Mount Pilatus is one of the most popular travel destinations in Lucerne. But, people traveling for the first time don’t know how to get there and which is the best time to explore this place. If you are also one of them, stop searching further and get your questions answered here.

Different transport options are available to reach the mountain Pilatus, including cogwheel rail, cableway, and hiking. The best time to visit this heaven is from June to September as the weather used to be pleasant then.

So, as you are planning to visit Mount Pilatus this year, this article will help you plan your trip to the mountain. Read this article to plan your trip like a pro and get useful tips to make your experience memorable!

Mount Pilatus: An Overview

Mount Pilatus is a nature’s gem, which you may also know as Mountain of Dragons. The mountain looks over Lucerne (a beautiful city in Switzerland). From the top of Mount Pilatus, you can enjoy the splendid view of different peaks, the highest of which is about 2,132 meters above sea level.

The stunning view from the mountaintop makes this place a heaven and idyllic spot for nature lovers. Therefore, tourists never miss the opportunity to witness the beauty of the Swiss Alps from the top of Mt. Pilatus every time they travel to Lucerne.

How To Reach Mount Pilatus?

Reaching Mount Pilatus is pretty easy. There are three ways by which one can reach there:

Option 1: Cogwheel Rail

You will take the train from Lucerne station to reach Alpnachstad station. Then, from Alpnachstad station, take the cogwheel rail, which will drop you at the top of Pilatus. The cogwheel rail covers the distance of 9 kilometers from Alpnachstad to Mount Pilatus within 30 minutes.

While returning, you will ride the cableway and gondolas to Kriens. Then, to reach the Lucerne railway station, you will take the train from Kriens station.

Cost:

• 36 CHF for children under the age of 16
• 72 CHF for adults

Option 2: By Cableway

Cableway is another way to reach Mount Pilatus. First, you will reach Kriens (a small town) from Lucerne. Then, from Kriens, you will get tickets for gondolas and cableway to reach the Mountain Pilatus. The cableway reaches from Kriens to mountain Pilatus within 40 minutes.

Cost:

• 40 CHF for the children under the age of 16
• 78 CHF for the adults

Option 3: Hiking

Hiking is a favorable option for all adventurous souls. Also, it is the cheapest way to get to Mount Pilatus. If you trek regularly, you can easily cover this distance of 26.5 kilometers. The route is spectacular, and you will enjoy the phenomenal beauty while reaching the mountain top.

Exploring Mount Pilatus In One Day

There are two popular day trips which most of the tourists choose to travel from Lucerne to Mt. Pilatus to enjoy the beauty of this place in one day:

Golden Round Trip To Mt. Pilatus

Golden round trip is one of the most popular ways to reach there. You will take a bus from the Lucerne to Kriens and then a cable car to reach the Mountain Pilatus. While returning, enjoy the cogwheel train ride and reach Alpnachstad, from where you can take a boat to Lucerne. Most tourists traveling to Mount Pilatus choose this route and explore this beautiful place within one day.

Silver Round Trip To Mount Pilatus

The second way to reach there is by silver round trip. You will take the bus from Lucerne City to reach Kriens first. Then, take the cable car to reach Mount Pilatus. Then, take the cogwheel train from the mountain to reach Alpnachstad and then reach Lucerne by taking the regular train.

Which is the Best Time to visit Mount Pilatus?

You can enjoy the stunning beauty of Mount Pilatus in peak summertime and quiet winter. But, summers are considered the most favorable and best time to visit this mountain.

• Summer (June to September) is the peak time for exploring this place. It is because the weather used to be pleasant during summer, and you could enjoy the cogwheel train ride.
• On the other hand, in winter, from November to April, you may not be able to enjoy cogwheel train rides. Also, the boats from Alpnachstad and Lucerne will not be available in winter.

The temperature goes below freezing, and you can only enjoy the views at the top of the mountain for some time. Therefore, visiting Mount Pilatus in winter will not be a better idea.

Tips For The Travelers

To make your trip to Mount Pilatus memorable, we are providing you with some useful tips here:

1. Reach the Kriens station as early as possible; otherwise, you may have to wait long, especially in summer (peak time).
2. Wear trekking or good walking shoes to reach the mountain by hiking.
3. The summer used to be a little chilly here. Therefore, you must have a light coat or cotton sweater to keep you warm.
4. Book the tickets online, especially during the peak time
5. All the transportation systems get closed by 5 in the evening, so plan your trip accordingly.

Conclusion:

From the top of Mount Pilatus, you can enjoy a jaw-dropping view. The place is easier to reach, especially if you are staying in Lucerne. You can take the cogwheel train or cable from Lucerne to reach the mountain top. The option of trekking is also available.

Summer is the best time to visit mountain Pilatus as the weather used to be pleasant then. Though you can enjoy the beauty of mountain Pilatus in winter, you cannot enjoy the cogwheel rail ride. Also, wear sweaters when you visit mountain Pilatus to keep yourself warm!