Mt. Pilatus & Lake Lucerne Cruise Small Group Tour | From Basel
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Towering over the city of Lucerne like a monument to the Swiss wilderness, Mt. Pilatus is a must-visit for nature lovers. This stunning massif boasts several stunning peaks, set within a playground of soaring rock faces, lush rolling valleys, and a network of meandering emerald lakes. The tallest peak in the group, Mt. Pilatus, reaches a heady 2,132 meters above sea level and is beloved by visitors for its sensational views over the region. We'll take you to the heart of the sights, with opportunities to explore the Lake of Lucerne, Pilatus summit, and ride the famous dragon aerial cable cars.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
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
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Basel
Your guide will greet you at the Basel Train Station before whisking you away to Lucerne by train
Pilatus Luzern
Our accent to Mount Pilatus will take us aboard the iconic “dragon ride” aerial cable cart, where we will float back to earth suspended in a giant glass cabin. The windowed walls provide 360 views of the Lucerne region, and many compare the experience to flying. Enjoy an ever-changing perspective of the Alpine landscape, as historic Lucerne pulls back into focus as we approach the end of the line. The ride is a highlight of any trip to Mount Pilatus.
What‘s Included
Standard Rail Pass
Mt. Pilatus Steepest Cogwheel Experience (From Mid-May to Mid-October)
Local Guide
Lake Lucerne Cruise Pass
Lunch at the Mt. Pilatus
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Options
Mt. Pilatus & Lake Lucerne Cruise Small Group Tour | From Basel
Reviews
104 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beautiful Experience
Catherine F,May 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful on a sunny day! Tour guides were very friendly. Directions to the meeting place at the train station was spot on. Our tour guide, Salma was very friendly and met us there. But, we were very surprised she didn't go on the train with us to Lucerne, but just dropped us off with instructions to meet the main tour guide, Erika at Lucerne. This was our first time on a train in Europe and we were under the impression that we would have a guide every step of the tour. No English announcements was spoken over the intercom as in some places. It wasn't easy finding the group once we arrived, so that part of the journey was frustrating. Once we joined the group, the rest of the day was amazing. Our tour guide, Erika was fantastic, being friendly and knowledgeable. We walked short way to the Ferry tour boat. The views were fantastic. Nice and gentle ride. Then got off and took a break before going on the Cogwheel up the mountain. It was a very smooth and steady ride. I don't like heights, but as long as I didn't look straight down on some parts, I was great! The scenery was spectacular. Tunnels, forest, Lucerne and lake below, snow capped mountains in the distance. We had the very back seats that fit three comfortably. Being at the back window meant lots of photos were taken! At the top was amazing. Ate lunch at the restaurant up a floor vs the little quick Cafe. The food and chef were fabulous! Definitely do the short walk that takes you to a few lookouts carved out of the Mountain. It gives you a different view. But, be warned that it is very dark and wet inside with an uneven walkway, so not recommended for those unsteady on their feet or have poor eyesight. When we came back out, we looked at where we were, and there were mountain goats on the cliff! What a fun bonus! Took the tram down. I must say that could have been done better as the Pilatus staff shoved as many people in there as they could. We could barely move. It is a short 5 minute standing only ride, thank goodness, but that was not OK. Next, we hopped on a small cable car which can hold six. But there isn't anyone there to guide you into a specific car as they come around the corner slowly, so, many of us ended up in our very own car. That was nice! We then walked a few blocks down hill to the bus stop. We had one gentleman in a walker, and it was very difficult for he and his wife to navigate it. I'm glad some of us were able to help on the steep parts of the walk. I would not recommend it for those who have mobility issues. All in all, it definitely was a highlight of our three week trip to Europe and we would do it again!
The only was to see Mt. Pilatus!
Janine H,May 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Having a guide like Lincoln with us all day definitely made this trip so much easier and better! He was very sweet and very knowledgeable
Beautiful view
Dream43687178985,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Unforgettable experience. Absolutely recommended..
Mt. Pilatus & Lake Lucerne
502kayp,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Victor, our guide, was fabulous. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Very flexible too. It was even better than described!
Great!
nancybP9694YV,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Michelle was great!! She gave a great History tour of Lucerne and History of Switzerland. She was prepared with tickets. Met us promptly and answered all our questions about the city and country.
Terrible experience and way over priced
Marty M,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Tour guide did not show up at the designated time and place. I was unable to contact Viator nor the tour operator. I requested a refund for the tour, but Viator has denied me repeatedly. I have provided proof through Geo locatation with photos that we were at the correct place and at the correct time. Viator has not been helpful at all. After Viator’s booking agent failed to show we decided to do the tour on our own. Turns out that this wasn’t difficult to do at a fraction of what Viator changes. Needless to say this is the last time we’ll use Viator.
Viking Cruise 2025
Kathleen W,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Leighton was a very knowledgeable & helpful tour guide. He met us in the train station in Basel & assisted us in getting back on public transportation after the excursion. The cog rail was fun, but we were hoping to ride the gondola as well. The other tour guests were expecting the gondola too. Mt Pilatus was amazing & we were very happy with Leighton. Views from Lake Lucerne were amazing too.
Great overview of Lucerne and Switzerland!!!
M1295YGjimb,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Leighton is very, very good. He is very knowledgeable of the places we visited and the history of Switzerland. Great guide who interacts with the group and makes it fun.
This was a good tour -...
Delores W,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a good tour - Jean, our guide, was excellent. Only negative was Tours of Switzerland delayed our departure 3 hours with an email notice at midnight and we had to purchase our own rail tickets which we were later reimbursed for.. Poor communication.
Incredible Mount Pilatus Experience with Leighton
JulietJovi,Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip to Mount Pilatus was absolutely amazing. The breathtaking nature was perfectly matched by the engaging experience our guide, Leighton, created. He shared historical and cultural insights at just the right moments, bringing the surroundings to life without ever feeling rushed or scripted. The entire day felt seamless, informative, and full of wonder. Highly recommend this tour, especially with Leighton as your guide.
From CHF 348.00
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Operated by Tours of Switzerland