---
title: "From Alpnachstad via Ämsigen to Pilatus Kulm"
url: "https://www.luzern.com/en/tour/from-alpnachstad-via-aemsigen-to-pilatus-kulm"
description: "This classic hike follows the Pilatus Railway, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. It starts at the valley station in Alpnachstad. After a short stretch along the main road, the Pilatus trail branches off to the right. The route passes beneath the railway, leads via Grossrüti (614 m) and across the Wolfort stream into the shaded Langenschwand forest, where it climbs away from the tracks in numerous switchbacks. Later, the line is crossed on the Wolfort tunnel before the trail winds up to the Ämsigen mid station, once a water stop for steam locomotives. From Alp Ämsigen, paths on both sides of the railway ascend in switchbacks to Mattalp on the left or Matt on the right. A break is worthwhile at the mysterious Chilchsteine (1,865 m) below the Matthorn (2,041 m). The mountain path then climbs across scree slopes to Pilatus Kulm.Good to know:The Pilatus Railway opened in 1889 and reaches gradients of up to 48 percent."
language: "en"
type: "SportsActivityLocation"
image: "https://dam.destination.one/3752466/84d53bd3e6b9fa2f7c2ba0497c44debcab2572bac686692368bc1c0321e9ad49/.jpg"
breadcrumb: "Root > Welcome to Lucerne > Special > Destination.Data Details > Tour"
---

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From Alpnachstad via Ämsigen to Pilatus Kulm
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- Tip
- 7.72 km long
- Difficulty: difficult
- Condition: difficult
- Great panorama
- Hike

Classic, demanding hike along the world’s steepest cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm (2,106 m) with views of lake and Alps.

This classic hike follows the Pilatus Railway, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. It starts at the valley station in Alpnachstad. After a short stretch along the main road, the Pilatus trail branches off to the right. The route passes beneath the railway, leads via Grossrüti (614 m) and across the Wolfort stream into the shaded Langenschwand forest, where it climbs away from the tracks in numerous switchbacks. Later, the line is crossed on the Wolfort tunnel before the trail winds up to the Ämsigen mid station, once a water stop for steam locomotives. From Alp Ämsigen, paths on both sides of the railway ascend in switchbacks to Mattalp on the left or Matt on the right. A break is worthwhile at the mysterious Chilchsteine (1,865 m) below the Matthorn (2,041 m). The mountain path then climbs across scree slopes to Pilatus Kulm.

**Good to know:**
The Pilatus Railway opened in 1889 and reaches gradients of up to 48 percent.

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- 5:00 h
- 7.72 km
- 1,628 m
- 435 m
- 2,063 m
- 1,628 m
- 
- Start: Alpnachstad
- Destination: Pilatus Kulm

Good to know
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Best to visit

suitable

Depends on weather

- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec

Tour information

- Refreshment stop

Equipment

Sturdy footwear, a rain jacket and sufficient drinking water are essential for every hike.

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Directions & Parking facilities

**Getting there**Take the A8 motorway to the Alpnach exit.

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**Parking**Car park at Alpnachstad railway station.

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**Public transportation**Take the SBB train to Alpnachstad railway station.

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Author

Luzern Tourismus

Organization

Lucerne Tourisme

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

For the descent from Pilatus, take the cogwheel railway. It is recommended to book tickets in advance.

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Nearby
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