Pilatus

Private Experiences

Your driver will meet you at any convenient destination for you in Zurich. When you are already in the wonderful city of Lucerne your driver guide will lead you to the historical and must see places like the Chapel Bridge, Water Tower, Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Old city squares. After the exhausting walk you can take a break in one of the finest cafes within old city, near the lakeside or in the modern side as per your preferences. After having your coffee or snacks or just a wonderful time in Lucerne, your driver - guide will lead you to the most incredible aerial cableway journey called “Dragon Ride”: this is really like flying on the back of a dragon, when your adrenaline is going up to the top gradually. With bright memories enjoy a private transfer back to Zurich. 

Experience the assorted delights of Lucerne's landmark mountain . This is a day excursion taking in first a boat trip, then a cogwheel railway, aerial cableway, and last but not least, a panorama gondola. You are guaranteed amazing photography opportunities during this journey. After a boat trip on Lake Lucerne, you can look forward to a spectacular ride on the world's steepest cog railway. From an altitude of (7,000 ft/2132 meters), you'll enjoy an unforgettable view over the surrounding mountains and lakes, and take a short hike to the summit of the mountain; one of the best vantage points for landscape photography. Then you'll take the aerial cableway "Dragon Ride" and panorama gondolas down, and then a 5 minute walk will bring you to the bus for the trip back to Lucerne.

73 Alpine peaks and countless lakes ensure a unique and unforgettable all-round view at Mt. Pilatus which is located outside Luzern. The typical Golden Round Trip (Jun-Oct) offers a wonderful excursion: first by lake boat on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad. From there by the world's steepest cogwheel train to Mt. Pilatus. On the return travel by panoramic aerial cableway via Kriens and by local bus back to Luzern. Families and adventure seekers are also very welcome on the Pilatus. Central Switzerland's largest rope park is on the Fräkmüntegg. Numerous attractions await you on Mount Pilatus. Or enjoy the time on the large viewing terrace. Cogwheel railway and the scheduled lake board are closed from Nov-May. During this time you reach Mt. Pilatus by cableway and you'll take a one-hour scenic lake cruise in Luzern instead.

Mount Pilatus is a mountain massif with several peaks, overlooking Lucerne. The top can be reached with the Pilatus Railway, the world's steepest cogwheel railway, from Alpnachstad, operating from May to November (depending on snow conditions) and the whole year with the aerial panorama gondolas and aerial cableways from Kriens. The classical "Golden Round Trip" involves taking the lake boat from Luzern across to Alpnachstad, going up by the cogwheel railway, and returning down on the aerial cableways and panorama gondolas to Kriens, from where the bus takes you back to Luzern. Your tour guide leads you on this round trip through varied landscapes and wonderful views and shows you a few places away from the tourist flow

First, take the train to Stans on the southern side of Lake Lucerne, a ride which will take roughly 20 minutes, then make a time-jump ride on a wooden vintage funicular from the 19th century right before getting to the top-modern CabriO cable car. Most of you have probably experienced what a regular cable car feels like. The Stanserhorn mountain though has made it more exciting for its guests. The world’s first convertible-style cable car, the Stanserhorn CabriO, is where the fun begins. Wander from the summit down to the plateau at 1200 to 1600 meters above sea level in the Engelberg valley through the Geo-Trail towards the holiday destination of Wirzwerli where you will take a gondola ride down to the station. A 10 minute stroll will lead you to the train station and back to Luzern. Before you begin the hike, you’ll first be delighted with flowering meadows; stunning views over a hundred kilometers of alpine peaks, the city of Lucerne in the distance and also Lucerne’s own Mount Pilatus rising 2,128 meters into the sky; the lower sprawl of the Bürgenstock and the characteristic double peak of the Mythen among an endless scenery of lakes and mountain meadows. Marvel at the sights in an unforgettable ride through the valley, you can have a panoramic and completely unobstructed view while you float under the open sky with pristine mountain air blowing through your fluttering hair and no ropes above your head – as these are placed on the side of the carriage. The unimpaired view from the roofless upper deck of the gondola is truly memorable.

Start your tour with pickup at your accommodation and make your way to the train station in Basel. An intercity train will take you in 1 hour to central Lucerne, where you'll board a boat for a 1-hour cruise on Lake Lucerne. Enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains and and the waterfront of the city.  Arrive in Alpnachstad, where you'll switch to the cogwheel railway. The Pilatus railway operates between May and October and is the world's steepest cogwheel railway. The 35-minute journey takes you from 464 meters above sea level to the top of Mount Pilatus, at 2128 meters above sea level. At the top, your tour guide will show you some hidden military objects. Alternatively, you can climb up the stairs to the panoramic platform and enjoy the vast scenery. Your tour guide will take you through the gallery of dragons and tell you a myth about Mount Pilatus.  After the sightseeing tour, enjoy lunch in one of the two restaurants, where your tour guide will happily join you. Afterwards, take some free time to spend as you wish before you begin your descent. A panoramic gondola will take you down to Fräkmüntegg, where you will change to the 4-seat gondola. This section takes you above trees and meadows and down to the suburb Kriens. Head back to central Lucerne for your return trip back to Basel on an intercity train. Once back in Basel, your tour guide will accompany you to your accommodation. 

Every visitor to Lucerne is determined to conquer the towering Mt. Pilatus, Lucerne's signature mountain, and to experience the world’s steepest cogwheel train. With this tour, you can do both without breaking a sweat. Begin the day with a scenic 40-minute ride aboard a yellow postal bus from Lucerne, and wind your way up to the alpine village of Schwarzenberg at the foot of the Mount Pilatus. From this conclave of farmhouses nestled in the Alpine meadows, start your leisurely 1.5-hour hike through the pine needle forests and green pastures. Rest for lunch at a local alpine restaurant or with a picnic at a nearby meadow, and then travel to the top of Mt. Pilatus aboard a Pilatus gondola as well as an aerial tram. Once on top, hike the famed Flower Trail to the top of Tomlishorn, Mt. Pilatus' highest peak, and take in the spectacular views of the icy peaks of the Swiss Alps along the way, and then begin your return trip to Lucerne. Descend to Alpnachstad on the world’s steepest cog wheel train, and then board a lake steamer for a relaxing cruise across Lake Lucerne.

Depart Lucerne and travel by bus towards the dramatic peaks of Mount Pilatus overlooking the city and Lake Lucerne. Ascend the mountain on the spectacular Dragon Ride aerial cableway to reach an altitude of 2,132 meters above sea level. Get jaw-dropping views from the panoramic windows of the cableway that will make you feel like you are flying.  Soak up the sun once your reach the peak of Pilatus Kulm, and then go for a short hike along the Dragon’s Path or up to the summit to take photos of the extraordinary surroundings. Descend by aerial cableway to take the public bus back to Lucerne. Travel along the shores of the picturesque lake, set against an impressive mountain backdrop. Encounter architectural gems and historic sights that date back centuries, such as the much-photographed Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) in Lucerne city center. Experience the city's old-world charm and get tips on how to photograph the winter paradise on your camera.