Lucerne: Mount Pilatus – The Legendary Dragon Mountain

Duration6h 30m

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

Discover the majesty of Mount Pilatus, Lucerne’s legendary mountain, on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Wrapped in myth and framed by spectacular Alpine scenery, this iconic peak is a place where legends come to life. Tales speak of Pontius Pilate resting beneath its waters, a petrified guardian watching over a hidden cave, and a mysterious dragon stone that fell from the sky in 1420.

Your journey begins with a scenic gondola ride from Kriens, followed by the “Dragon Ride” cableway with panoramic windows offering the sensation of flying above the mountains. From the summit, enjoy views of Lake Lucerne and 73 Alpine peaks, with free time to explore.

Choose your descent:
Silver Option: Return back to Kriens by cable car, where your driver-guide will be waiting for you.

Gold Option: Experience the thrill of the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to Alpnachstad, followed by a scenic cruise across Lake Lucerne.

Options

Pilatus Silver

(KTU724) - Silver Option: Includes the panoramic gondola and “Dragon Ride” cableway

Pilatus Gold

(KTU721) - Gold Option: Includes the panoramic gondola, “Dragon Ride” cableway, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, and a Lake Lucerne cruise

What's included

Cogwheel train from Pilatus to Alpnachstad (gold option)
Panoramic gondola and aerial cable car Dragon Ride
Cruise on lake Lucerne (gold option)
Dragon world
Driver-guide during transportation

Lunch

What to expect

Lucerne
1h

Meet your driver-guide in the picturesque lakeside city of Lucerne and set off towards Kriens, the gateway to Mount Pilatus. Sit back and relax as you leave the city behind, watching the scenery unfold from charming urban landscapes to lush green meadows, rolling hills, and spectacular Alpine views.
Kriens
30m

Upon arrival in Kriens, your journey to Mount Pilatus begins. Board the Panorama Gondola and glide above lush forests and alpine meadows, taking in breathtaking views as you ascend towards the majestic summit.
30m

Enjoy a scenic ride aboard the Panorama Gondola to Fräkmüntegg, the middle station of Mount Pilatus and a hub for adventure and outdoor activities. If you wish, take a break to enjoy the mountain views or explore some of the attractions, including Switzerland’s longest toboggan run, the Pilatus Rope Park, and scenic hiking trails. With its mix of adventure and natural beauty, Fräkmüntegg is a perfect stop for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Otherwise, continue your ascent to Pilatus Kulm aboard the famous Dragon Ride.
Pilatus Luzern
3h · Admission ticket included

Continue your ascent to Pilatus Kulm aboard the thrilling Dragon Ride, an aerial cableway designed with large panoramic windows that create the sensation of flying above the Swiss Alps. As you soar towards the summit, take in breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne, rolling green hills, and dramatic Alpine peaks.

Arriving at Pilatus Kulm at 2,132 metres above sea level, step into a world of spectacular mountain scenery and centuries-old legends. Take time to explore the summit, discover the myths and mysteries surrounding the legendary Dragon Mountain, and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the Swiss Alps.
Alpnachstad
45m

For those who choose the Gold Option, embark on a thrilling descent aboard Switzerland’s steepest cogwheel railway as it winds its way through breathtaking mountain scenery to Alpnachstad.
Lake Lucerne
45m · Admission ticket included

For those who choose the Gold Option, after arriving in Alpnachstad, board a scenic cruise across Lake Lucerne and admire the breathtaking Alpine landscape from a different perspective. As you glide across the lake, enjoy peaceful views of the surrounding mountains and picturesque shoreline before returning to Lucerne after a day filled with unforgettable Alpine experiences.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Please note that we do not have an office in Lucerne. Go directly to the meeting point, look for our driver with a red jacket and find our Swisstours bus. Please have your voucher or booking number ready to show to the driver.

End point

Please note that we do not have an office in Lucerne. Go directly to the meeting point, look for our driver with a red jacket and find our Swisstours bus. Please have your voucher or booking number ready to show to the driver.

Additional information

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.
This experience may not be suitable for guests with a fear of heights.

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

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