Mount Pilatus Summit Adventure
About this activity
Highlights
- Scenic boat cruise on Lake Lucerne
- Ride the world's steepest cogwheel railway
- Explore Mount Pilatus summit
- Breathtaking panoramic views
- Guided tour with expert insights
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip boat cruise on Lake Lucerne
- Ride on the world's steepest cogwheel railway
- Guided tour to Mount Pilatus summit
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Pass by: Meet your guide in central Lucerne in the early afternoon.
Hop aboard your comfortable coach for the short journey to Kriens, at the foot of the imposing Mt Pilatus. On arrival, begin your ascent to the mountain’s lofty summit with a 30-minute panoramic gondola ride to the Fräkmüntegg terminus. Enjoy beautiful views over the rolling hills and lush pine forests below. At Fräkmüntegg, hop aboard the aerial tramway — a spacious and modern cabin with panoramic windows designed to give the feeling of flight. Continue your climb to the summit at a dizzying altitude of 7,000 feet, and take in spectacular views over the Alpine peaks and lakes from your vantage point on the mountain. During your free time atop Mt Pilatus, perhaps sit down to a high-altitude lunch among the peaks (own expense) or relax on the expansive sun terrace. Venture down the Dragon's Path and take a short hike around the summit to enjoy the amazing views.
Pass by: Take the world's steepest cogwheel train down to Alpnachstad, descending past trickling mountain streams and sheer rock faces toward the verdant, green meadows below.
Conclude your tour with a picturesque 1-hour boat ride across lovely Lake Lucerne and enjoy the spectacular scenery from an entirely different angle.
Pass by: At the end of the cruise, your tour ends back in Lucerne.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour operates in English; ensure you understand the language for the guided portion.
- The cogwheel railway has specific operating hours; verify the schedule in advance.
- Be prepared for varying weather conditions; pack accordingly.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for mountain terrain.
- Bring a light jacket, as temperatures can be cooler at the summit.
- Check the weather forecast before departure to ensure optimal conditions.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- 19.10.-27.11.2026: Ascent and descent by cogwheel train, no boat ride but lunch voucher included
- 28.11.-29.11.2026: Ascent by cable car, descent by cogwheel train, no boat ride but lunch voucher included
Traveler reviews
Pilatus tour and boat ride
The operator was very organized and navigated us easily from cable car to tram to cogtrain and finally to boat for our return. We had ample free time at Mt Pilatus for some hikes and beautiful views.
Fantastic
Everything we hoped for and more! We had a fabulous guide who shared fun history and kept us organized. We had plenty of time to explore independently. Lucky to have a gorgeous day with stunning views - and a thrilling toboggan ride down the mountain! I’d definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Switzerland.
Wonderful say trip to Mt...
Wonderful say trip to Mt Pilatus including a bus, cable car, cogwheel train and cruise!! Very accessible for the elderly. Guide Rita was fabulous!
Amazing
Well worth doing and nice experience
Disappointed with Viator
The experience was not met on this tour. The tour included a ride on the cogwheel train and a CHF 20 food voucher for lunch. The cogwheel train broke down before we were supposed to ride. We were not given the CHF 20 food vouchers as listed in the booking details. I requested for a partial refund but I was denied of any amount of refunds. We always booked with Viator for our tours but this was a disappointment that they didn’t stand behind their customer service.