The World's Steepest Cogwheel Railway Climbs Mount Pilatus (2,132 m)

Built over 100 years ago, the world's steepest cogwheel railway takes you to the top of Mount Pilatus (2,132 m).

For the full Mount Pilatus experience, the "Golden Tour" is recommended:

• Take a boat trip from Lucerne to Alpnachstad (about 90 minutes).
• Continue on the world's steepest cogwheel railway (48%) to the top of Pilatus Kulm, where you will find the romantic Hotel Pilatus-Kulm (built in 1890) and its magnificent sun terrace with unique Alpine views.
• After a stop for lunch or even just a coffee or tea, take a spectacular descent by gondola and panoramic cable car to Kriens/Lucerne.

A mountain of adventures:

• A hiking paradise with unspoiled nature and trails for all levels.
• See the largest Alpine Park in Central Switzerland on the Fräkmüntegg (1416m), which promises fun and adventure for outdoor enthusiasts, families, schools, companies and associations.
• Ride the longest summer toboggan run in Switzerland before taking the cable car down to Kriens, from where you can take the bus back to Lucerne.

Mount Pilatus, Lucerne's mountain, is one of the most legendary places in Central Switzerland and also one of the most beautiful, as on clear days it offers a panoramic view of 73 Alpine peaks.

The idea for this spectacular cogwheel railway to climb Mount Pilatus came from engineer Eduard Locher in the 19th century. Many thought he was crazy. However, his madness became reality with the opening in 1899 of the 4,618 m long line that took passengers from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm, the summit (a steam line until 1937).

This masterpiece was built in 400 days by 600 men. Even today, the world's steepest cogwheel railway is considered a masterpiece of engineering. Extraordinary in its time, authentic and ultra-modern in the 21st century.

With a gradient of 48%, it is still the steepest cogwheel railway in the world. This was made possible by the ingenious idea of using two horizontal cogwheels, which were also presented at the 1889 World's Fair in Paris. It was a revolutionary concept that caused a stir.

Since 1956, the summit of Pilatus has also been accessible from the other side of the mountain. Starting from Kriens, near Lucerne, take a panoramic cable car to Fräkmüntegg and then continue on the new Dragon Ride cable car. This makes it possible to do the Golden Circle, a circular excursion by cogwheel railway, cable car and gondola, combined with a boat trip on Lake Lucerne, which never fails to enthrall the thousands of tourists who visit the Lucerne region every summer.

In winter, when the cogwheel railway is not in operation, visitors can take the cable car to admire the sun from the summit and the panoramic view of the peaks or to go winter sports.

Accessibility: Pilatus is wheelchair accessible but advance notice is required.

Depending on the time of year, you can do:

• Golden Tour: Complete excursion including boat trip to Alpnachstad and cogwheel railway experience to reach the summit. Descent by cable car and return to Lucerne by bus from Kriens.
• Silver Tour: Train journey to Alpnachstad and cogwheel railway experience to reach the summit. Descent by cable car and return to Lucerne by bus from Kriens.
• Ascent and descent by cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad with train connection from Lucerne
• Ascent and descent by gondola and cable car from Kriens with bus connection from Lucerne

We have created several packages to help you start planning your trip. Each of them can be customized to your needs and preferences.

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