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Explore Mt. Pilatus: A Must Visit Gem in Central Switzerland

Updated: Sep 1, 2023



Awesome View of Lake Lucerne from the top of Mt Pilatus
Awesome View of Lake Lucerne from the top of Mt Pilatus

Explore Mt Pilatus in Central Switzerland


Picture this: You find yourself in the heart of Switzerland, surrounded by breathtaking beauty. Nestled just a short distance from the charming city of Lucerne, Pilatus stands tall, beckoning you to explore its secrets. This majestic mountain, my friends, is where your dreams come alive.


As you venture southwest from Lucerne, you'll stumble upon Pilatus, a true gem of Central Switzerland. Its rugged peaks and stunning vistas will leave you in awe. Trust me; it's like stepping into a fairytale.


Where is Pilatus?


Pilatus is located approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Lucerne. It's practically a neighbor, ready to welcome you with open arms.


But where exactly is Pilatus from Lucerne? Imagine yourself standing in Lucerne, facing the southwest. There it is, right before your eyes! Just a stone's throw away, Pilatus dominates the horizon, captivating every adventurer's heart.


This proximity means you can escape the city's hustle and bustle in a flash. It's a traveler's paradise within arm's reach, offering you an unrivaled experience in the lap of nature.


How to get there?


There are four ways to reach the summit.


4. Hike to the top of Mt Pilatus


Visit the link for pricing and route details.


DO IT YOURSELF


Take the cableway from Kriens to Mt Pilatus (cheapest way)

  • Take the bus from Lucerne Bus Stop A to Kriens


Bus route from Lucerne to Kriens
  • To get to Pilatus Bahnen AG (Cable Car Station) from Kreins Zentrum Pilatus, go towards the right side of the Catholic Church and walk uphill for approximately 8 minutes. See map below


Google Maps displaying the pedestrian pathway from Kriens, Centrum to Pilatus Bahnen (cable car station)
Google Maps displaying the pedestrian pathway from Kriens, Centrum to Pilatus Bahnen (cable car station)

  • Purchase your cable car tickets, ensuring that they include round-trip travel to Mount Pilatus.

People queueing in the Cable car station in Krienseregg
Cable car station in Krienseregg
Kriens-Pilatus Kulm Return Trip Price (2023)
Kriens_Pilatus Kulm Return Trip Price (2023)

Tip: Buy tickets online and show your QR code to skip queues.

  • Board the cable car at the Krienseregg Valley Station heading to Fräkmüntegg. Enjoy the breathtaking views of lush valleys and Swiss villages during the 10-15 minute ascent. Once you reach Fräkmüntegg, disembark from the cable car.


Cable car from Krienseregg to the Fräkmüntegg Station
Cable car from Krienseregg – to the Fräkmüntegg Station.

  • Then, transfer to an aerial cable car from Fräkmüntegg to the top of Mount Pilatus for stunning views and activities. (See picture below)


Majestic Scenery from the Aerial Cableway to Mount Pilatus
Majestic Scenery from the Aerial Cableway to Mount Pilatus

Breathtaking Panoramas on the Aerial Cableway to Mount Pilatus
Breathtaking Panoramas on the Aerial Cableway to Mount Pilatus

Reaching the summit of Mount Pilatus is an amazing experience. Once you exit the cable car, you'll be met with breathtaking views that extend for miles. If the weather is clear, you may even see the Swiss Alps in the distance. Luckily, we had perfect weather on the day we visited. I recommend you take your time to explore the peak, check out the different observation spots, and bask in the stunning beauty that surrounds you.



Summit of Mt Pilatus


Explore the breathtaking beauty of Mt. Pilatus, including delicious food and comfortable accommodations. Take a short walk to accessible viewpoints and bask in the awe-inspiring surrounding landscapes.


1. Oberhaupt viewpoint is just 10 minutes walk from Pilatus Kulm


View from Oberhaupt viewpoint in Mt Pilatus Switzerland
View from Oberhaupt viewpoint

Tourist enjoying the Great view from Oberhaupt viewpoint
Great view from Oberhaupt viewpoint


2. Esel's viewpoint


It's 15 minutes walk to the top and offers a stunning view of Lucerne and a 360 degree panoramic view of the Alps, various lakes, and even the Black Forest on a clear sunny day.


3. Klimsenhorn and Klimsenkapelle


Hike downhill from Pilatus Kulm for 25 minutes to find the picturesque Klimsenhorn and Klimsenkapelle. Enjoy the scenery and capture beautiful photos at this peaceful location.


4. Discover the Dragon Path


Dragon's Path, Mt Pilatus, Switzerland
Dragon's Path, Pilatus

The Dragon Path is conveniently located just off the Panorama Gallery. Take advantage of the peepholes available to gain unique, exciting perspectives of Lake Lucerne and the

surrounding area.


I highly recommend you explore Mt Pilatus from different viewpoints to appreciate its magnificence and breathtaking beauty.

Dragon Ride, Pilatus
Awesome view from inside the aerial cableway Dragon Ride

After enjoying the stunning views and diverse perspectives from the top of Mount Pilatus, it was time to start our descent. We took the cable car down to the charming village of Kriens and from there, we took the bus to the beautiful city of Lucerne.



Chapel Bridge in Lucerne
Chapel Bridge in Lucerne

Check out our Pilatus journey on YouTube - it's breathtaking!









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