Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – The Legendary Dragon Mountain

Duration10h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Group sizeUp to 50 travelers

Overview

Step into the legends of Mount Pilatus, the mythical “Dragon Mountain.” Steeped in centuries-old legends, Pilatus is said to be the resting place of Pontius Pilate, home to a petrified guardian, and the site where a dragon stone fell from the sky in 1420.

Begin your journey in Lucerne, with free time to explore its charming Old Town, wander the cobbled streets, admire colourful frescoed buildings, and stroll across the iconic Chapel Bridge.

Then head to Kriens and ascend to Mount Pilatus by Panorama Gondola and Dragon Ride. Feel the sensation of flying as you soar towards Pilatus Kulm at 2,132 metres, where sweeping views stretch across 73 Alpine peaks.

Choose your preferred descent:

Silver Option: Descend by cable car to Kriens, where your driver will meet you for the return journey.

Gold Option: Descend to Alpnachstad aboard the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, then enjoy a scenic cruise across Lake Lucerne, where your driver will meet you for the return journey.

Options

Pilatus Gold

(KTZ721) - Gold Option: cable car - cogwheel train - cruise - free time in Lucerne

Pilatus Silver

(KTZ724) - Silver Option: round trip cable car from Kriens

What's included

Free time to explore Lucerne
Cogwheel train from Pilatus to Alpnachstad (gold option)
Cruise on lake Lucerne (gold option)
Dragon and flower path
Cable car including Dragon ride
Driver-guide during transportation

Food and beverage

What to expect

Zurich
1h

Meet your driver-guide in the vibrant city of Zurich and begin your journey towards the Swiss Alps. Sit back and relax as you leave the city behind, watching the scenery transform from urban landscapes to rolling green meadows, shimmering lakes, and majestic Alpine peaks.
Lucerne
2h

Discover Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most picturesque cities. Enjoy free time to wander through the charming Old Town, admire its colourful historic buildings, and capture a photo of the iconic Chapel Bridge or Lion Monument.
Kriens
15m

Your driver-guide will take you to Kriens, where your journey to Mount Pilatus begins. From there, board the cable car and glide above lush forests and alpine meadows, taking in breathtaking views as you ascend toward the majestic summit.
20m

Enjoy the scenic cable car ride to Fräkmüntegg on your way to Mount Pilatus. If you wish, take a short break to enjoy the alpine scenery or explore one of the area’s attractions, such as the famous Fräkigaudi summer toboggan run.
Otherwise, continue your ascent to Pilatus Kulm aboard the Dragon Ride, where panoramic windows and sweeping mountain views create the sensation of flying above the spectacular alpine landscape.
Pilatus Luzern
4h · Admission ticket included

After your scenic Panorama Gondola ride to Fräkmüntegg and onward journey aboard the Dragon Ride, you’ll reach Pilatus Kulm at 2,132 metres above sea level.

Rising above Lake Lucerne, discover the legendary “Dragon Mountain” and the centuries-old myths surrounding its rugged peaks, adding a touch of mystery to this spectacular setting. Explore the summit at your own pace, taking in panoramic views across 73 Alpine peaks, relaxing on the terraces, or simply enjoying the mountain scenery.

For the return journey, choose your preferred option:
- Silver Option: Descend by cable car back to Kriens, where your driver-guide will meet you for the return journey.
- Gold Option: Take the world’s steepest cogwheel train down the mountain, followed by a peaceful cruise across the serene waters of Lake Lucerne (option only available from mid-May to mid-October).
Alpnachstad
20m

For those who choose the Gold Option, the journey continues aboard the world’s steepest cogwheel railway down to Alpnachstad.
Lake Lucerne
1h · Admission ticket included

For those who choose the Gold Option, after descending to Alpnachstad aboard the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, you’ll take a scenic cruise to Lucerne. Upon arrival, meet your driver-guide and board the bus for the return journey to Zurich.
Zurich
1h

After a day filled with mountain scenery, legendary stories, and unforgettable Swiss landscapes, relax on the return journey to Zurich and enjoy the final views along the way, taking with you memories to cherish.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Your tour departs from Zurich Central Bus Station. We have no office there, so arrive 15 min early, look for the Swisstours bus and show your reservation to the driver.

From Zürich HB, exit via Platform 18 and head towards Limmatstrasse. The bus station is between Starbucks and AVIA gas station.

End point

Your tour departs from Zurich Central Bus Station. We have no office there, so arrive 15 min early, look for the Swisstours bus and show your reservation to the driver.

From Zürich HB, exit via Platform 18 and head towards Limmatstrasse. The bus station is between Starbucks and AVIA gas station.

Additional information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The Gold Option, including the cogwheel railway and scenic cruise to Lucerne, is available from mid-May to mid-October.
Mount Pilatus facilities are closed for annual maintenance from 19 October to 27 November.
Any activities or attractions not specifically listed in the inclusions are optional and available at your own expense.
Child seats are not provided. Guests traveling with infants or children are required to bring an appropriate child seat. For safety reasons, the driver reserves the right to refuse transportation if the required child seat is not available.
This tour operates in all weather conditions. However, mountain activities are subject to weather and operational conditions. In exceptional circumstances, the itinerary may be adjusted for safety and operational reasons.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.2 (17)