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Activity Lucerne, Switzerland

Lucerne: Mount Pilatus – The Legendary Dragon Mountain

5.0 (one review) 6 h 30 min Free cancellation
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Lucerne: Mount Pilatus – The Legendary Dragon Mountain

About this activity

Discover the majesty of Mount Pilatus, Lucerne’s legendary mountain, on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Wrapped in myth and framed by spectacular Alpine scenery, this iconic peak is a place where legends come to life. Tales speak of Pontius Pilate resting beneath its waters, a petrified guardian watching over a hidden cave, and a mysterious dragon stone that fell from the sky in 1420.

Your journey begins with a scenic gondola ride from Kriens, followed by the “Dragon Ride” cableway with panoramic windows offering the sensation of flying above the mountains. From the summit, enjoy views of Lake Lucerne and 73 Alpine peaks, with free time to explore.

Choose your descent:

Silver Option: Return back to Kriens by cable car, where your driver-guide will be waiting for you.

Gold Option: Experience the thrill of the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to Alpnachstad, followed by a scenic cruise across Lake Lucerne.

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At a glance

Duration
6 h 30 min
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Up to 50 people
People per booking
1–15
Guide
English
Operated by
Keytours (Switzerland)

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Cogwheel train from Pilatus to Alpnachstad (gold option)
  • Included: Panoramic gondola and aerial cable car Dragon Ride
  • Included: Cruise on lake Lucerne (gold option)
  • Included: Dragon world
  • Included: Driver-guide during transportation

Not included

  • Not included: Lunch

Itinerary

  1. Lucerne

    one hour

    Meet your driver-guide in the picturesque lakeside city of Lucerne and set off towards Kriens, the gateway to Mount Pilatus. Sit back and relax as you leave the city behind, watching the scenery unfold from charming urban landscapes to lush green meadows, rolling hills, and spectacular Alpine views.

  2. Kriens

    30 min

    Upon arrival in Kriens, your journey to Mount Pilatus begins. Board the Panorama Gondola and glide above lush forests and alpine meadows, taking in breathtaking views as you ascend towards the majestic summit.

  3. Stop 3

    30 min

    Enjoy a scenic ride aboard the Panorama Gondola to Fräkmüntegg, the middle station of Mount Pilatus and a hub for adventure and outdoor activities. If you wish, take a break to enjoy the mountain views or explore some of the attractions, including Switzerland’s longest toboggan run, the Pilatus Rope Park, and scenic hiking trails. With its mix of adventure and natural beauty, Fräkmüntegg is a perfect stop for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Otherwise, continue your ascent to Pilatus Kulm aboard the famous Dragon Ride.

  4. Pilatus Luzern

    3 hours Admission included

    Continue your ascent to Pilatus Kulm aboard the thrilling Dragon Ride, an aerial cableway designed with large panoramic windows that create the sensation of flying above the Swiss Alps. As you soar towards the summit, take in breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne, rolling green hills, and dramatic Alpine peaks.

    Arriving at Pilatus Kulm at 2,132 metres above sea level, step into a world of spectacular mountain scenery and centuries-old legends. Take time to explore the summit, discover the myths and mysteries surrounding the legendary Dragon Mountain, and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the Swiss Alps.

  5. Alpnachstad

    45 min

    For those who choose the Gold Option, embark on a thrilling descent aboard Switzerland’s steepest cogwheel railway as it winds its way through breathtaking mountain scenery to Alpnachstad.

  6. Lake Lucerne

    45 min Admission included

    For those who choose the Gold Option, after arriving in Alpnachstad, board a scenic cruise across Lake Lucerne and admire the breathtaking Alpine landscape from a different perspective. As you glide across the lake, enjoy peaceful views of the surrounding mountains and picturesque shoreline before returning to Lucerne after a day filled with unforgettable Alpine experiences.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • Please note that we do not have an office in Lucerne. Go directly to the meeting point, look for our driver with a red jacket and find our Swisstours bus. Please have your voucher or booking number ready to show to the driver.

End point

  • Please note that we do not have an office in Lucerne. Go directly to the meeting point, look for our driver with a red jacket and find our Swisstours bus. Please have your voucher or booking number ready to show to the driver.

Using your ticket

Please look for the Swisstours bus driver at the meeting point. Your Mount Pilatus tickets will be provided by the driver guide. For guests who selected the Gold Option, the cogwheel railway and boat cruise tickets will also be handed out by the driver guide.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%
  • The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
  • The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

  • The Gold Option, including the cogwheel railway and scenic cruise to Lucerne, is available from mid-May to mid-October.

  • Mount Pilatus facilities are closed for annual maintenance from 19 October to 27 November.

  • Any activities or attractions not specifically listed in the inclusions are optional and available at your own expense.

  • Child seats are not provided. Guests traveling with infants or children are required to bring an appropriate child seat. For safety reasons, the driver reserves the right to refuse transportation if the required child seat is not available.

  • This tour operates in all weather conditions. However, mountain activities are subject to weather and operational conditions. In exceptional circumstances, the itinerary may be adjusted for safety and operational reasons.

  • This experience may not be suitable for guests with a fear of heights.

Options

  • Pilatus Silver

    (KTU724) - Silver Option: Includes the panoramic gondola and “Dragon Ride” cableway

  • Pilatus Gold

    (KTU721) - Gold Option: Includes the panoramic gondola, “Dragon Ride” cableway, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, and a Lake Lucerne cruise

Traveller ratings

5.0 out of 5 · one review
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Lucerne: Mount Pilatus – The Legendary Dragon Mountain

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