Mount Pilatus, near Lucerne, Switzerland, offers an unforgettable mix of adventure, history, and breathtaking views. Our family has explored this iconic mountain on several occasions, and it always provides a day packed with fun and discovery for everyone. Plan for at least a half to a full day, as there is much to explore and see. We prefer visiting in the summer, as there are more family-friendly activities during this period. Make sure to check the conditions and what is open on the mountain before arrival. Nothing is worse than getting to the top and finding it too cloudy to see anything. Webcams are available, so you can check the view before you go.
Pilatus Kulm Top Station
Fräkmüntegg Station
Krienseregg Station
The History and Legend of Pilatus
According to medieval legends, Mount Pilatus was home to a mighty dragon. Today, the dragon remains a central theme, adding a magical touch to the Pilatus experience. This approximately 2,100-meter peak became accessible through the world’s steepest cogwheel railway in 1889, marking a milestone in Swiss tourism. Over time, modern cable cars and gondolas have enhanced accessibility.
Cable Cars and the Steepest Train
We prefer taking the cable car, as access to the PILU playground is only available by cable car (not the train). Each car can hold up to four adults and runs continuously. Take the cable car to Krienseregg. This stop is for the PILU playground area, which we typically visit on the way down from the mountain. To continue up to the top, stay on the cable car through the Krienseregg station and proceed to Fräkmüntegg station. The panoramic views are stunning as you ascend over lush forests and enjoy beautiful views of Lucerne and the lake. At Fräkmüntegg station, you must get off the cable car or you will start going back down the mountain. At this station, you will find the ropes course, Wipfelpfad Tree Walk, and the toboggan run. From Fräkmüntegg, walk to the entrance to the “Dragon Ride” gondola, which takes you to Pilatus Kulm. This unique gondola gives the sensation of flying due to its spacious cabins and large windows. This modern cableway, renovated in 2015, takes just 3 minutes and 39 seconds to ascend 646.6 meters, offering breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Alps.
Another way to access Pilatus Kulm is the Pilatus Railway. It is the steepest cogwheel train in the world, climbing an incredible 48% gradient as it winds through dramatic Swiss alpine scenery. The 30-minute journey is thrilling, with panoramic views all the way to the summit at Pilatus Kulm. At the top, you’ll find restaurants, shops, hotels, hiking trails, and the family-friendly Dragon World to explore.
Tips for the Cogwheel Train:
- The cogwheel train operates only in summer and is extremely popular. We visited early on a weekday and managed to get seats without a reservation, but I highly recommend booking your time slot online in advance to avoid disappointment. Discounts are available with the Swiss Travel Pass, Half-Fare Card, and Junior Card.
- There are stairs at the station and on the train, so if you bring a stroller, you’ll need to fold it and store it under the seats.
- On sunny days, the train can get warm since there’s no air conditioning, but you can open the windows for a refreshing breeze.
- There’s a parking lot and a train station (Alpnachstad) right at the Pilatus Bahn base. You can also take a scenic ferry from Lucerne as part of the famous Golden Round Trip. After exploring Pilatus Kulm, descend via the cable car to enjoy fun summer activities on the other side of the mountain. At the final station in Kriens, convenient public transit takes you back to Lucerne.
Pilatus Kulm Things to Do
View Points
The views from Pilatus Kulm are amazing. You can easily view from the large paved platform or hike some of the nearby trails. We have done the Donkey (Esel) trail, which takes about 15-20 minutes to climb a steep rocky path to stunning 360-degree views. The path is very steep, and I would be concerned about letting my youngest climb it. She is just as content enjoying the views from the large paved platform.
Dragon Path
The Dragon Path at Pilatus Kulm is a scenic 30‑minute loop trail on Mount Pilatus that combines panoramic alpine views, unique cave passages, and a touch of Swiss mountain mythology. Starting indoors near Dragon World, the route begins with a short walk through a door marked “Dragon Path” before winding into a tunnel carved directly into the rock. The cool cave section offers striking views over Lake Lucerne, the valleys below, and the Pilatus cable car. Emerging onto the outdoor section, hikers follow a path along the mountainside with fences and railings for safety, though the exposed cliffs can still make your stomach flutter.
The beginning of the trail is stroller‑friendly, but stairs mid‑way make a hiking backpack more practical for young children. Take care with the low ceilings in parts of the cave. Families who take it slow will find this walk easier than the more demanding Esel (Donkey) trail, but it’s still best to keep an eye on little ones at all times. Wildlife lovers may even spot Alpine ibex grazing on the rocky slopes—a memorable highlight for kids and adults alike.
Dragon World
At the summit station, Dragon World, an interactive exhibit, can be visited by families for free. Through multimedia displays and storytelling, guests can learn about Pilatus’s mythical past. My children enjoy the virtual game where you control a dragon’s flight. It is not a big area, but my kids always like to visit it when we are at the top station.
Dining Options at Pilatus Kulm
For lunch, we recommend two great options: a self-service restaurant at Hotel Bellevue or a sit-down meal at Hotel Pilatus Kulm. Both restaurants serve Swiss cuisine and are child-friendly. Hotel Pilatus Kulm provided coloring pencils and pictures while we visited. The hotel restaurant is quieter and has both indoor and outdoor seating. On a beautiful sunny day, it is gorgeous to sit outside with the stunning views. The self-service restaurant also has amazing views with large windows looking out over the picturesque scenery. Both restaurants are expensive, as they are in Switzerland and at the top of a mountain. For a more budget-friendly option, consider bringing a picnic.
Fräkmüntegg Things to Do
Toboggan Run
The highlight for everyone we have taken to Pilatus is the summer toboggan run—the longest in Switzerland! Zooming down the track with alpine views and cows all around is a blast. When you exit the Fräkmüntegg station, follow the signs to the right to the Frakigaudi Summer Toboggan. The path is uphill, but the ride is well worth it. At the start, there is a small kiosk selling drinks and snacks with large sun chairs to take in the views. There are free lockers to store your belongings while you ride, and tickets can be purchased at a touch screen machine. Children under two are not allowed. Children aged 3-7 can ride with an adult, while children aged 8 and over can ride alone. The 1,350-meter-long track takes you down the hill through several tunnels and turns. You can control how fast you go by using the brake, but be aware that people are riding behind you, so if you go too slow, they may catch up. At the end, riders will be pulled back up to the starting position. It’s really so much fun.
Wipfelpfad Tree Walk and Ropes Course
In addition to the toboggan run, kids can explore in the trees with the ropes course or tree walk. We have not tried the ropes course yet, as our youngest has been too small to try. There is a course for kids aged 4-8 called the PILU Ropes Course, and the Pilatus Ropes Course for guests aged 8 and over. Additionally, there is the dragon glider zip line, which can be done in tandem with your little one. We have yet to try this, as it has been closed when we visited, but we hope to do it this summer. Instead of the ropes course and dragon glider, we have explored the Wipfelpfad tree walk. This elevated path through the treetops offers a unique perspective on the surrounding nature. The entire path is covered with netting and takes you to 12 platforms in the trees. It is a great alternative if the ropes course makes you nervous, and entrance to this treetop path is free.
Dragon Glider
At the Fräkmüntegg station, right beside the rope park, the Dragon Glider offers a gentle yet exciting way to soar through the treetops. After being strapped into a comfortable seat harness, guests zip smoothly along the line, enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the forest and mountains. Adults can join younger riders by holding onto their harness from behind, making it a great family-friendly experience. The ride ends further down the hill, followed by a roughly 10-minute uphill walk back to the starting point—a part our kids didn’t enjoy as much. While I found the calm glide through the trees peaceful and scenic, the children much preferred the faster-paced toboggan run, which also begins after a short uphill walk from the cable car. I think this activity depends on your family—whether you prefer something more thrilling or more gentle.
Note: Picture of Dragon Glider from Pilatus Website.
Restaurant Fräkmüntegg
Between the Cable Car station and the ropes course is a self-service restaurant. It serves Swiss-style cuisine in a Swiss chalet-style dining area. There are large windows to see the beautiful alpine views and ropes course.
Krienseregg Things to Do
PILU Playground
PILU Land is a vibrant children’s playground located on the Krienseregg, part of the Pilatus mountain area. It serves as a delightful destination for families, offering a variety of activities such as the large dragon castle playground, fun zip line, and BBQ pits with picnic tables. The playground is designed to be both fun and educational, featuring climbing structures, swings, and slides. There is also another self-service restaurant where you can get an ice cream on a hot day. Our kids love PILU Land, and we always have to make a stop. You can see the playground from the cable car. It can get quite busy on weekends with several families grilling and enjoying the lovely large play area.
Ticket Purchasing
There are many options for planning your travel on Pilatus. You can choose to take the train, the cable car, or both. On the website, you can purchase a variety of options to fit what your family would like to experience. Half-fare and Swiss Travel Pass holders receive a discount. If traveling with kids aged 6 or older, I would recommend getting the Swiss Family Card, which allows children aged 6 and over to travel with an adult who has either a Half-Fare card or Swiss Travel Pass for free. This can be a big money saver on many excursions in Switzerland. Children under 6 travel for free. Check out the SBB website for further information on the Family Card and other travel discount cards.
Arrival to Pilatus
We highly recommend starting early to make the most of your day on this magical mountain. In the afternoon, there can be long lines to board the cable car. We typically arrive by car and park at the Parkhaus next to the cable car station. You can also consider arriving by public transit and taking the Golden ticket to explore the whole mountain. I would recommend leaving the stroller behind and using a child hiking backpack instead.
In conclusion, a family trip to Mount Pilatus can be an unforgettable adventure that blends thrilling activities, dragon legends, and breathtaking landscapes, leaving families with memories that will last a lifetime.
Many travelers say sunrise from Mount Pilatus is magical. The way the light hits the Alps, the mist in the valleys, and the calm reflections on the lakes must create a scene worth remembering forever.
That sounds magical. We have never had the opportunity to experience sunrise on Mt Pilatus.