Travel Guide of Mount Pilatus in Switzerland by Influencers and Travelers

Pilatus, also often referred to as Mount Pilatus, is a mountain massif overlooking Lucerne in Central Switzerland. It is composed of several peaks, of which the highest is named Tomlishorn.

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How to visit Mount Pilatus ?

Why traveling there?

Mount Pilatus, a majestic mountain in central Switzerland, offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps and the city of Lucerne. It is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and photography enthusiasts. The mountain boasts a rich history, with legends of dragons and ghosts. With various outdoor activities, such as hiking, paragliding, and mountain biking, it caters to all types of travelers.

How to get there?

To reach Mount Pilatus, you first need to get to Lucerne, which is well-connected by train, bus, or car from major Swiss cities. From Lucerne, you can either choose the scenic boat ride to Alpnachstad and then take the world's steepest cogwheel railway to reach the summit or opt for a bus ride to Kriens and then take the panoramic gondola and aerial cableway up the mountain. Both options provide stunning views of the Alpine landscape.

What to book in advance?

Though it is possible to purchase tickets for the cogwheel railway, gondola, and cableway on the day of your visit, it is advisable to book them in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak season. If you plan on paragliding or trying other adventure activities, it's a good idea to book those in advance as well. The Pilatus Kulm Hotel, located on the mountain, offers limited accommodation, so booking a room in advance is highly recommended if you wish to stay overnight.

What are the costs?

The round-trip cost for the cogwheel railway and aerial cableway varies between CHF 72 and CHF 108 for adults, depending on the season and route. Discounts are available for children and Swiss Travel Pass holders. Additional costs will be incurred for adventure activities, dining, and accommodation.

What are the best things to do?

Some of the most popular activities on Mount Pilatus include:

1. Exploring the various hiking trails and enjoying panoramic views.
2. Visiting the Dragon Trail, which showcases the legends of Mount Pilatus.
3. Taking a thrilling paragliding flight for an aerial view of the Alpine landscape.
4. Enjoying a meal with a view at one of the mountain's restaurants.

Where to eat?

1. Restaurant Pilatus Kulm: This historic restaurant offers a variety of Swiss and international dishes, along with panoramic views of the Alps.
2. Restaurant Bellevue: Located at the summit, this self-service restaurant offers a selection of hot and cold dishes, as well as stunning views.
3. Fräkmüntegg: A mountain restaurant offering traditional Swiss cuisine and a cozy atmosphere.

Where to stay?

1. Pilatus Kulm Hotel: A historic hotel located on the mountain, offering comfortable rooms with Alpine views and a unique atmosphere.
2. Hotel Bellevue: A modern hotel located at the summit, featuring minimalist design and breathtaking views.
3. Lucerne city hotels: For a wider range of options, you can stay in Lucerne and visit Mount Pilatus as a day trip.

Off the beaten path

For an unusual travel experience, venture to the Amsigen Alp cheese farm, located at the foot of Mount Pilatus. This traditional Swiss farm offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about cheese-making and taste their delicious homemade products. Hiking to the farm from the base of Mount Pilatus provides a peaceful and scenic alternative to the more popular tourist attractions.

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Learn More about Mount Pilatus

Mount Pilatus is a mountain in the Alps near Lucerne in central Switzerland. The Pilatus massif dominates the whole region from its 7200 feet (2128 meters) of altitude. Even today, Mount Pilatus offers to visitors many mystical discoveries and fabulous nature spots. The vegetation is constantly changing: the lake reeds give way to lush green meadows, fragrant forests and an arid mountain landscape with impressive rock formations. The Pilatus can be reached from Lucerne by cable car or from Alpnachstad by the steepest cogwheel railway in the world. A special tour by steamboat, cogwheel train and bus can be combined with various sports and hiking tours. Mount Pilatus is the place to be for mountain leisure sports, sledding in winter or hiking and zip-lining in summer, it’s up to you! An icy path will lead you to the top of the site, where you will witness the magnificence of the view. With a multitude of shades of color between blue and green in summer, blue and white in winter. From the top of the Pilatus there is a splendid and spectacular view over the beautiful Lake Lucerne to the Black Forest, the Vosges and the Jura and on the other side of the Alps. This spectacular excursion is an epic in the high Swiss summits. You may have the opportunity to see one of the Pilatus legends, a dragon symbolized by a fossilized stone with the imprint of a claw. Another legend says that the body and soul of Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea, rested in a lake at the top. For this reason, the mountain was cursed for several centuries and inherited the name of Pilatus. You will have the opportunity to hear all kinds of myths and legends during your excursion of Mount Pilatus. It's up to you if you believe in it or not, but we cannot deny that it contributes to the charm of the place, but in any case, this destination is worth the hype!

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Mount Pilatus

What to do and visit in Lucerne near Mount Pilatus?

Lucerne is a great city to live in, Mount Pilatus is of course a must, but the city offers many possibilities! First, you should stroll through the old city center with its charming buildings. You should also visit the emblem of Lucerne which is the Chapel Bridge, the covered wooden bridge dates from the 14th century. The city also has many museums, churches and castles to explore.

Mountain excursions from Lucerne near Mount Pilatus ?

Lucerne offers a multitude of excursions to visit the alpine landscape.
Mount Rigi, which rises to 5900 feet (1797 meters), is known for its incredible sunrises and sunsets. 
The Engelberg takes you directly to an Alpine paradise with views of glacier-covered peaks above 9800 feet (3,000 meters). 
Southern Lucerne, the Stanserhorn is the fastest way to get above the lake and enjoy the view.

Any recommendations for a boat tour around Lake Lucerne near Mount Pilatus?

The 23.6 mile (38 km) long Lake Lucerne offers many possibilities for boat trips. The possibilities range from a one-hour round trip from Lucerne to Kehrsiten-Burgenstock, to a three-hour trip from Lucerne to Fluelen; it's up to you to decide which one you prefer. A boat trip is an excellent way to enjoy the beautiful region while relaxing. There is also a restaurant or bistro on board almost every boat, so you can make the most of the trip.
Although clear skies and sunshine are ideal for a boat trip, a few clouds won't spoil your day, but be sure to check the weather forecast. 

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Popular destinations near Mount Pilatus

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Morschach

  27 km (16.8 miles) away from Mount Pilatus

Morschach is a municipality in Schwyz District in the canton of Schwyz in Switzerland.

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#Hill station picture of Morschach near Mount Pilatus

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Meisterschwanden

  35 km (21.8 miles) away from Mount Pilatus

Meisterschwanden is a municipality in the district of Lenzburg in the canton of Aargau in Switzerland.

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#River picture of Meisterschwanden near Mount Pilatus

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Hirzel

  38 km (23.3 miles) away from Mount Pilatus

Hirzel is a former municipality in the district of Horgen in the canton of Zürich in Switzerland. On 1 January 2018 the former municipality of Hirzel merged into the municipality of Horgen.

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#Hill station picture of Hirzel near Mount Pilatus

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#Forest picture of Hirzel near Mount Pilatus

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#Hill picture of Hirzel near Mount Pilatus

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Interlaken

  44 km (27.4 miles) away from Mount Pilatus

Interlaken is a Swiss town and municipality in the Interlaken-Oberhasli administrative district in the canton of Bern. It is an important and well-known tourist destination in the Bernese Highlands region of the Swiss Alps, and the main transport gateway to the mountains and lakes of that region.

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#Hill station picture of Interlaken near Mount Pilatus

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#Mountain range picture of Interlaken near Mount Pilatus

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Zürich

  46 km (28.3 miles) away from Mount Pilatus

Zürich is the largest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Zürich. It is located in north-central Switzerland at the northwestern tip of Lake Zürich.

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#Forest picture of Zürich near Mount Pilatus

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