Self-guided summer trip to Pilatus with cogwheel train and cable car from/to Alpnachstad or Kriens

Visit the iconic symbol of Lucerne and experience the world's steepest cogwheel railway.

Start your trip at the Alpnachstad or Kriens valley station and enjoy a 30-minute ride on the world's steepest cogwheel railway (from Alpnachstad) or take the panoramic gondola and "Dragon Ride" cable car (from Kriens).

At the summit of Lucerne's local mountain, you're treated to stunning panoramic views over the Swiss Alps, Lake Lucerne, and the city of Lucerne—either from the spacious outdoor panoramic terrace or from the cozy indoor panoramic gallery.

In just a few minutes, you can also reach one of the three peaks of Pilatus Kulm (Esel, Oberhaupt, or Tomlishorn) and enjoy hiking in the Swiss mountains or along the Dragon Path.

Pilatus is also called Dragon Mountain because legends speak of a dragon living there—discover more about these myths in the Dragon World on Pilatus Kulm.

In Alpnachstad and on Pilatus Kulm, you can try local specialties in one of the restaurants. Queen Victoria once visited Pilatus, and one of the restaurants on Pilatus Kulm is named after her.

If you choose to take the cable car to/from Kriens, you can enjoy various leisure activities (extra charge) such as the largest rope park in Central Switzerland (suitable for visitors aged 4 and up), the Drachflieger (dragon flyer), or Switzerland’s longest summer toboggan run at Fräkmüntegg station.

From Fräkmüntegg, you board the "Dragon Ride" cable car to reach the summit of Pilatus Kulm at 2,132 meters above sea level.

Practical information:

• Access for wheelchair users (advance reservation required)
• Duration: 2.5 to 6 hours, see timetable for departure times

• Operation of the cogwheel railway: 12.05.2025 – 16.11.2025
• Cable car closed for maintenance: 20.10.2025 – 07.11.2025 During this period, Pilatus Kulm can be reached via the cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad.
• Check the timetable carefully
• To avoid long waiting times for the cogwheel railway between Alpnachstad and Pilatus Kulm (or vice versa), we strongly recommend making a reservation at www.pilatus.ch/reservation
• The tour takes place in almost all weather conditions, so dress appropriately
• Please note that this is a self-guided tour, with no guide waiting for you.
• Small children participate for free (age 0 – 5.99 years)
• You can choose your start and end points (Kriens and/or Alpnachstad).
• Transportation to and from the start and end points is not included.

• Please check the timetables before the travel day
• The cable car from Kriens is closed for maintenance from 20.10.2025 to 07.11.2025. During this time, the Pilatus summit can only be reached by cogwheel train from Alpnachstad.