From Lucerne: guided tour of Pilatus Golden Round Trip including cable car and boat ride
Highlights
- Enjoy an exciting ride on the cable car "Dragon Ride"
- Take a journey on the steepest cogwheel railway in the world with a 48% gradient
- Hike along the Dragon Path or relax on a panoramic terrace
- Admire a breathtaking view from the summit of Pilatus at 2,132 meters above sea level
- Experience a cozy boat trip on Lake Lucerne
Description
Many legends and myths surround the Pilatus. In medieval times, it was believed that sacred dragons once dwelled in its barren crags. Even today, you can discover dragons here and enjoy the spectacular view at the same time. This tour offers a unique insight into the magical world of this mountain.
Starting from Lucerne, you travel by coach to Kriens. From there, you continue with the panoramic gondola to Fräkmüntegg. Immediately afterwards, you board the state-of-the-art “Dragon Ride” aerial cableway. Thanks to the large panoramic windows, you can better enjoy the fantastic scenery. It almost feels as if you are flying. During maintenance work on the Dragon Ride between late October and early November, the cogwheel train is used.
From the mountain station, it’s a short walk to the summit of Pilatus. The Dragon Path takes you up to 2132 metres above sea level. Here, you have a breathtaking view of the surrounding Swiss Alps and turquoise lakes. Now you can take advantage of the many hiking options or dine in one of the restaurants.
Afterwards, you descend from Pilatus Kulm via the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, passing through blooming alpine meadows into the valley. The 40-minute journey with a maximum gradient of 48% is a truly special experience. From the valley station in Alpnachstad, you return to Lucerne. To round off the tour, enjoy a one-hour cruise on the idyllic Lake Lucerne (until around mid-October, after which a lunch voucher for the Pilatus summit is offered as compensation).
With a dog, stroller, or wheelchair
Dogs:
- only assistance dogs allowed (advance registration required, free of charge)
Wheelchair:
- folded in the bus
- independent boarding and alighting required
Stroller:
- folded in the bus
Please make sure to inform the tour provider in advance. You can also clarify additional details directly with them.
Swiss Activities Tip
If you set off in the afternoon for the trip to Pilatus, you should fuel up beforehand. A visit to Mill’Feuille in Lucerne is worth it for that. On good weather days, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast directly in the sun by the Reuss. If the weather is poor, you can of course enjoy your breakfast comfortably indoors.
Inclusions
Guided tour in a comfortable coach
Experienced tour guide
Ticket for: Panorama gondola, Dragon Ride aerial cableway, cogwheel railway, boat trip on Lake Lucerne (until 18.10.)
Carbon offset through myclimate
Catering
Meeting point
Bus Parking Landenberg, Alpenquai, 6005 Luzern
Alpenquai, 6005 Luzern, Switzerland
Important information
- Panorama cable car, Dragon Ride aerial tramway: during maintenance (Oct 19 to Nov 27) service with cogwheel train
- As a replacement for the boat service (Oct 19 to Nov 29): lunch voucher (adults 20 CHF, children 10 CHF)
Provider
Operated by
Best of Switzerland Tours
Verified provider
Reviews
9 Reviews
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Our guide was organized, friendly and informative. I had a slight mobility issue and he
Linda
25 Jun 2026
Daniel was very good, but a little more logistical information would have been helpful, especially toward the end of the tour on the final boat trip.
Angela
14 Jun 2026