Ride to the top of Mt. Pilatus by aerial cable car to take part in easy hikes through the Alpine scenery. Descend the mountain on the world's steepest cogwheel railway, and then cruise back to Lucerne by boat.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Duration 5.5 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
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Live tour guide: English

Highlights

Get jaw-dropping views on the cable car ride up Mt. Pilatus
Brave the world's steepest cogwheel railway
Cruise back to Lucerne by boat (during summer)
Enjoy panoramic views of the Swiss Alps

Full description

Depart Lucerne and relax aboard a comfortable coach on the drive to Kriens. Then, climb aboard the panoramic gondolas and journey to Fräkmüntegg to board the aerial Dragon Ride cable car up the mountain. Get magnificent views of the snow-capped peaks from the panoramic windows.

Arrive at the top of Mt. Pilatus, 2,132 meters above sea level and feel like a bird as you survey your surroundings. Hike to the summit or venture down the Dragon Trail where dragons with healing powers were thought to live in the Middle Ages.

Relax on the panoramic terrace and take in the magnificent vistas of the mountains and lakes. Eat at one of the restaurants to enjoy lunch on top of the world.

Get ready for the ride of a lifetime as you descend the mountain on the world's steepest cogwheel railway. Arrive in Alpnachstad to embark on a one-hour cruise back to Lucerne on the beautiful "Lake of the 4 Cantons" (only during summer).

Includes

Round-trip bus transporation
Fully guided tour
Multilingual guide
Dragon Ride cable car up Mt. Pilatus
Descent by cogwheel train
1-hour boat cruise with summer option
Lunch voucher up to 20 CHF with autumn option

Additional food or drink
Personal expenses

Meeting point

Your tour departs from Frankenstrasse 2-4 in a side street next to Lucerne train station. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure and wait on the sidewalk with your confirmation details and valid ID ready.

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Important information

What to bring

Passport or ID card

Not allowed

Food and drinks in the vehicle

Know before you go

From October 17-23 and November 5-20 2022: the ascent will be made by cable car, the descent will be by cogwheel train (no boat ride) but a lunch voucher will be included
From October 24 to November 4 2022: the ascent and descent will be made by cogwheel train, due to revision of the cable car (no boat ride) but a lunch voucher will be included

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 465 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.7/5
Transportation
4.8/5
Value for money
4.5/5
Safety
4.8/5

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It was not clear that this tour would NOT include the boat cruise on Lake Luzern, if the Cogwheel train was not running. We expected a cruise on the lake which did not happen. The tour consisted only of a 15 minute coach ride to a gondola, then gondola and cable cars to the top of Mount Pilatus. After decent from the mountain, return to the city was by public transportation. It was not worth the amount of money charged!

May 12, 2022

Interesting, with additional information, but served in moderation. Not to be repeated individually - local guides know best how to embrace various attractions in a reasonable time and at a reasonable price. We were on an English speaking tour - the guide spoke great English - he was definitely not English :)

September 4, 2021

It’s everything you want an excursion to be. Our guide Monica was friendly (please tip them), the bus to the location was comfortable, the ride up the mountain was unbelievably beautiful, the time you had is good depending on what activities you’re interested in. The cogswheel train was a once in a lifetime experience and the boat ride back is the perfect ending to the perfect day.

August 21, 2021

Lucerne: Mt. Pilatus Cable Car, Cogwheel Train & Lake Cruise

Lucerne: Mt. Pilatus Cable Car, Cogwheel Train & Lake Cruise

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