165 170
PILATUS
“The steepest cogwheel railway
in the world”, which opened in
1889, is absolutely captivating.
The 4.6-kilometre track, 48-percent-
gradient ascent up Mount Pilatus
takes 30 minutes. Expect incredible
views over the surrounding mountains
and Lake Lucerne while gliding silently
past paddocks, grazing cows and
sheer rock faces.
Nearest village:
Alpnachstad.
Height:
2,128 metres.
Accommodation:
Built in 1890,
the historic Pilatus-Kulm Mountain
Hotel and the smaller Hotel Bellevue
offer incredible views.
Food:
Indoor and outdoor
restaurants offer a variety of eating
options.
Getting there:
Take a scenic
90-minute boat cruise from Lucerne
to Alpnachstad. There is a train
option, but a cruise on beautiful
Lake Lucerne is a must. Return via the
railway, or ascend the other side of
the mountain on the aerial cableway
to Frakmentegg, then change to the
gondola that terminates at Kriens.
Walk 10 minutes to catch the return
bus to Lucerne.
Cost:
97 Swiss francs (return).
Adventure opportunities:
There’s a range of hiking trails of
various levels on Mount Pilatus,
and a trail from Alpnachstad to
the summit. Alight at Frakmentegg
and Krienseregg for a toboggan
run, an aerial rope course, a luge
ride, playgrounds and pretty picnic
grounds.
pilatus.ch
Farther Afield