Mount Pilatus Summit from Lucerne With Lake Cruise
Overview
Available languages
5 hours 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
Enjoy a day of Alpine adventure in Switzerland on this half-day, summer trip to Mt Pilatus from Lucerne. Begin your journey toward the skies with a 30-minute panoramic gondola ride to Fräkmüntegg, and then hop aboard the aerial cableway for your ascent to the summit of Mt Pilatus. Relax at your leisure on the peak or take a short hike to make the most of the stunning scenery below. Descend to Alpnachstad aboard the world's steepest cogwheel train and cruise out onto Lake Lucerne to admire the views from the water.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
19.10.-27.11.2026: Ascent and descent by cogwheel train, no boat ride but lunch voucher included
28.11.-29.11.2026: Ascent by cable car, descent by cogwheel train, no boat ride but lunch voucher included
What To Expect
Lucerne
Meet your guide in central Lucerne in the early afternoon.
Pilatus Luzern
Hop aboard your comfortable coach for the short journey to Kriens, at the foot of the imposing Mt Pilatus. On arrival, begin your ascent to the mountain’s lofty summit with a 30-minute panoramic gondola ride to the Fräkmüntegg terminus. Enjoy beautiful views over the rolling hills and lush pine forests below. At Fräkmüntegg, hop aboard the aerial tramway — a spacious and modern cabin with panoramic windows designed to give the feeling of flight. Continue your climb to the summit at a dizzying altitude of 7,000 feet, and take in spectacular views over the Alpine peaks and lakes from your vantage point on the mountain. During your free time atop Mt Pilatus, perhaps sit down to a high-altitude lunch among the peaks (own expense) or relax on the expansive sun terrace. Venture down the Dragon's Path and take a short hike around the summit to enjoy the amazing views.
Options
Standard tour
What‘s Included
Lunch voucher up to 20 CHF (from 19.10. - 29.11.2026)
1-hour boat cruise on Lake Lucerne (until 18.10.2026)
Ride on the steepest cogwheel train in the world
Fully guided tour in English by a professional guide
Transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned coach
Carbon-balanced operations certified by myclimate
Panoramic gondola and aerial cable car "Dragon Ride" (except 19.10. - 27.11.2026)
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Food and drinks (available for purchase at Mount Pilatus summit)
Gratuities
Personal expenses
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,304 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Be prepared for change of...
Janet B,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Be prepared for change of weather & wear good sturdy footwear. Could be queues, & maybe some standing around
Good Tour
Fuzzy Mike,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Good tour, the operator, Tours of Switzerland supplied everything as promised and the guide was helpful and professional.
Great time at Pilatus!
Mark B,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We were blessed with absolutely perfect weather and an amazing Guide! Gaby was fantastic! The entire trip was well organized. Having a guide kept us on track and we had the best time! Mount Pilatus is gorgeous and offers truly breathtaking views of Lucerne and the Alps from the various viewing platforms. The boat ride at the end was a perfect cap on a wonderful day. My entire family had a blast and we highly recommend this tour!
Great Views
nickmQ4856VI,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience itself is amazing. The views at the top of the mountain are incredible and the time we spent doing each section was great. You get plenty of time at the top of the mountain, enough to see the views and get a bite to eat. It is a pricey trip for what you get but still well worth it.
Money well spent, spectacular views
Mariann R,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The views from Mount Pilatus are stunning! It was lovely having cocktails at the Restaurant/Hotel Pilatus-Kulm overlooking the beautiful scenery. This trip has five modes of transportation- 1. The bus ride to the sight, 2. The a small four person gondola to get a little more than midway up, 3) the larger 22 person gondola ride to the top, 4. The cog wheel train ride down the mountain, and finally 5. The boat ride around Lake Lucerne. You certainly get your money’s worth.
It is a lot of fun!! we...
Michelle J,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It is a lot of fun!! we would definitely recommend the golden ticket. Bring comfortable clothes and a sweater for on top of the mountain as it is colder up there.
Stranded at Mt Pilatus
ann h,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00The trip pick up point was easy to find and the ride in the gondola was exciting, but we were stranded at Frakmuntegg. The guide left us with the instruction that he would meet us in an hour and a half, little did we realize that he meant that we had to take a gondola to the cogwheel train. We called the office of the provider and were told that we were fun and the group wasn’t leaving until 3:30. At 3:30, we called again and were told we were an hour behind the tour group and should continue on our own, which we did, when we reached Alpnachstad, there was no guide, no group, no boat. We had to get back to Lucerne on our own and had to pay an additional 93 franks for the boat. My grandchildren were disappointed and I was annoyed. This trip was expensive and the additional cost just wasn’t fair. I would never recommend this to anyone and in hindsight realize I could have planned this on my own for half the price. I should be reimbursed for the additional expense, if not the trip because it was not guided and we were stranded
Zurich Experience with Best of Switzerland Tours
kalyanak2023,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic day on the Pilatus, Lucerne and Lake Lucerne Cruise tour with Best of Switzerland Tours. The entire experience was well organized and offered breathtaking scenery throughout the day. From the stunning views from Mount Pilatus to the beautiful cruise on Lake Lucerne, every part of the journey was memorable and enjoyable. A special thank you to our guide, Angela, who was exceptionally informative, friendly, and helpful throughout the tour. Her knowledge, enthusiasm, and warm personality made the experience even more enjoyable. She went above and beyond to ensure everyone was comfortable and well informed. We would also like to thank Anthony, our driver, for his professionalism and safe driving. We highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Switzerland and would especially recommend Angela as a fantastic guide. Thank you, Angela and Anthony, for helping make our day so special!
Mystic Fog & Rain will come back
Venture744101,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00This tour would have been very beautiful, but it rained and was foggy. We enjoyed some of the tour, & Rolf our tour guide was so kind, and knowledgeable he referred us to an amazing Italian restaurant for my birthday celebration. Thank you Rolf for everything!
In true Swiss fashion,...
bah0722,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00In true Swiss fashion, all aspects were well organized and on time. Our guide, Thomas did an excellent job, he was friendly and informative. The views don’t disappoint!
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Operated by Best of Switzerland Tours