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Mt Pilatus Self-Guided Tour from Kriens or Alpnachstad

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Kriens, Switzerland
Mt Pilatus Self-Guided Tour from Kriens or Alpnachstad
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Mt Pilatus Self-Guided Tour from Kriens or Alpnachstad
World's steepest cogwheel railway
World's steepest cogwheel railway to Mount Pilatus
Hiking on Mount Pilatus
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From $78.88

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icon3 to 6 hours  (approx.)

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Overview

Ascend Mt. Pilatus in an alpine gondola during this trip from Lucerne. Board at the valley station in Kriens, marvel at the panoramic views over the pre-alpine landscape to Fräkmüntegg. Transfer to the 'Dragon Ride' aerial cableway for another short ride, ending up at 7,000 feet (2,132 meters) above sea level for epic views of Lake Lucerne and the Alps. Descend via the world's steepest cogwheel railway, passing lush meadows, mountain streams and sheer rock faces on the way to your destination at Alpnachstad.
  • Ascend to the top of Mt. Pilatus via gondola and aerial cableway
  • Spectacular views of alpine scenery, the Alps and Lake Lucerne
  • Participate in outdoor activities in Fräkmüntegg
  • Ride the 'Dragon Ride' to the very top, where you can hike the peaks or relax on the terrace
  • Ride down on the world's steepest cogway railroad, terminating at Aplnachstad
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From $78.88

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All taxes, fees, and handling charges
Cable car ride (except during maintenance from October 24th - November 4th 2022)
Cogwheel train ride (from May 26th to November 20th 2022)
The listed price does not include a CHF 5 parking fee (per day)
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
5/1/2022 - 11/30/2022
Monday - Sunday:08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Ticket Redemption Points

Pilatus-Bahnen AG, Schlossweg 1, 6010 Kriens, Switzerland
Pilatus Railway, Brünigstrasse 2, 6053 Alpnach, Switzerland
Make your way to the valley station in Kriens, and board the gondola for the ride over the pre-alpine landscape up to Fräkmüntegg. Parties with small children can disembark halfway up, at Krienseregg, where the Pilu Land playground is located.

Upon arrival at Fräkmüntegg, spend some time participating in the many outdoor activities offered, such as agility climbing in the ropes park or a ride on Switzerland's longest summer toboggan. 

Continue up the mountain with a ride on the aerial cableway 'Dragon Ride'. Relax in the spacious cockpit and take photos out the large windows that make you feel like you're in a helicopter. The short ride takes you to the top, with views of the Alps and Lake Lucerne. Choose to remain inside the panoramic gallery, make the short climb up one of the peaks, relax on the terrace or eat a meal at the onsite restaurants (own expense).

Descend via the world's steepest cogway railroad. Aboard this train dating from 1889, pass lush alpine scenery on the way to your destination at Alpnachstad.

Check 'Additional Info' to see the annual departure timetable for both stations.
Itinerary
Stop At:  
Pilatus Luzern
Take the panoramic cable car from Kriens, closed to Lucerne (bus no. 1 from Lucerne station, bus stop Zentrum Pilatus in Kriens, then a 10 minutes walk to the cable car station) and in 30 minutes you will reach the station Fräkmüntegg where you will find lots of attractions for the families like the biggist rope park in Central Switzerland, Dragon Glider, Top Tree Path and Restaurants. You will also change into the big cable car Dragon Ride there and in 3 minutes you will reach the top of Pilatus, the Dragon Mountain, where you can enjoy the panoramic views over the Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps, taste some local meal in one of the Restaurants or do a unforgettable hiking tour. Going back you can take the steepest cogwheel railway in the world to the village of Alpnachstad, located directly at the lake (you need 30 minutes for the ascent and 40 minutes for the descent) and enjoy this ride with the unique cogwheel railway. Please note the operation time.
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Admission Ticket Included
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Don't miss the last transportation down to the valley.
  • Operates in almost all weather conditions; please dress appropriately
  • Cableways are not in operation in the case of storms
  • Only printed vouchers will be accepted
  • Please note: You can start the tour from Kriens or Alpnachstad
  • The gondolas are closed for maintenance from October 24th to November 4th 2022; access from Alpnachstad only.
  • The cogwheel train is closed from November 15th 2021 to mid-May 2022; access from Kriens only
  • It is not possible to book a specific time slot
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Most travelers can participate
  • OPERATED BY Pilatus Railways
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Mt Pilatus Self-Guided Tour from Kriens or Alpnachstad?
A:The policy on face masks and attendee health is:

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
See all safety measures taken by Mt Pilatus Self-Guided Tour from Kriens or Alpnachstad.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Mt Pilatus Self-Guided Tour from Kriens or Alpnachstad?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by Mt Pilatus Self-Guided Tour from Kriens or Alpnachstad.
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Mt Pilatus Self-Guided Tour from Kriens or Alpnachstad?
A:The policies on social distancing are:

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
See all safety measures taken by Mt Pilatus Self-Guided Tour from Kriens or Alpnachstad.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Mt Pilatus Self-Guided Tour from Kriens or Alpnachstad?
A:The policy on staff health & safety is:

  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
See all safety measures taken by Mt Pilatus Self-Guided Tour from Kriens or Alpnachstad.

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips

  • "There’s a small shop at the top, but know the food (like everything in Switzerland) isn’t cheap!" See review
  • "There are other options for enjoying outdoor activities in a middle space called Frakmuntegg before riding the cableway." See review

Reviews

4.5
star-4.5
116 Reviews
5 stars
88
4 stars
20
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5
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Reviews by Viator travelers

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Showing 1-10 of 116 reviews
star-5
Well worth the visit
Lawrence_K
, May 2022
Beautiful scenery, excellent experience. The weather was cloudy but eventually the sky came through showing the beauty of the Swiss alps.
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star-3
I want money back
Karen_K
, May 2022
The train wasn't going so I was overcharged, I was charged for a train ride and gondola. The train doesn't run until June. Victor should know this if they are going to sell tickets
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star-4
Stunning scenery
merissadavid
, Mar 2022
A lovely experience it was a shame we couldn't do the other activities which would have been included in the tickets price. Gorgeous views overall and recommend as cheaper alternative to Jungfrau.
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star-5
Would recommend to everyone!
Fatime_H
, Oct 2021
Absolutely fantastic tour, it was a money well spent! Breathtaking view, authentic music was played by some locals on the top of the mountain. The cable car took us to the top from Kriens and the railway took us back to the valley to Alpnschstad. From here we rode the train and a bus to get back to our car. The parking fee was only payable by cash, it was a bit of difficulty as we got used to be able to pay with card everywhere in Switzerland.
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star-5
Peaceful and beautiful
Bjarne_G
, Oct 2021
The silence at the top of the mountain. The cablecars, the train down with 48 degree. Absolutely peaceful experience.
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star-5
Awesome Family Activity
Victoria_W
, Oct 2020
This was so fun! I only wish they would have told us that if we choose the cogwheel train on the way down, we have to catch public transport back to the parking lot for a separate price. The views are breathtaking and my kids loved playing in the snow at the top. The cafe is quite nice and there are lots of activities that can done on the way up or down. Definitely the most memorable experience on our Lucerne trip.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Very beautiful mountain!
Luz_A
, Dec 2019
Our group had a very unforgettable memories in Mt. Pilatus! It was a breathtaking view! We wish someday we could ride the Conway train. Luzerne is a very beautiful city! This is a very recommended tour.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Unexpected delight
paula_p
, Oct 2019
We took the paved trail that starts beyond the Kulm Hotel. After a little while, we looked up the mountain and saw 2 Alpine Ibex sitting in the grass. A bit further, 5 more; then 5 more, all walking on the steep rock faces. in all we saw about 25 that day. It was cloudy and chilly, but a great day for Ibex! Cog Railway was fantastic too. Worthwhile visit.
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star-5
A must see trip
Mlholt
, Sep 2019
The trip was well worth the price. It had great views, loved hearing the cows with their cow bells on. Even being afraid of heights, I’m still glad I did it.
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star-4
dont book with Viator
Flyer16672930042
, Aug 2019
It's cheaper purchase the tkt directly, don't bother with Viator. They're cancel one of my trip last minute
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Wonderful experience!
Elizabeth_M
, Jun 2019
Gorgeous views, and lots of fun overall! There’s a small shop at the top, but know the food (like everything in Switzerland) isn’t cheap! Be prepared to walk up a lot of paths/steps at the top for even better views. Athletic sandals were fine for me. In summer, I suggest wearing layers and sunscreen; we expected to be chilly, but it was still hot (especially while hiking around) and the sun can do damage at altitude. *Be aware this specific ticket does not include transport back to the starting point where the gondola is (a few miles away)- no problem if you want to just buy a train/bus pass at the station the cogwheel train lets you off at.
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star-5
Don't Miss Mt. Pilatus! This was a great time...
Julie_R
, Jun 2019
If you like scenic landscapes, breath-taking views and adventurous travel...you shouldn't miss this trip. Was the highlight of our vacation.
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star-5
Unforgettable experience
epin
, Jun 2019
You can´t miss this Tour not only for the exiting route in gondola and Aerial cableway but the beautiful views of the Alps and Lake Lucerne. There are other options for enjoying outdoor activities in a middle space called Frakmuntegg before riding the cableway. Top recommendation to this attraction.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-3
Issues
Escape689724
, Jun 2019
Good morning, I booked an excursion to Mount Pilatus for two, which happened on May 15, 2019. I have two issues, one, the price dropped since booking and secondly, I purchased a tour which included the cog railway. The cog railway was not in service and hasn't been for some time. I feel we did not get the experience we paid for. Please advise as to what can be done. I book Viator regularly, just this spring I have booked six, in Ireland, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Last year I booked in Holland and Belgium. Thank you Geoff Vail
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star-5
Most interesting visit
Wendy_F
, May 2019
My girlfriend and I had to walk close to a mile from the bus to get to the tram - not too bad, but longer than we thought. There was a pretty long wait even for those of us that had tickets. The trams were fun - not scary at all, although I thought it would be. The weather was cold - but very tolerable. We had lunch in one of the hotel restaurants - okay - hotel, fast food. There was lots of snow (I'm from Atlanta GA and haven't seen that much in years!). In all - it was a very enjoyable afternoon until the walk back down to the bus - but even that was okay.
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star-5
A very nice day away.
Stephen_M
, Oct 2018
How I wish I had planned to arrive much earlier and do 3 hikes! , but with three kids in tow only managed 2 hikes and it was time to head back to Geneva. Very beautful scenery. The ride up the mountain was ‘exotic’ where else could it have been but in Lucern!
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star-1
Not pleased
safk2
, Oct 2018
Thanks to viator I travelled for 6 hours by car to the destination for a mount pilatus experience to be told it's closed, went to the cable car station to be directed to the cogwheel train which is another 20 minute drive to be told we can't go with 3 children under 10Really disappointed that it ruined the day, had to book for another cable car experience directly with titlis instead.
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star-4
Fantastic ride
Bob_M
, Sep 2018
Fantastic rides. Unfortunately, fog killed almost all of the views. But the Dragon ride was outstanding. And the facilities at the top were fascinating.
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star-5
mt Pilatus
LeeH_G
, Aug 2018
This is an absolute MUST. Start to finish it was one of the best trips in my 2 week holiday in switzerland
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star-5
Beautiful mountain
MarieStephanie_J
, Jul 2018
The sights during the gondola and cable car ride up the mountain was amazing. It was a bit unfortunate that the weather had a lot of fog while we were up the mountain, but during moments when it would clear up, the view was breath taking. The rail car going down was a nice experience.
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