Mt. Pilatus self-guided Golden Round Trip from Lucerne incl. boat cruise

Combine the Lucerne house mountain with a boat trip on Lake Lucerne. Both experiences are an absolute must during your visit to the Lake Lucerne region.

The Golden Round Trip starts in Lucerne. Take bus number 1 (direction Kriens/Obernau) right in front of Lucerne train station. After an eleven-minute bus ride, you arrive at the "Kriens, Zentrum Pilatus" stop and a short walk will bring you to the valley station of the panorama cableway in Kriens. Enjoy the 15-minute ride to the intermediate station Krienseregg. There, you can relax on the terrace of the Krienseregg restaurant (own costs) and enjoy your time while the kids play in the Pilu Land playground.

After another 15-minute ride with the panorama gondola, you will reach the intermediate station Fräkmüntegg. At the Fräkmüntegg, you can test your skills climbing in the rope park (at your own cost) or taste one of the local specialties in the self-service restaurant (at your own cost).

At Fräkmüntegg, you will also board the aerial cable car "Dragon Ride" and reach the summit of Pilatus Kulm after an exhilarating 5-minute ride. Thanks to its spacious interior, cockpit-like design, and large windows, the Dragon Ride gives you the impression of sitting in a helicopter.

Once at the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps from the summit. You decide whether you want to stay in the panoramic gallery or relax on the terrace. You can climb one of the peaks (5-10 minutes) or enjoy a local specialty at the restaurant of the Hotel Bellevue or Hotel Pilatus Kulm (at your own cost). Many hiking options invite you to explore the Dragon Mountain above Lucerne.

The steepest cog railway in the world (built in 1889) brings you down from Pilatus Kulm through fascinating rock walls, bubbling mountain streams, and lush alpine meadows to Alpnachstad. In Alpnachstad, simply walk under the road and you’re at the boat dock in Alpnachstad. After an amazing hour-long boat trip on Lake Lucerne, you arrive in Lucerne near the train station and your unforgettable half-day trip comes to an end.

The Golden Round Trip can also be done in the reverse direction with the boat from Lucerne. Please check the schedule before your visit, especially for the boat trip.

Practical information:

• Access for wheelchair users (prior reservation required)
• Duration 2.5 - 6 hours, see schedule for departure times (especially for the boat trip)

• Check the timetable closely, especially for the boat connections (there are 2 - 5 boat departures per day)
• To avoid long waiting times on the cogwheel train between Alpnachstad and Pilatus Kulm (or vice versa), we recommend making a reservation at www.pilatus.ch/reservation
• The round trip can be done in both directions
• If you want to do the trip in the other direction, take the boat to Alpnachstad (dock no. 2) and show the voucher on the boat.
• Dress according to the weather, as it can be cold and windy at the summit.
• Young children travel for free (age 0 - 5.99 years)
• The child fare applies between 6 and 15.99 years.
• Choose the first-class ticket for a nicer boat ride: First-class ticket holders sit in the spacious upper deck of the boat and have a great view over the lake.
• Second-class ticket holders have a seat on the lower level of the boat.
• Please note that this is a self-guided tour where no guide will be waiting for you.
• Start your journey at the Lucerne train station. The voucher is valid for bus No. 1, for the cable car, the cogwheel train, and the boat.

• Please read the information under "Good to know" carefully before the trip.
• A seat reservation is not mandatory, but it's recommended for the cogwheel train on nice days, especially during school holidays or on weekends.