Mount Pilatus boasts the title of having the railway worldwide and promises breathtaking vistas of the neighboring mountains and lakes. The “Golden Round Trip”, to Mount Pilatus is an adventure that seamlessly combines a boat ride train journey and aerial cable car ride.
Our tip: Catching a sunset from Mount Pilatus is a must do. Witnessing the evening ambiance and stunning colors painting over the Swiss Alps creates a spectacle. During summer savor some moments at the summit as day visitors gradually make their way down.
Steepest cogwheel railroad in the world – adventure pur: Pilatus Railway takes you to an altitude of 2,128 meters
The “Golden Round Trip” to Pilatus is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Central Switzerland. You travel by boat, cogwheel railroad, aerial cableway and panoramic gondola lift to the most beautiful places around the Pilatus and to the summit.

Steamboat on Lake Lucerne
The Pilatus Railway is the steepest cogwheel railroad in the world. Spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and lakes await you on the Pilatus at an altitude of 2,128 m. Experience the diversity of Lucerne’s local mountain, from May to October, as a full or half-day excursion.
Golden round trip to Pilatus
The starting point of the Golden Round Trip is the boat landing stage, which is located directly at Lucerne railroad station. You take one of the many boats on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad in about an hour, with a few stops along the way. This trip alone is an experience with the fantastic view of the nearby shoreline and Mount Pilatus in the background.
In Alpnachstad, you change to the Pilatus cogwheel railroad. Enjoy the magnificent view of the ever-shrinking Lake Lucerne and its surroundings on this spectacular ride.

Dragon trail on the Pilatus
Pilatus Railway – a masterpiece from the 19th century
The steepest cogwheel railroad in the world, with a gradient of 48% and a length of 4,618 meters, runs from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm at 2,132 meters above sea level.
With the help of two horizontally rotating cogwheels, it is possible to master this incline with a cogwheel railroad. This ingenious technology was developed by engineer Eduard Locher. The first ride took place in 1889. In the same year, the masterpiece was also presented at the World Exhibition in Paris.
Once you reach the summit of Mount Pilatus, you can enjoy magnificent views of the lakes and mountains of the Swiss Alps in all directions. Even the famous American writer Mark Twain was enthusiastic about it, which he mentioned in his book “On Foot through Europe”.

Ibexes on the Pilatus
Dragon path
On the dragon trail carved through the rock face on the summit of Mount Pilatus, young and old alike can experience the mythical stories surrounding Mount Pilatus. This 40-minute circular trail also offers wonderful views of the Central Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne.
Experience ibexes on the Pilatus
For over 60 years now, ibexes have been thriving on Mount Pilatus. The ibexes on the mountain have become accustomed to humans in all this time. Watching the ibex colony is an unforgettable and impressive experience. The mountain belongs to the animals, especially in the evening and early morning. You can experience this natural spectacle on an Ibex safari.
Return to the starting point in Lucerne on the Pilatus suspension railroad, which first takes you to Frägmüntegg.

Pilatus aerial tramway

Pilatus gondola lift to Kriens
A summer toboggan run and the Pilatus rope park promise lots of fun, especially for younger excursionists. The “Pilatus Rope Park” offers everyone the opportunity to try out the ten courses with various obstacles and overcome any fear of heights.
Summer toboggan run for family fun
Whizz over steep bends, through dragon holes and over jumps. At 1350 meters, the Fräkigaudi on Fräkmüntegg is the longest summer toboggan run in Switzerland. The spectacular ride starts right next to the Fräkmüntegg mountain station. You can reach the starting point on foot in just a few minutes.
From Frägmüntegg, take the Pilatus cable car down to Kriens. After a 5-minute walk, you will reach the bus stop, from where one of the regular buses will take you back to the starting point at Lucerne railroad station.
Video Pilatus Golden Round Trip / Pilatus Goldene Rundfahrt
“Golden round trip” by boat, cogwheel railroad, aerial cableway and panoramic gondola lift…
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