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. Pilatus has the longest summer toboggan track in Switzerland (0.88 miles or 1.350 km) and the biggest suspension rope park in Central Switzerland.

During the summer, the “Golden Round Trip” – a popular route for tourists – involves taking a boat from Lucerne across Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, going up on the cogwheel railway, coming down on the aerial cableways and panorama gondolas, and taking a bus back to Lucerne.

Pilatus was named after a local legend which alleges that Pontius Pilate was buried there.

Numbered amongst those who have reached its summit are Conrad Gessner, Queen Victoria and Lenin.

The Mountain

Whether you admire Mount Pilatus from the centre of Lucerne, whether you stand in Hergiswil beneath its steep slopes, or whether you stand in Eigenthal gazing at the rugged mountain chain towering behind the valley, the mountain always reveals its immense size and shape – although these appear different from every location.

Geology

From a geological aspect, Mount Pilatus is the northernmost branch of the Alps. The geological edge of the Alps stretches right through Lake Lucerne. Along this border run the sedimentary layers which traverse the whole of Switzerland and, with the lakes in the Alpine foothills, create some of Switzerland’s most stunning scenery.

History

The first written reference to Mount Pilatus was made in the 13th century. But Celtic herdsmen already inhabited the extensive heights in much earlier times.

But the real story of Mount Pilatus began with the completion of the Gotthard route. Suddenly, not only local people stood at the foot of Lucerne’s “own” mountain, but also travellers from the whole of the then-known world.

Legends & Myths

Since time immemorial, the rugged cliffs above Lucerne have been enveloped in mysterious myths and legends. in the Middle Ages, people believed that a dragon with healing powers and spirits inhabited the rocky crevices. It was said that the restless ghost of Roman governor once found lasting peace in Lake Pilatus. And so for a long time it was forbidden to climb the mountain – for woe betide any one who disturbed Pontius Pilate!

Intact Nature

On its climb from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway passes meadows carpeted with Alpine flowers, crystal-clear mountain streams and fascinating sheer cliff formations. With a little luck you may spot ibex, chamois, colourful Alpine roses, arnica or gentian on your journey. Over 900 species of plants are native to the Mount Pilatus area, many of them officially protected.

Hiking & High-Alpine Paths

Enjoy an easy stroll along the Dragon Path through the rock gallery on Pilatus Kulm – or make a short detour to the «Oberhaupt», the «Esel» or «Tomlishorn». In summer, these Mount Pilatus peaks are accessible along good paths, within an easy 10 to 35-minute walk from the Mount Pilatus hotels.

From Andermatt the trip continues through the Urseren valley to Realp and from there through the 16 km long Furka tunnel to the sunny and lovely Goms (headwater of the Rhone), the wide, high valley with its sun-tanned villages typical for the Valais.

From Brig, with its world-famous Stockalper castle, the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn brings youvia Visp (connection from Bern/Basel/Geneva/Zurich) to Zermatt, the car-free village at the foot of the Matterhorn. The journey leads through a wildly romantic valley offering an outlook up to numerous mountain peaks and glaciers. Shortly before Zermatt, the Matterhorn comes into view and enthralls you for the first time with its splendor.

Several connections in both directions daily. Seat reservations incl. supplement are mandatory only for the Glacier Express trains on the sector Disentis–Brig–Zermatt.

Option: from Zermatt take Switzerland’s oldest electrified cogwheel train to the Gornergrat (3089 m a.s.l.) where you will be surrounded by an impressive mountain range, crowned by the glorious view of the Matterhorn. 50% discount with Swiss Pass, Swiss Flexi Pass, Swiss Youth Pass and Swiss Card.

Route: Göschenen/Disentis – Andermatt – Oberwald – Brig – Zermatt (– Gornergrat)

At 3454 m a.s.l., the Jungfraujoch is arguably the highest train station in all of Europe. Snow and ice are guaranteed but so is a good time: The Sphinx Terrace with its fantastic view onto the Aletsch Glacier, the Ice Palace and the Walking Plateau for walks in eternal snow are attractions that are open year round.

Kleine Scheidegg – Eiger North Face

At the foot of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains with a top-tier view of the Eiger North Face, the Kleine Scheidegg is a meeting point for mountain climbers and hikers from everywhere in the world.

Schynige Platte – Paradise of Nature

The Schynige Platte is a classic among alpine excursions. With its nostalgic cogwheel train, interesting and well-groomed hiking trails and a botanical Alpine garden, it offers something for everybody.

Grindelwald – First

A brief 20-minute aerial cable-car brings passengers from Grindelwald to the First.

From here, you can admire the alpine peaks and set out on hikes on the 100 km long trail network.

Schilthorn – Piz Gloria

There is no better place to fully appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps than from the summit of the 3000 m high Schilthorn, which you reach in 20 minutes by cable car from Mürren. Just imagine yourself comfortably installed in our revolving restaurant, and enjoy more than 200 mountain peaks slowly passing in front of your window.

Swiss Pass, Swiss Flexi Pass and Swiss Youth Pass holders: ride free till Grindelwald, Wengen and Mürren. From there, enjoy a 50% discount to the Kleine Scheidegg, the Schynige Platte, the Schilthorn and to the First. On the route between Kleine Scheidegg and Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe you get a 25% discount. Swiss Card holders: enjoy a 50% discount on all the routes of the railways and cable cars of the Jungfrau region. No seat reservations possible for individual passengers.

Routes:
Interlaken East – Lauterbrunnen/Grindelwald – Kleine Scheidegg – Jungfraujoch
Wilderswil – Schynige Platte
Grindelwald – First
Lauterbrunnen – Mürren – Schilthorn