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33 of the 41 members of our tour group went on the optional excursion to Mount Pilatus on a weekday afternoon with high temperature of 80 degrees in Lucerne. We took the bus, and not the boat excursion to the base of the steepest cog railway train in the world. Had to get in the special expedited tour line, to make sure everyone got on the same train, costing CHF 85 for a round trip ticket, compared to the regular CHF 74 round trip ticket. They have electronic gates checking your ticket in no less than 6 places along the round trip. CHF100 fine for fare evaders! People going to the front of the train have to climb dozens of stairs outside to reach their seats, so steep is the 43 degree slope of the train. I got on the rear of the train, which had the best views of the vista as the train gained altitude. Once you are seated, you cannot switch to another row, let alone another train car. Better to be seated backward when going up the mountain for the best pictures out the rear. The ride in the cog train starts from the forests at ground level, and rises gradually, with views of Lake Lucerne and surrounding lakes as you ascend the mountain. Signs warn to keep hands and arms inside the roll down side windows, and with good reason, as the train goes through areas of carved rock in the mountainside, with more than a dozen tunnels and curves. 30 minutes later, we reach the end of the cog railway, at the 7000 foot altitude. Temperatures have plunged 20 degrees to 60 degrees with a bit of a wind. A bit drafty for those wearing t-shirts and shorts. Once at the top of the mountain, you can go on two separate hikes up the two peripheral mountains. These have railings around the steep mountain sides, with hundreds of steps up the hill. Signs warn that high heels are banned. There is another trip around the mountain, starting with a tunnel inside the mountain, with outlooks every few feet, called 'Dragon's Teeth'. This is level ground, with a side door in the mountain for those staying at the hotel on the mountain, or for those wearing high heels, after which the trail otherwise goes up steel stairs around the mountain. The place also has a cafeteria, which serves CHF 25 sandwiches and salads, and of course the gift shop, where you can buy a CHF 9 three scoop sorbet in a cone, or a CHF5 0.5 liter bottle of soda. Going down the mountain is anti climatic with first an aerial tramway and then a gondola, similar to the ones you see at NorthStar or Squaw Valley. For those who are adventurous, there is the rope hike, where you walk on rope, with your arms holding onto a higher rope, attached to a safety harness, at the top of the gondola. We get back in one piece, with all but one of the 33 members of our tour accounted for. The lone lost person was John D, the guy who mistakenly drank the bottle of apple juice ordered by me for my birthday the day before. He's probably still walking back to the hotel as we speak. Karma strikes again!
ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING!!!! My husband and I were in Lucerne with our tour group for the Christmas Markets in Switzerland, France, & Germany. Visiting Mt. Pilatus was an optional excursion from our tour package that we decided to do. Let me just start by saying that it was the best decision we made!! We started at the base of Krienseregg to the Fräkmüntegg station and then all the way to the top of Mt. Pilatus. Keep in mind that the cogwheel railway is not open during the winter time; however, we were fine with that because the gondola lift had panoramic views of beautiful Lucerne and its surrounding areas. The best part was that on the day we chose to see Mt. Pilatus was the same day that it started to snow. Once you make it to the top, there are stunning views of Mt. Pilatus. When you go outside to the observation deck, there's a trail with stairs that takes you up to the top. I have to say that the views were just amazing!! You seriously felt like you're above the clouds. Inside the observation building, there's a small cafe, gift shop, and restrooms. Shopping at their gift shop and getting a cup of hot cocoa and a little snack from their cafe was the perfect way to enjoy the views while staying warm inside. In addition, the prices are very reasonable. Visiting Mt. Pilatus is one of our favorite highlights from our honeymoon. The experience was just amazing and I'm so glad we were able to see Mt. Pilatus. Don't skip out on this when you're in Lucerne! I definitely recommend!
Recently booked the Steinbock Safari, where a naturalist informs you about the local IBEX population and then guides you around the mountain and points out the different animals. Some get to be as old as 18 years. Majestic animals! We went in July when the female goats have their Kitzis. The evening wraps up with a four course dinner. The next morning you see the sunrise atop Mt Pilatus, and continue viewing the game. A 30min bike to Tomlishorn (peak of Mt Pilatus) gives you a beautiful view of the area, alps and more game. Breakfast is served thereafter and a commemorative book is provided to all attendees. The naturalists are very well knowledged, but only speak German. Not a problem for us. A beautiful event.
GOLDEN ROUND TRIP!!! One of the most amazing, epic experiences of my life. I highly recommend doing this. We had the Swiss Rail Pass and all segments were included as of July 2017. You can do the trip clockwise (cog train first) or counter-clockwise (aerial gondola / cable car first). I read a few blogs before going, and they all suggested that counter-clockwise helps to avoid the crowds, and that was great advice. We hopped on our cable car in Kriens at 9:30am on a Saturday in July and there were no lines! We got lucky because we had a beautiful clear and sunny day. Once you get to the top (Pilatus Kulm), you can spend as much or as little time before heading down. They have a nice gift shop with relatively reasonable prices (Switzerland is expensive). By the time we got to the bottom of the mountain by Alpnachstad, we hopped on the 12:18pm lake cruise back to the city of Lucerne. Make sure to check the official website and look at the map in order to plan your journey ahead of time!
To start, if I hadn't read a review about Mount Pilatus (MP) I would have never visited it. So I hope that someone considering spending a bit extra for the experience does it, because it's totally worth it. We took a tour that took us up the mountain to give us amazing perspective on how high we actually were. The experience was breathtaking and the pictures do no justice. Once you arrive to the top you have the option to take several trails to to discover different sides of the mountain. The main building at the top offers food, drinks, and souvenirs for purchase. I suggest taking the time to make the trip and bring a sweater or jacket!
Oh, what fun! We went on a cloudy day, and still had a blast! We took the gondola up and down. You can wander around atop the mount, as well as eat and shop, and hike! You can also choose to hike up or take a cog train. The gondola seemed like the easiest and most fun! This is a not-to-miss tourist destination if you find yourself in Lucerne.
Incredible. It might seem a bit expensive, but when you compare the cost to everything else in Switzerland, it's actually quite reasonable. We took a boat to the cogwheel train, walked around the top of Mount Pilatus then took the gondolas down. They day we went was overcast and the forecast predicted rain. The temperature dropped pretty significantly as we got higher so I recommend bringing a light jacket or a hoodie. People can roll down their windows on the cogwheel train so it can get pretty cold during the ride depending on the temperature outside. The entire trip offers stunning views of Switzerland and nature. My head was in the clouds (literally!). There is a cafe at the top where you can grab lunch or a beverage while enjoying the beautiful view. If you are in Lucerne, I would suggest adding this excursion to (the top of) your to-do list.
MOUNT PILATUS The day started fine and clear and fortunately continued that way as we headed up Mount Pilatus by cog railway (from Alpnachstad), with gradients sometimes in the high 40s. This has been a tourist venue since the early 19th century and the cog railway is just one way of getting to the summit. Spectacular views all around at the top but especially towards the Jungfrau and company. There are a few walks on the top and then you may down head down by cable car and gondola to Krienz. You may, of course also ascend by cable car or if feeling really fit you may walk to the top. Perhaps the best option, and one I'm sorry I didn't take, is the Golden Roundtrip, which combines a trip by lake steamer to Alpnachstad, a cogwheel train ascent, descent by aerial cablecar and a panoramic gondola to Kriens, and a 15-minute bus ride back to Lucerne.
I came with a tour group. It was super foggy and was raining at the same time. I think we came on a bad day because we didn't see anything but fog while going up the tram. However, there were cowbells I saw while going up the tram. Beautiful weather, relaxing. I would suspect the view would show if it wasn't raining but I didn't see anything at all today. They give you a free souvenir My.Pilatus hat to wear! Great to give as gift to someone back home! Haha
If you're in Lucerne and looking for an unforgettable day trip, Mount Pilatus offers an experience that's hard to beat. From stunning views to exciting transportation options, this Swiss gem has it all. We were part of a guided tour group and started with a bus ride ( gathered as a group in a parking lot where a tour bus took us further from there) to the cable cars base station at Kriens. For a scenic journey up the mountain, we got into the aerial cable cars ( small ones to begin with and then the big one towards the end of the ride closer to the summit). The ride itself was a highlight, offering sweeping views of Lucerne, Lake Lucerne, and the surrounding Swiss Alps. As we ascended, we could see the landscape transform from lush green meadows to rocky, snow-dusted peaks. The ride was smooth, relaxing, and gave us plenty of opportunities to look at those breathtaking vistas. Reaching the top of Mount Pilatus at 2,132 meters was a moment of pure awe. The panoramic views are jaw-dropping and on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Jura Mountains and the Black Forest in Germany. The alpine landscape was absolutely stunning, and we found ourselves just standing there, taking it all in.The clouds were moving fast in and out though for our initial part of the trip it was pretty cloudy all the way. There are several hiking trails at the summit, ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes. We chose to stroll along some of the easier paths, which were well-maintained and offered even more incredible views of the surrounding peaks. The summit also features the "Dragon Path," which was a cool, slightly daring way to experience the mountain, with its narrow walkways and dramatic cliffside views. Few of us chose to venture in there but it definitely was worth the effort. After exploring the summit, we took a break at one of the restaurants at the top. We ate at Restaurant Bellevue where by you essentially pick a plate size and fill it up and pay by the plate and not by the weight of the contents. Costly for sure though at that height that's something that is to be expected. The view from the restaurant can be good to great depending on the moving clouds and your seating as well. There happens to be Pilatus Kulm Hotel as well that offers a cozy atmosphere and place to stay for those that choose to stay up atop the summit. For the descent, the tour package had the iconic Pilatus cogwheel train down from the summit. The journey was thrilling, with the train descending at a steep incline almost like we were riding into a postcard. The views kept changing as we moved down the mountain, from lush forests to alpine meadows and finally back to the picturesque lakeside. Once we reached the bottom, we capped off the adventure with a relaxing ferry ride back to Lucerne. Cruising across Lake Lucerne was the perfect way to wind down after a day full of adventure, with the sun reflecting off the water and the mountain peaks in the distance. It was peaceful, serene, and the perfect conclusion to an incredible day. Our trip to Mount Pilatus was nothing short of amazing. Whether you're seeking thrilling outdoor activities or simply want to take in some of the most stunning views in Switzerland, this mountain has something for everyone. The combination of cable cars, the cogwheel train, and the ferry ride made for an unforgettable experience that I highly recommend to anyone visiting Lucerne read more
We rode the cable car to the top then the cogwheel train (the steepest in the world) going down while in Lucerne. The journey was incredibly scenic. At the top, Mt. Pilatus felt like something out of a postcard. There are plenty of viewing platforms, short hikes, and photo spots, all with clear signage. We enjoyed the snow at the summit. Everything was clean, safe, and very Swiss-level efficient. Going down toward Alpnachstad was quite long that my sister fell asleep, but incredible. It's not cheap, but the experience fully lives up to the price. Pro tip: go early on a clear day to avoid crowds and get the best views. read more
Very expensive sightseeing tour that is worth every penny. We took two panoramic cable cars up the mountain and then a scenic train on the way down. At the top there is a hotel, places to eat, and a man playing an Alphorn. Be prepared for some snow at the top, and wear good shoes so you can finish the last bit of the climb on foot. Views all around are absolutely stunning. read more
33 of the 41 members of our tour group went on the optional excursion to Mount Pilatus on a weekday afternoon with high temperature of 80 degrees in Lucerne. We took the bus, and not the boat excursion to the base of the steepest cog railway train in the world. Had to get in the special expedited tour line, to make sure everyone got on the same train, costing CHF 85 for a round trip ticket, compared to the regular CHF 74 round trip ticket. They have electronic gates checking your ticket in no less than 6 places along the round trip. CHF100 fine for fare evaders! People going to the front of the train have to climb dozens of stairs outside to reach their seats, so steep is the 43 degree slope of the train. I got on the rear of the train, which had the best views of the vista as the train gained altitude. Once you are seated, you cannot switch to another row, let alone another train car. Better to be seated backward when going up the mountain for the best pictures out the rear. The ride in the cog train starts from the forests at ground level, and rises gradually, with views of Lake Lucerne and surrounding lakes as you ascend the mountain. Signs warn to keep hands and arms inside the roll down side windows, and with good reason, as the train goes through areas of carved rock in the mountainside, with more than a dozen tunnels and curves. 30 minutes later, we reach the end of the cog railway, at the 7000 foot altitude. Temperatures have plunged 20 degrees to 60 degrees with a bit of a wind. A bit drafty for those wearing t-shirts and shorts. Once at the top of the mountain, you can go on two separate hikes up the two peripheral mountains. These have railings around the steep mountain sides, with hundreds of steps up the hill. Signs warn that high heels are banned. There is another trip around the mountain, starting with a tunnel inside the mountain, with outlooks every few feet, called 'Dragon's Teeth'. This is level ground, with a side door in the mountain for those staying at the hotel on the mountain, or for those wearing high heels, after which the trail otherwise goes up steel stairs around the mountain. The place also has a cafeteria, which serves CHF 25 sandwiches and salads, and of course the gift shop, where you can buy a CHF 9 three scoop sorbet in a cone, or a CHF5 0.5 liter bottle of soda. Going down the mountain is anti climatic with first an aerial tramway and then a gondola, similar to the ones you see at NorthStar or Squaw Valley. For those who are adventurous, there is the rope hike, where you walk on rope, with your arms holding onto a higher rope, attached to a safety harness, at the top of the gondola. We get back in one piece, with all but one of the 33 members of our tour accounted for. The lone lost person was John D, the guy who mistakenly drank the bottle of apple juice ordered by me for my birthday the day before. He's probably still walking back to the hotel as we speak. Karma strikes again! read more
4 years ago
ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING!!!! My husband and I were in Lucerne with our tour group for the Christmas Markets in Switzerland, France, & Germany. Visiting Mt. Pilatus was an optional excursion from our tour package that we decided to do. Let me just start by saying that it was the best decision we made!! We started at the base of Krienseregg to the Fräkmüntegg station and then all the way to the top of Mt. Pilatus. Keep in mind that the cogwheel railway is not open during the winter time; however, we were fine with that because the gondola lift had panoramic views of beautiful Lucerne and its surrounding areas. The best part was that on the day we chose to see Mt. Pilatus was the same day that it started to snow. Once you make it to the top, there are stunning views of Mt. Pilatus. When you go outside to the observation deck, there's a trail with stairs that takes you up to the top. I have to say that the views were just amazing!! You seriously felt like you're above the clouds. Inside the observation building, there's a small cafe, gift shop, and restrooms. Shopping at their gift shop and getting a cup of hot cocoa and a little snack from their cafe was the perfect way to enjoy the views while staying warm inside. In addition, the prices are very reasonable. Visiting Mt. Pilatus is one of our favorite highlights from our honeymoon. The experience was just amazing and I'm so glad we were able to see Mt. Pilatus. Don't skip out on this when you're in Lucerne! I definitely recommend! read more
8 years ago
Recently booked the Steinbock Safari, where a naturalist informs you about the local IBEX population and then guides you around the mountain and points out the different animals. Some get to be as old as 18 years. Majestic animals! We went in July when the female goats have their Kitzis. The evening wraps up with a four course dinner. The next morning you see the sunrise atop Mt Pilatus, and continue viewing the game. A 30min bike to Tomlishorn (peak of Mt Pilatus) gives you a beautiful view of the area, alps and more game. Breakfast is served thereafter and a commemorative book is provided to all attendees. The naturalists are very well knowledged, but only speak German. Not a problem for us. A beautiful event. read more
GOLDEN ROUND TRIP!!! One of the most amazing, epic experiences of my life. I highly recommend doing this. We had the Swiss Rail Pass and all segments were included as of July 2017. You can do the trip clockwise (cog train first) or counter-clockwise (aerial gondola / cable car first). I read a few blogs before going, and they all suggested that counter-clockwise helps to avoid the crowds, and that was great advice. We hopped on our cable car in Kriens at 9:30am on a Saturday in July and there were no lines! We got lucky because we had a beautiful clear and sunny day. Once you get to the top (Pilatus Kulm), you can spend as much or as little time before heading down. They have a nice gift shop with relatively reasonable prices (Switzerland is expensive). By the time we got to the bottom of the mountain by Alpnachstad, we hopped on the 12:18pm lake cruise back to the city of Lucerne. Make sure to check the official website and look at the map in order to plan your journey ahead of time! read more
To start, if I hadn't read a review about Mount Pilatus (MP) I would have never visited it. So I hope that someone considering spending a bit extra for the experience does it, because it's totally worth it. We took a tour that took us up the mountain to give us amazing perspective on how high we actually were. The experience was breathtaking and the pictures do no justice. Once you arrive to the top you have the option to take several trails to to discover different sides of the mountain. The main building at the top offers food, drinks, and souvenirs for purchase. I suggest taking the time to make the trip and bring a sweater or jacket! read more
7 years ago
9 years ago
Oh, what fun! We went on a cloudy day, and still had a blast! We took the gondola up and down. You can wander around atop the mount, as well as eat and shop, and hike! You can also choose to hike up or take a cog train. The gondola seemed like the easiest and most fun! This is a not-to-miss tourist destination if you find yourself in Lucerne. read more
Incredible. It might seem a bit expensive, but when you compare the cost to everything else in Switzerland, it's actually quite reasonable. We took a boat to the cogwheel train, walked around the top of Mount Pilatus then took the gondolas down. They day we went was overcast and the forecast predicted rain. The temperature dropped pretty significantly as we got higher so I recommend bringing a light jacket or a hoodie. People can roll down their windows on the cogwheel train so it can get pretty cold during the ride depending on the temperature outside. The entire trip offers stunning views of Switzerland and nature. My head was in the clouds (literally!). There is a cafe at the top where you can grab lunch or a beverage while enjoying the beautiful view. If you are in Lucerne, I would suggest adding this excursion to (the top of) your to-do list. read more
16 years ago
MOUNT PILATUS The day started fine and clear and fortunately continued that way as we headed up Mount Pilatus by cog railway (from Alpnachstad), with gradients sometimes in the high 40s. This has been a tourist venue since the early 19th century and the cog railway is just one way of getting to the summit. Spectacular views all around at the top but especially towards the Jungfrau and company. There are a few walks on the top and then you may down head down by cable car and gondola to Krienz. You may, of course also ascend by cable car or if feeling really fit you may walk to the top. Perhaps the best option, and one I'm sorry I didn't take, is the Golden Roundtrip, which combines a trip by lake steamer to Alpnachstad, a cogwheel train ascent, descent by aerial cablecar and a panoramic gondola to Kriens, and a 15-minute bus ride back to Lucerne. read more
10 years ago
I came with a tour group. It was super foggy and was raining at the same time. I think we came on a bad day because we didn't see anything but fog while going up the tram. However, there were cowbells I saw while going up the tram. Beautiful weather, relaxing. I would suspect the view would show if it wasn't raining but I didn't see anything at all today. They give you a free souvenir My.Pilatus hat to wear! Great to give as gift to someone back home! Haha read more
6 years ago
12 years ago
A quite scary ride via cable car and then the cogwheel railway all the way to the top ( over 7,000 ft) where there's a beautiful restaurant. The view at the top was awesome! We listened to the tinkling of the massive cowbells from the valleys down below where so many cows dot the meadows to pasture. read more
7 years ago
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11 years ago
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