Visit Lucerne's landmark and enjoy the steepest cogwheel railway in the world.
Start your journey at Alpnachstad or Kriens station and enjoy a 30-minute ride on the steepest cogwheel railway in the world (from Alpnachstad), or take the panoramic gondola and the “Dragon Ride” aerial cableway (from Kriens).
At the summit of Lucerne's local mountain, take in the magnificent panoramic views of the Swiss mountains, Lake Lucerne and the city of Lucerne — either from the spacious outdoor viewing terrace or the cosy indoor panoramic gallery.
In just a few minutes, you can also reach one of the three summits at Pilatus Kulm (Esel, Oberhaupt or Tomlishorn) and enjoy a hike in the Swiss mountains or along the Dragon Trail.
Pilatus is also known as Dragon Mountain, as legends say that dragons once lived there. Find out more about these myths at Dragon World on Pilatus Kulm.
At Alpnachstad and Pilatus Kulm, you can sample local specialities at one of the restaurants. Queen Victoria even visited Pilatus, and one of the restaurants at Pilatus Kulm is named after her.
If you decide to take the cableway to or from Kriens, you can enjoy a range of leisure activities at Fräkmüntegg for an extra charge. These include the largest ropes course in Central Switzerland (suitable for visitors aged 4 and over), the Dragon Glider and Switzerland's longest summer toboggan run.
At Fräkmüntegg, change to the “Dragon Ride” aerial cableway to reach the summit of Pilatus Kulm at 2,132 m above sea level.
Practical information
- Wheelchair access (advance reservation required)
- Duration: 2.5–6 hours. Check the timetable for departure times.
- Gondola and aerial cableway services: 8 November 2025–29 March 2026 / 1 April 2026–18 October 2026
- Cogwheel railway services: 11 May 2026–29 November 2026
- Gondola and cableway services are suspended for maintenance on 30 and 31 March 2026, and from 17 October to 27 November 2026. During this time, you can reach Pilatus Kulm by cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad.
- Check the timetable carefully.
- To avoid long waits for the cogwheel railway between Alpnachstad and Pilatus Kulm (or vice versa), we strongly recommend booking at www.pilatus.ch/reservation
- The trip runs in almost all weather conditions, so dress accordingly.
- Please note that this is a self-guided tour; no guide will be waiting for you.
- Children under 6 travel free (ages 0–5.99).
- You can choose your starting and ending point (Kriens and/or Alpnachstad).
- Transport to and from the starting and ending points is not included.
- Small dogs up to 30 cm travel free on the Pilatus mountain railways. They must remain in a pet carrier throughout the journey, and the carrier must fit under your seat.
- Dogs without a carrier, and all dogs with a shoulder height of 30 cm or more, need their own dog ticket for the Pilatus mountain railways.