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
1,319 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beautiful views start to finish
Gail N,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Must see if you are in Lucerne. Viator made it easy to see the mountain. The guide was very nice and attentive.
Beautiful way to see Lucerne
Kelly W,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent way to see Lucerne. So fun to take the lift, gondola, train and boat. Our tour guide Thomas was lovely and very knowledgeable. Wonderful day!
Wonderful Mount Pilatus experience
Kelly M,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an incredible experience! We took a bus, a gondola ride, cable car, cogwheel train and a beautiful boat ride across lake Lucerne. This tour was the whole package! We loved Mount Pilatus and had plenty of time for lunch and to climb and explore taking in the amazing views. The boat ride at the end was a great capper to the experience.
Best senior citizen, ever . this was the best guy he kept everybody together. He gave us plenty of his time, giving his
RichardH M,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour ver we organized The guide was especially good. He was an older gentleman and did a really great job. He really knew his stuff. I recognized him by the red strap around his neck held the identification card. You can’t miss them at the bus terminal across from the gas station.
This excursion proved to...
Melinda O,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This excursion proved to be a fantastic experience. The tour guides work hard to please and I highly recommend.
Amazing Mt. Pilates
Karen R,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The most beautiful place and view I have ever seen! The rides on the gondolas and cog train were incredible, the views were spectacular.
Once in a lifetime trip
Gail P,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Rolf was a great guide and kept us all on time with clear instructions. It was very convenient for travel and gave us plenty of free time to explore.
A great adventure
Anita C,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was the highlight of our trip. The cable car ride up the mountain was amazing. The views from the top were breathtaking! There were plenty of things to do and different level hikes for all levels. The cog wheel train was fun and had different views from every turn. The boat ride around the lake was the perfect way to end the day. Our guide made sure we left on time and gave clear instructions on meeting times and places. I would highly recommend this.
This is a great tour to...
Natalie F,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a great tour to be able to see a lot of Lucerne if you're only in town for a couple days! Favorite part was the beautiful boat tour back into the town.
Beautiful
W4213CWryanh,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Apart from the clouds at the top you could not have asked for a better time. Absolutely beautiful
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Operated by Best of Switzerland Tours