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

Lucerne’s Mt. Pilatus tour offers a captivating blend of natural wonders, from the panoramic gondola ascent to the adrenaline-filled descent by the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. Visitors can explore the summit’s scenic Dragon Trail, marvel at the dramatic rocky outcroppings, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. Until October 2024, a scenic boat cruise along Lake Lucerne completes the journey, showcasing the region’s picturesque landscapes. This carbon-balanced tour provides a sustainable way for adventurers to experience Lucerne’s natural beauty. What treasures await those who embark on this remarkable journey?

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Lucerne.

Key Points

• Panoramic gondola and aerial cable car ride up to the 2,132-meter summit of Mt. Pilatus with breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.
• Thrilling descent via the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, offering adrenaline-filled experiences and dramatic vistas.
• Exploration of the summit with hiking opportunities and traversal of the scenic Dragon Trail, surrounded by rocky outcroppings and alpine meadows.
• Scenic 1-hour boat cruise along Lake Lucerne, providing picturesque views of the alpine landscapes (until October 21, 2024).
• Guided tour by a professional guide, with transportation, lunch voucher (November 9th to November 17th, 2024), and carbon-balanced operations for a sustainable experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Highlights

The tour offers a captivating blend of natural wonders, including jaw-dropping views from the cable car ride up Mt. Pilatus and the thrilling descent via the world’s steepest cogwheel railway.

Brave adventurers can explore the scenic Dragon Trail at the summit, while those seeking a more leisurely experience can simply take in the panoramic vistas of the Swiss Alps.

The tour also includes a scenic boat cruise back to Lucerne, allowing visitors to soak up the stunning landscapes from a different perspective.

With a range of included features and an expert guide, this tour promises an unforgettable Swiss Alps experience.

Itinerary Overview

The tour begins with a departure from Lucerne, traveling to the nearby town of Kriens.

From there, visitors embark on a panoramic gondola and aerial cable car ride that takes them up the slopes of the majestic Mt. Pilatus, reaching an impressive elevation of 2,132 meters above sea level.

Once at the top, guests can hike to the summit or explore the scenic Dragon Trail.

The descent is made on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, providing breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.

The tour culminates with a 1-hour boat cruise back to Lucerne, available until October 21, 2024, allowing visitors to soak in the stunning lakeside scenery.

Ascent by Gondola

After departing Lucerne, visitors embark on a panoramic gondola and aerial cable car ride that transports them up the slopes of the majestic Mt. Pilatus.

The journey offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps as the cable cars steadily ascend. Along the way, guests can spot the rugged terrain and lush greenery that characterize the mountain landscape.

The gondolas and cable cars provide a comfortable and smooth ride, ensuring a pleasant and scenic ascent to the top of Mt. Pilatus, which stands at an impressive 2,132 meters above sea level.

This part of the tour allows visitors to soak in the stunning panoramic vistas that the mountain has to offer.

Exploration at the Summit

Upon reaching the summit, visitors can explore the diverse offerings atop Mt. Pilatus.

They can hike to the peak, taking in the breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the Swiss Alps. Alternatively, they may opt to traverse the Dragon Trail, a network of paths winding through the mountain’s rugged landscapes.

Hikers can marvel at the dramatic rocky outcroppings and alpine meadows, while spotting wildlife like ibex and Edelweiss flowers.

For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the summit also features several restaurants and shops, allowing visitors to savor local delicacies and browse Swiss souvenirs.

With its wealth of activities and stunning natural beauty, the top of Mt. Pilatus offers an unforgettable alpine adventure.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Descent by Cogwheel Train

Having explored the captivating summit, visitors now descend Mt. Pilatus on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway.

This exhilarating journey takes travelers down the mountain at a heart-pounding gradient of up to 48%, offering breathtaking vistas of the Swiss Alps along the way.

The cogwheel train, a marvel of engineering, crawls down the steep incline, providing an adrenaline-filled descent.

As the train navigates the winding tracks, passengers can admire the stunning alpine scenery unfolding before them.

This descent by cogwheel train is an unforgettable experience, seamlessly connecting the high-altitude exploration with the return to the valley below, completing the Pilatus adventure.

Boat Cruise to Lucerne

The boat cruise takes travelers back to Lucerne, providing a scenic journey along the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne.

As passengers board the vessel, they can admire the stunning alpine vistas surrounding the lake, including the majestic peaks of Mt. Pilatus.

The 1-hour ride offers a leisurely and relaxing way to end the tour, allowing visitors to take in the picturesque landscapes and soak in the serene atmosphere.

During the cruise, passengers can enjoy the panoramic views of the Swiss Alps, making for a memorable and fitting conclusion to the day’s adventure.

The boat ride is available until October 21, 2024, providing a convenient and picturesque mode of transportation back to Lucerne.

Inclusions and Pricing

The tour package includes a guided tour by a professional guide, transportation in a comfortable bus, panoramic gondolas and aerial cable cars, the cogwheel train (from May 17, 2024), and a boat cruise (until October 21, 2024). Travelers also receive a lunch voucher (from November 9th to November 17th, 2024) and the tour operations are certified as carbon-balanced by myclimate.

Item	Price	Availability
Cable Car & Cogwheel Train	From €156.32 per person	Available year-round
Boat Cruise	Included	Until October 21, 2024
Lunch Voucher	Included	November 9th to November 17th, 2024
Free Cancellation	Up to 24 hours in advance	–

The tour is likely to sell out, so travelers are advised to reserve their spot and pay nothing today, with the option to cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance.

Important Considerations

Wheelchair users ought not to join this tour, as it isn’t suitable for their needs.

Tours tend to sell out quickly, so it’s best to book in advance to secure your spot.

The tour operates rain or shine, so be prepared for the weather.

Bring comfortable walking shoes, as there will be a moderate amount of walking and hiking.

The boat cruise is only available until October 21, 2024.

The tour is carbon-balanced, ensuring a more sustainable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour may not be suitable for young children due to the high altitude, steep cogwheel railway, and boat cruise. Parents should consider their child’s age, stamina, and ability to handle the rigors of the experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Guests are generally welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour, though any consumption should be done in designated areas. Catering options may also be available at select stops along the itinerary.

Are There Any Age or Height Restrictions for the Attractions?

There are no age or height restrictions for the attractions, but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. All visitors should be able to safely navigate the terrain and use the transportation provided.

Can I Extend My Stay at the Summit?

Yes, visitors can extend their stay at the summit of Mt. Pilatus. The tour allows ample time for hikers to explore the Dragon Trail or enjoy the panoramic views before descending the mountain on the cogwheel railway.

Is There a Restroom Facility Available During the Tour?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available at the top of Mt. Pilatus. Visitors can use the restrooms during their time on the summit before descending the mountain. Restrooms are conveniently located near the arrival station of the cable car and cogwheel railway.

Recap

The Mt. Pilatus tour in Lucerne offers a captivating blend of natural wonders, from the panoramic gondola and aerial cable car ascent to the thrilling descent via the world’s steepest cogwheel railway.

Atop the summit, visitors can explore the scenic Dragon Trail and marvel at the dramatic landscape.

Complementing the experience is a scenic boat cruise along Lake Lucerne, showcasing the region’s picturesque beauty in a sustainable manner.

You can check if your dates are available here: