When in Switzerland, you're literally spoilt for choice of chocolates and mountains to visit(or climb for that matter). Well, if you are flying into Zurich, there's plenty of the former but less of the latter. I think the closest legendary mountain to Zurich within a reach of a day trip is Mount Pilatus at a height of 7000 feet, Lucerne's very own mountain. It's an impressively rugged peak jutting up into the Lucerne skyline.
It made sense for us to take a Golden Round Trip to Mount Pilatus for an incredible panoramic view of the Swiss Alps, while we were in Zurich. Now, the view is not comparable to what we saw in Jungfrau but the whole trip is spectacular in it's own way. You can read about my Jungfrau visit here "Jungfrau- Top of Europe".
Golden Round Trip
The most popular way to reach to the top of Mount Pilatus is to embark on the Golden Round Trip. It starts by taking a ferry boat from Lucerne to Alpnachstad and then you carry on to the world's steepest cog railway to the summit of Mount Pilatus. Spend as much time as you like and then return via a cable car and a scenic gondola ride on the other side of the mountain to Kriens and finally a short bus ride to Lucerne. This trip can be done vice versa as well and that's how we did it!! And yes, it is expensive but then nothing comes for cheap in Switzerland!
We arrived in Luzern and took bus no 1(NFO 1) to Kriens, Zentrum Pilatus. It's a short 10 minute uphill walk from the bus stop to Kriens PB where we hopped on a gondola. The gondola stops midway in Fräkmüntegg after 30 min where you switch to an aerial cable car that takes you to the final summit. We spent some time there before taking the cable car to the peak of Pilatus.
Fräkmüntegg is real fun if you want want to get involved in some adventurous and fun activities. It has the largest rope park in central Switzerland, tree tents, hiking trails and the most exciting for me was the "Switzerland's Longest Summer Toboggan Run"- a true Alpine slide. This very toboggan ride was on my mind long since I came to know about it and I think it's such a fun ride for everyone, let alone the first timers like me!!
It felt as if the child inside me was all awake, enjoying and YUHUU...ing all the way down the hill on the toboggan. Well, that's sane for someone who has not been on any fun ride for like years. If you have never taken a toboggan ride in your life and you happen to be going to Mount Pilatus, I would highly recommend to stop here and experience your first. And, it's only an 8 CHF ride, quite cheap for such a thrilling ride amidst the alps and meadows. It was definitely the highlight of my Pilatus trip.🎢
Check out my Toboggan Run video 👇
After spending an hour or so in Fräkmüntegg, we took one last cable car for the final leg of the journey to the summit and there we were at the top of Mount Pilatus. We headed out of the building onto the large viewing terrace, which has a hotel,restaurant and many easy to moderate hiking trails. The views all around are so breathtaking in all directions.
We decided to hike and venture up to one of the summit peaks to get a better view. Although it was supposed to be a clear day but as we started climbing a set of steep rock steps, I could see some clouds moving in slowly trying to cover up everything our naked eyes could see. Phew, I was so disappointed as I thought we wouldn't be able to see anything on reaching the top. Nevertheless, we continued climbing and boy the view from the peak was spectacular with a stretch of lakes and farmland😍 , though we couldn't get a far away view because of the stubborn clouds refusing to leave.
After waiting for few minutes for the clouds to clear(which they didn't), we climbed down and decided to return. There was no point for us in climbing another peak as the clouds were now all over the place. We made our way back to the visitor center and hopped on to the cogwheel train to ride back down on the other side of the mountain to Alpnachstad.
Now, this was the second reason after the Toboggan run for which I was excited to visit Mount Pilatus, yes views were also on my mind but secondary, rather tertiary!! But, my excitement faded a little when I could not get a window seat, rather I found myself sitting exactly in the middle with people on both my sides.
I think, I might have looked real desperate to get some nice pictures that one of the gentleman sitting by the window offered me a switch of seats but there I sat trying to be humble and politely refused but when he insisted I quickly jumped to his seat in joy!! 😄However, I was on the left side where the views were not as good as the right side, but still I was extremely happy to get a window seat. 😊
This was quite an experience for us riding on the world's steepest cogwheel train with a gradient of 45%, that's a lot!!! Also, the cogwheels literally cling to the edge of the mountain but don't you worry, you're absolutely safe.😉
The train steadily and slowly made steep descent, meandering down the mountain with views straight down into the valley and stopped only once where another cogwheel train going up passes. The views all the way down the mountain are awe inspiring with lush alpine scenery, cows grazing in the meadows and the synchronizing sound of cow bells in that kind of setting is like a symphony to the ears.🔔🎶
On reaching Alpnachstad, we learned that the next boat would leave after about an hour giving us more time to explore the area around the lake. We had a quick lunch at a restaurant which is just across the street from the Pilatus-Bahn Alpnachstad station after which we headed to a wooden foot bridge close to the pier on Lake Alpnachsee(a branch of Lake Lucerne). It felt so refreshed sitting on the bridge and doing NOTHING, and to add to that there were almost no people around!! We could have literally sat there for the rest of the day if we didn't have to return to Lucerne.
After relishing half an hour of our quiet time, we finally started our boat tour over the gorgeous blue waters of the lake with lovely views all around. A fresh cool gentle breeze kept rubbing on the skin of my face, leaving me feeling so wonderful and more than anything, just calm & RELAXING!!
As we were about to reach our destination, we could see some hotel and other buildings that are located on the port side of Lucerne. It took almost an hour and half to reach Lucerne but the time just went by in the blink of an eye. I wished if I could sit on the boat more longer.
Although, we had been to Lucerne a couple of times in the previous days to change trains but we never came out of the station!! So, before we got onto the train to Zurich, we decided to wander around for a while in the Old Town of Lucerne which is one of the prettiest in Switzerland.
The old town which is right along the water is very tiny and you can get around and explore almost everything on foot. We strolled along the river Reuss in the old town boulevard, lined up with so many lovely restaurants with their nicely arranged tables on the riverside.
Also, when in Lucerne, your eyes can't miss the iconic Chapel Bridge built diagonally across the river Reuss. It is said to be the oldest covered wooden bridge of Europe, built in 14th century. It's a beautiful bridge with baskets of flowers hanging along the sides on the outside. No doubt, this is one of the most photographed bridges in Switzerland!! We had a nice amusing walk on the bridge after which we headed straight to the station to catch the next train to Zurich.
Transportation tips
Try doing the Golden trip by getting up by gondola and coming down by cog rail followed by a boat to Lucerne. This way you will beat most of the crowd as people generally do it the other way.
Tickets for the golden round trip cannot be bought online except on Viator which provides a package for a little higher price . You can buy the tickets at the valley station in Kriens and Alpnachstad, Pilatus Shop Luzern, SGV(at the pier in Lucerne) and at the tourist information center at Lucerne main train station. Also, tickets can be redeemed anytime within five days of purchasing.
The trip costs 103 CHF per person for 2nd class and 117 CHF for 1st class but if you have a Swiss Travel Pass,the boat ride is absolutely free and you get a 50% discount on the Pilatus-Excursion. It cost us only 36 CHF pp with the Swiss pass.
There is a cheaper option- "The Silver Round trip" which takes you to/from Alpnachstad by a train rather than a boat. The cost is 85 CHF per person for 2nd class and 91 CHF for 1st class.
Other Tips
Carry warm clothing as it gets quite chilly at the top.
Plan to go on a clear day and check the weather before buying your tickets to the top.
While going down, sit on the right side in the direction of cogwheel train to get the best views.
Here is a short video of all the fun we had in Switzerland 🙂
Planning a trip to Switzerland?? Read
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