The world's steepest cogwheel railway runs from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm at 2,132 metres above sea level. Even the journey by boat puts you in holiday mode. Be enchanted by the magnificent panoramic view of the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region.
The steepest cogwheel railway in the world
The boat takes you comfortably across Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad. The world's steepest cogwheel railway takes you to the summit of Pilatus Kulm in just 30 minutes. The vegetation changes constantly, from the reeds of the lake to lush green meadows, fragrant forests and barren mountains with impressive rock formations.
Pilatus Kulm
What a magnificent view. Sometimes a sea of fog appears, with only mountain peaks rising above it. Or the view is so clear that you can see every mountain, from the Säntis to the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, across the Jura to the Black Forest. The winding Lake Lucerne and five other lakes in Central Switzerland sparkle in the sun. On Pilatus, you can hike, follow in the footsteps of the dragon, enjoy a gourmet meal or a small regional snack or, with a bit of luck, spot an ibex.
Fräkmüntegg
Now you leave Pilatus Kulm in the aerodynamic "Dragon Ride" aerial cableway and catch a last glimpse of the enormous rock formations before arriving at the Fräkmüntegg intermediate station. The more adventurous can climb the largest rope park in Central Switzerland, enjoy a ride on the toboggan run or spend a night floating in a tree tent. Of course, there are also plenty of catering options in one of the restaurants or at the fantastic barbecue areas.
Gently glide from Fräkmüntegg to Drachenalp on the "Dragon Glider" and enjoy the spectacular mountain panorama at a maximum speed of 12 kilometres per hour. If you want to find out more about the inhabitants of the forest, take the "treetop trail". On narrow wooden walkways, well secured with nets, you can walk across thirteen platforms and acquire knowledge in a fun way.
Krienseregg
On foot or by panoramic gondola lift, you can continue to Krienseregg station. Here you will find the "Pilu-Land" adventure playground, a paradise for children. After the stopover, the cable car takes you down to Kriens. After a short walk from the Kriens valley station, the bus takes you back to Lucerne in ten minutes. There, the boat will take you back to the Lucerne Riviera.
Winter fun
The Pilatus can also be visited from the Kriens side in winter. Various winter sports equipment is available on Fräkmüntegg, which you can use to sledge down the piste. There is also a network of hiking trails and snowshoe trails between Fräkmüntegg, Krienseregg and Kriens.
Travelling by boat from Lucerne to Alpnachstad and taking the cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm is not possible in winter.
