peak. In addition to the incredible view over Lake Lucerne to the surrounding alpine country, with a little luck you can encounter wild ibexes on the way up. Signs along the way inform hikers about the blooming flowers.
The hike to the Tomlishorn is particularly suitable for beginners, but also families and every nature lover. There is plenty to see on the well-secured high-altitude hiking trail: In addition to flowers of all kinds, a rock tunnel and subsequent spectacular views of the Klimsenhorn and the picturesque Klimsenkapelle await. Since the footpath later turns into a mountain path, sturdy shoes with a grippy sole are a must. Across the flat southern slope you reach the Tomlishorn summit after just under an hour.
At the top, the ascent is rewarded with a breathtaking panorama, benches invite you to enjoy the view of the famous city of Lucerne on Lake Lucerne.
Via the gravel-flattened mountain path, we return along the same route. Due to the short duration and the low effort, the hike is also well possible with children and less sporty travelers. However, the path to the Tomlishorn is not barrier-free, but there are countless other barrier-free offers on Mount Pilatus.
Trail running on Mount Pilatus
There are countless beautiful trail running routes on Mount Pilatus, which are among the most beautiful in Lucerne. What is special about the trails on Mount Pilatus is the variety that nature offers. From easy for beginners to difficult for experienced trail runners, there is something for everyone. In addition to the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain peaks, which accompany every runner throughout the course, differences in steepness as well as sections with stairs provide variety.
The sport is possible from spring to autumn, especially eager runners can also participate in trail running competitions, which take place throughout the snow-free months. Entry to the mountain running trails is free, but registration fees of about CHF 50 can be expected for the competitions. The trails are well secured and, depending on physical condition, are also suitable for sports-minded children.
Pilatus Rope Park
For particularly adventurous visitors, the Pilatus Rope Park offers more than enough opportunities to let off steam from April to October. Whether big or small, young or old: ten different park courses made of ropes at heights of several meters is a thrill for everyone. When jumping into nowhere, balancing over individual ropes and climbing suspended ladders, young guests often dare much more than their older companions.
Admission costs between CHF 21 and CHF 28 per person. However, attractive discounts are available for groups of two or more.
Even children between four and eight years of age have the opportunity to slowly approach the heights, accompanied by the mascot PILU. The rope park team, which has been trained for this purpose, ensures safety and well-being.
Pilatus Mountain in winter
The mountain is worth a visit all year round, but a trip there in the winter time is especially magical. Not only does the atmosphere change with the snow, but the highest Christmas market in Europe also opens in November. In addition to the hustle and bustle at the Christkindlmarkt, you will also find the first visitors hurtling downhill on sleds and hiking enthusiasts unpacking their snowshoes. If there is a lack of winter sports equipment, there is a rental shop for toboggans, bobsleds and airboards at the summit station.
You may have to do without the famous cogwheel railroad at this time of year, but the newly built cable cars offer an alternative. With the gondola lift or the newest aerial cableway “Dragon Ride”, you can marvel at the wonderful view of the snow-covered mountain massif already on the way to the snow paradise. Already from the end of October the first snow lies on the Pilatus from an altitude of 1000 meters, but the official start of the season is not until the beginning of December. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the snow here until April.
How much time should you spend at Mount Pilatus?
The ideal length of time for a stay on Mount Pilatus is, of course, difficult to pin down, as different amounts of time need to be planned depending on the activities planned and the time of year, as well as possible fellow travelers. There is the possibility of a day trip from Kriens, which can also be well combined with a boat trip across Lake Lucerne.
Nevertheless, it is recommended to spend several days on Mount Pilatus, especially for (snowshoe) hikes or activities that take up a large part of the day. Two hotels and five restaurants invite you to stay comfortably above the clouds and promise an extraordinary experience and enough time for various activities.
Stay on Mount Pilatus
There are several accommodation options on Mount Pilatus: Two hotels with different offers attract with cozy rooms and culinary pampering. For outdoor fans there is the possibility to camp in a Tree Tent.
Hotel Bellevue 3*
Comfortable rooms at the Hotel Bellevue delight visitors with incredible views. Together with its sister hotel Pilatus-Kulm, the place to stay offers an escape from stress and everyday life. Sun terrace and panoramic grill are among the most popular features. One can choose between half and full board.
Hotel Pilatus-Kulm 3*
At 2132 meters above sea level in Kriens, you’ll find the 3-star Hotel Pilatus-Kulm. The restaurant spoils the palates of guests, large cozy rooms give guests the opportunity to relax after a strenuous exploration of Mount Pilatus. Breakfast and dinner are optional.
Pilatus Tree Tent Camping
A slightly more unusual place to stay are the famous Tree Tents, where visitors can sleep three feet above the ground in tents suspended from trees. However, this overnight option is only available from June to August, on Fridays and Saturdays, and on certain dates. Nevertheless, such an overnight stay is suitable as an adventure for the whole family.
Best time to visit Mount Pilatus
Depending on the time of year, seasonal offers also vary. Both transport options and culinary delights are adapted to temperature and weather conditions.
In summer, there are countless options for excursions on Mount Pilatus in addition to the adventurous overnight accommodations in the Tree Tents. In addition, the famous rack railroad is only open during the warm season.
In the winter months, it snows early on Mount Pilatus, and the mountain invites you to enjoy the snow. From tobogganing to airboarding to snowshoeing, there is something for everyone. At moderate temperatures, the Dragon Trail is also fully accessible. However, access is only possible via the aerial cableway “Dragon Ride” or the gondola lift. Since the high season is in midsummer, the winter time is good for preventing tourist crowds and allows for a contemplative retreat into nature.
For day trips, the early morning is ideal to enjoy nature in peace and have enough time for different activities. The first mountain railroads start running at 8:10 a.m., and the descent is possible until 5:30 p.m.
How to get to Mount Pilatus
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Golden Round Trip
The Golden Round Trip from Lucerne to Mount Pilatus is the most sought-after day trip, especially for first-time visitors. This ticket takes you on a scenic boat ride from Lucerne to Alpnachstad. Afterwards, you’ll ride the cogwheel railroad to the top of Mount Pilatus – Pilatus Kulm.
Once you’ve explored the summit of Mount Pilatus, you can take the Dragon Ride cable car down to the Fränkmüntegg midway station. From there, visitors transfer to a small gondola that takes them down to Kriens. To return to Lucerne from Kriens, you can take a short 10-minute walk to the bus stop, from where the bus ride takes 20 minutes. The Lucerne train station, bus station, and boat dock are all in close proximity to each other.
When planning your trip, please keep in mind that you can start and end in Lucerne no matter which direction you choose.
Final thoughts
Mount Pilatus offers a wide variety of adventures and experiences for young and old, from hiking for sports enthusiasts to kite and flower trails for nature and culture lovers to overnight stays in Tree Tents for outdoor enthusiasts. In summer as well as in winter there are various offers for visitors.
