Home > Zurich > Mount Pilatus Summer Day Trip from Zurich
USD $158.00
Mount Pilatus Summer Day Trip from Zurich
Zurich, Switzerland
For a full day of alpine summer splendor, make for the mountains on this guided roundtrip from Zurich to central Switzerland's Mount Pilatus. Your full day guided tour includes a gondola and aerial cable car ride, the world's steepest cog-wheel railway and a cruise on Lake Lucerne.
Travel over Albis Pass and along the shores of Lake Lucerne until arriving in Lucerne. Disembark for a highlight tour of the city, including the Lion Monument, Chapel Bridge and Jesuit Church. Afterwards you will have approximately one hour at your leisure to stroll Lucerne's beautiful Old Town.
You'll then continue to Kriens and board a panoramic gondola and aerial cable car to the top of Mount Pilatus at 7000 feet (2132 meters). Enjoy an hour and a half at your leisure admiring breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains and lakes. Venture down the Dragon's Path and make the short hike to the summit before descending Mount Pilatus to Alpnachstad by cog-wheel railway. At a gradient of 48% it is the world's steepest!
Your summer alpine adventures conclude with a picturesque boat ride across lovely Lake Lucerne before returning to Zurich where your tour ends.
The Golden Roundtrip (ascent by aerial cable car, descent by cogwheel train, return to Lucerne by boat) operates between early May and late October. Between late October and mid-November the aerial cable car is under maintenance. In this case you will travel up and down Mt. Pilatus by cogwheel train. The boat on Lake Lucerne operates from early May until late October - if you are traveling when the boat is no longer in operation you will return to Lucerne by train and receive a complimentary lunch instead.
Our guide gave us great information throughout the entire bus ride. Enjoyed the day trip, however would have appreciated more time at Lucerne, because I felt rushed. Trip to Mount Pilatus was extraordinary. At first it was very cloudy but it cleared up and the views from up there were amazing. Enough time to go through the caves, have a quick bite to eat, stay on the panorama deck and even walk up higher through the stairs. Would highly recommend it. Also, the boat ride on Lake Lucerne was extraordinary. The trip down from Mount Pilatus to Lake Lucerne with the cogwheel train was magnificent.
Review by: susanjxu, June 2018
In Switzerland, any mountain with elevation above 3000 meters will be covered by snow year around. Pilatus's elevation is about 2000 meters, it is not too code at the top of the mountain. The view is fabulous. Tour is great. we took cable cars on the way up to the mountain and took train back to the bottom and then took cruise back to Lucern.
Review by: CHLOE C, May 2018
It was so amazing! We got to visit the main attraction places from Lucerne to Mt. Pilatus.... and even visited Swiss Chocolate Shop..plenty of time shopping...._br/_ We got to ride the AERIAL GONDOLA, WORLD STEEPEST CABLE RIDE and BOAT RIDE across Lake Lucerne._br/_ I love this trip. _br/_ Being on top of Mt. Pilatus is something I've only dreamt of doing and it became reality.
Review by: Janet L, November 2017
This tour was awesome! Very well organized and ran on time. I would have preferred a bit more free time during the city time and a bit less time at the top of the mountain. The cog train was fascinating and the boat ride beautiful!
Review by: John C, November 2017
Rose Marie (spelling?), our tour guide for the day trip to Mt. Pilatus, was cheerful and knowledgeable. The trip, with transfers among multiple conveyances (bus, gondola, cableway, cogwheel rail, and boat) required Rose Marie to herd her charges (that would be us) in a timely manner without losing anyone. The little flag she waived above her head really helped.
Review by: Blair A, October 2017
Absolutely fabulous day trip to Lucerne. The gondola ride up and cog wheel train down the mountain were spectacular, as well as the boat ride on Lake Lucerne back to the city. Highly recommend!
Review by: Abdelkader D, October 2017
The weather was great. The places we visited were amazing.
Review by: davgosh8, October 2017
Due to the snow built up that day, I was not able to take the steepest cog wheel train in the world down from Mount Pilatus hence we ended up taking the gondola/cable car down. I enjoyed the boat trip to Lucerne. Overall the trip is good with friendly and knowledgeable guide.
Review by: wattskarren4, October 2017
Really happy we took this tour with Viator and the organisation of the day was well planned. Mt Pilatus was amazing and we had great weather at the top. I dont theink the guide really engaged with those on board which is why I marked at 4. She tended to walk off quite quickly from the group and many had to watch for familiar faces ahead to understand where we were required to go.
Review by: Matthew B, October 2017
Great way to see the countryside and the Alps. Really enjoyed the fact that this tour combined gondolas, hiking, a train ride, and a boat cruise all into one day. Even the drive to and from the mountain was filled with information and stories from the guide about everything we passed by. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
Review by: K A O, September 2017
An excellent trip. Thoroughly enjoyed the commentary from our guide. Didn't get to gondola up due to weather and high winds, but the cog wheel trains are a great experience. Rain turned to snow as we arrived at the mountain top, so weather against us for a bit. Bitterly cold and white out conditions, but finally broke so we were able to see the views, and get outside for some novel photo shots in the snow.
Review by: Frederick H, September 2017
The trip was very nice. However, I would definitely try to go when the weather was predicted to be very clear. The snow-capped mountains are several miles away. That having been said...the cog railroad down and the paddle-wheel ship back to Lucerne were worth the trip.
Review by: glanmire, September 2017
Fabulous day!!!! All arrangements worked extremely well. The bus trip from Zurich to Lucerne enBled a numb of lovely villages to be seen up close. One suggestion would be more time in Lucerne would have been very worthwhile...the time given meant it was a rushed look around before boarding the gondola for ascent to Mt Pilatus. The time on Mt Pilatus was certainly sufficient including time to have lunch in the restaurant and the descent on the world's steepest cog railway was fascinating. The cruise on the paddle wheel steamer back to Lucerne was relaxing with a cuppa and cake while looking at the magnificent scenery. Would highly recommend this Tour as a most enjoyable and good value for money day.
Review by: Reddy, September 2017
Enjoyed the trip, well organised
Review by: Miriam W, September 2017
I went to see Mt. Pilatus. The cable cars were great. The cog wheel train was great. When we stopped to allow the other cars going up to pass, we had an amazing photo opportunity. The views were breathtaking from the train. The boat ride was great and more amazing views to photograph. Visiting the town of Luzern was great but could have been a little longer. The only thing that was disappointing was the cloud cover over the top of the mountain, but the tour operators can't change that. This trip does depend on having good weather.
Review by: Kenneth B, September 2017
This was a wonderful trip! We enjoyed our tour guide as well.
Review by: DALIUS B, August 2017
It was an amazing summer day trip. The day was sunny and warm, nice views on the Mount Pilatus. You get a glimpse of everything: the countryside, the city of Lucerne, the Alps and the Mount Pilatus, plus an amazing boat trip on Lake Lucerne. Very well organized, everything was on time. I wish there was more time to be spent in Lucerne or on the Mount Pilatus but it was all very enjoyable anyway. Highly recommended.
Review by: Cynthia M, August 2017
The Mt. Pilatus tour was very interesting. A beautiful bus tour from Zurich to Lucerne, with a little time in the lovely city, and then the long climb up to the mountain. Unfortunately, it was a foggy/rainy day, so we couldn't see much, but there was a 5-minute clear window when we could see all the way to the valley! The gondola/cable car/cog train trips up and down were amazing! Lake cruise was a nice way to end the day.
Review by: teresa r, August 2017
This tour was amazing, the scenery was stunning, plenty of time in each spot and the tour guides by far the best we have had in Europe so far
Review by: geykhman, August 2017
This tour was fantastic. Our guide Minu was the most professional guide that we had in Switzerland - she was very informative and made sure that everything ran smoothly. The tour was very well organized so that everyone had enough time to explore the beauty of Mt. Pilatus and even to see a little bit of Lucerne, which was lovely. Overall, Mt. Pilatus is a must-see.
Review by: Juma A, August 2017
the tour was well organized, the guide was funny, the views were nice too my favorite Part was the boat trip. it was beyond AMAZING
Review by: cml686, July 2017
We are so glad that we booked this trip! Rebecca was an awesome tour guide and made sure the day ran very smoothly including all of the different forms of transportation we took up and down the mountain! We saw some amazing views from the top of Pilatus despite the rain. While we understand the need to combine trips for economical reason, we felt like we lost a lot of time dropping off the Mount Rigi group before heading to Lucerne we only one hour from the time we got off the bus to when we had to be back to go to Pilatus. We felt like we had to run through the town super fast and barely had time to grab a bite for lunch before heading on to Pilatus. However, we were more interested in being on the mountain and appreciated that experience. If you want to spend time in Lucerne, we would recommend a different trip, but overall, we would definitely recommend this excursion!
Review by: kristinewoodworth, July 2017
My husband and I took this trip with our two twenty-something sons, and each of us called it the highlight of our ten days in Europe. The tour ran like clockwork, our guide was enthusiastic and very informative and the itinerary was perfect. We had time for a quick bite to eat in Lucerne before heading to Kriens for our ride up the mountain. At the summit we walked through the Dragon Caves, up a few flights of stairs and around the mountain - a walk that is not for the faint of heart when a brisk wind is blowing. I should have had a warmer jacket, and maybe some light gloves. Again, the pace was relaxed enough that we could enjoy a beer at the top before heading down the other side of the mountain in the cog wheel train car, for the boat ride back to the bus. It was a long, full day, with so many sights to see and yet we never felt rushed or crowded. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone visiting Zurich or Lucerne.
Review by: Kevin W, July 2017
Beautiful setting. Even in July, wear long pants and a medium to light weight winter coat. Waterproof would be preferred. A puffer jacket would be a good idea. There is snow. Layer clothing. In spite of ground temps in the high 80's, chances are there will be fog and crystalline snow showers up high. Although the tour guide was knowledgeable about the area, she had some difficulty managing the group. She was not clear about meeting times, how long we would be at a specific stop, what would happen next. The other side of this is, if having a conversation with her individually, she was quite knowledgeable. But, don't let my so-so comments deter you from this excursion. I am sure it would not be the same guide from day to day. This is a worthwhile day, for sure!
Review by: Rhonda T, July 2017
Fantastic day. Loved the day Trip. Lucerne was lovely and we had plenty of free time for wandering and taking lots of photos. The gondola rides up Pilatus were great. The weather was a bit foggy at times but kept clearing enough for us to see the views. Our guide Robert was wonderful and gave us lots of information. Absolutely loved the train ride down the mountain and the cruise on the lake was great. Thoroughly recommend this tour.
Review by: Donald H, June 2017
This tour itinerary was ideal, but the poor tour guide was not equipped to handle 40 multinational guests. After coming off of a 12 day river cruise where we took tours everyday, this tour felt extremely unorganized and basically out of control. At our first stop, which was for ONLY letting a few guests off because they were on another tour, the guide did not forcefully enough explain that everyone was to stay on the bus, because nearly half the bus got off, including the driver who needed a smoke. We wasted 20 minutes getting everyone back on the bus and from that moment on, we were shorted 20 minutes at all the other stops. At the top of the mountain, we had to wait 15 minutes for our guide to arrive on top, so we could get our insturctions of when and where to meet to head back down. This should have been mentioned on the bus long before. And finally, after we all got off the boat ride on Lake Lucerene, our guide trailed 40 people across a number of busy intersections to the bus, when if she really knew the area, she would have known that she could have lead them down through the train station shops located under these intersections, and come up a block away from the bus. We enjoyed all the stops, but not the way we were delivered to those stops.
Review by: Milred, May 2017
Once in a lifetime trip. Our guide Valeri was excellent. Her commentary made it so interesting and I am amazed at her memory and her knowledge. The trip itself was fantastic. It covers lake trip, steepest cogwheel , cable right up to the top which was breath taking. But if ur choosing between this trip and Titlis, i have heard Titlis is much more adventurous from the people who have done both. We found this trip absolutely worth our money.
Review by: Carolyn C, May 2017
We had a great day full of amazing views and activities! Our tour guide, Minu Fabre was very considerate of all participants and was very knowledgable pointing out many interesting things as we went along. The trip included a bus tour, time to explore in _br/_ Lucerne at your own speed, a 2 part gondola ride up the mountain, the cog train ride down following free time and a boat tour to end the day before returning by bus to Zurich! A jacket on top of the mountain is a must! May
Review by: Sesh, April 2017
I visited Mount Titlis one day before this trip. I choose this trip even though it is in the same route as Titlis for the reason that I can travel in the world's steepest cogwheel train. Even though it was mentioned in the website as well as in the print out after I made the payment that the train journey and boat ride will be there, it was denied on the day of travel by the Best of Switzerland tour staff. They informed that in April this train journey was never included because of snow. The lady in the counter mentioned that in her 20 years experience, she never seen the train operational in April. Still viator cheated by putting in the website as well as in the print out produced after payment that the cogwheel journey will be available. If known earlier I would have chosen some other trips. Please update your website suitably and don't mislead people. There were three other family along with me who also booked this trip thinking that the train journey will be there. We were all disappointed by the poor show by Viator.
Review by: Stephanie T, November 2016
I absolutely LOVED this tour!! It was everything I had hoped for and more. Lucerne was spectacular. Strolling through the streets we stopped to enjoy a choir singing in one of the buildings, it was heavenly! Then the cable car up to Mt Pilatus was breathtaking! I truly didn't grasp just how high we were going and was blown away by the views, especially on the second cable car. Just amazing! Once up at the top we ate first as it we super hungry by then. I highly recommend the Schnitzel! Delish. The views from the top of Mt. Pilatus were stunning! There are so many areas to explore once you are at the top. I climbed one of the vistas and then explored the Dragon Caves. All in all a wonderful Day Trip and one that I will not forget.
Review by: Kathleen D S, October 2016
This was a great day. Antje was our guide and she did a wonderful job. From Zurich we bussed to Lucerne, took a cable car up to Mt Pilatus, which was fun and very scenic. Unfortunately when we got to the top it was foggy, but you can't control the weather. At the top we explored a little bit, we heard a great band, shopped and had lunch. Then it was time for the cog-wheel train ride down. That was so cool. Once back down in Lucerne, we took a boat cruise around Lake Lucerne. Very picturesque town. Did a little shopping and back on the bus to Zurich. Overall we would do this excursion again.
Review by: Kristine D, October 2016
Awesome tour. Great way to experience the beauty of Switzerland.
Review by: zindha_ravi, October 2016
Awesome tour!! Highly recommend this... Will always relish this wonderful experience._br/_ Our tour guide Minu Faber was also wonderful
Review by: Carlo Antonio M, October 2016
Excellent day tour! Passed by Meggen, Lake Lucerne for a 5-minute bio break. Then 1-hour stopover at Lucerne: enough time to visit the Lion Monument, take pictures of the Chapel Bridge, shop for souvenir items and grab a quick meal at the drop off point. I forgot the name of the cafe but their soup and sausage croissant was delicious! Two cable cars to Mt. Pilatus - the first accommodated 4, the second, 60 standing up. Fortunately, it was bright and sunny so we got to take tons of amazing pictures! Spent about 2.5 hours there total which is pretty tight if you want to go up both peaks available. The Dragon Trail is pretty steep so if you have elderly companions, might be better to skip that one. The cog ride down is about 35-40 mins. long then aboard another 45-minute trip via boat along Lake Lucerne. Excellent tour guide as well, shared plenty of interesting trivia both historical and current and knew when people needed to rest. Bring a good camera, warm jacket and scarf.
Review by: Vicky D, October 2016
We had a wonderful day on this tour!!! Gorgeous views. I love that all the excursions leave from one place which is easy to get to. _br/_ There was some confusing information throughout the day, but we made it fine in the end. _br/_ Disappointed on the Lake Lucerne boat as we were treated like second class citizens not being allowed in the back of the boat even though the front was filled up. The back is for first class customers. _br/_ Beautiful bus ride. Gondola ride up was gorgeous. Lunch at the top and time to explore. _br/_ Cog wheel train down was exciting. Boat ride and then bus ride back. Very enjoyable. Guide was informative. _br/_ I would recommend this trip for sure!!!
Review by: Harsad C P, September 2016
This was one of the best trip we have taken in a long time._br/_ The tour guide was very helpful and knowledgable and we had a great time _br/_ I recommend this trip
Review by: madame, September 2016
Excellent trip .Peter was a great tour guide .One of the best.
Review by: SUCHDEEP B, September 2016
Guide was rude.
Review by: SUCHDEEP B, September 2016
rude guide
Review by: James C, September 2016
Great adventure!! Well organized. Wonderful tour guide!
Review by: Venkateswaran M, September 2016
Very good. The guide was excellent. At the top the weather was a bit bad with clouds.
Review by: Wazeem U, August 2016
Yes, i like we lovely and beautiful city Zurich of Swiss._br/_ It was the v.v.enjoyfull and lovely trip._br/_ On line booking was perfect idea.though i little hesitate to do it from Dubai U.A.E.So when so much money deducted from credit card i got scar but i got the printout.with phone and other full details._br/_ In swiss we show them they accepted v well and we avoid any last minute problem cause this type of wounderfull tours are almost full on that or even 2/3 days before._br/_ Booking with Viator for the Mount Titlis and Pilatus was wonderful and the highlight of our tour.Kids enjoy a lot playing sown parks._br/_ Both Mounts trip have different and excellent to offer_br/_ we enjoy a lot both tours._br/_ will share pics soon._br/_ Waz
Review by: Jamie S, August 2016
This tour was awesome! I will say that we got very lucky with the weather and had a gorgeous day....it could be a different experience if the weather was bad, but that wouldn't be the fault of the tour. It was organized very well. On the way there the tour guide provided some history and fun facts about Switzerland and the villages we were driving through, then once we got to Lucerne we had a little bit of time to explore before heading up the gondolas to the top of Mt Pilatus. The views were so breathtaking. We had a good couple of hours to roam freely to different peaks and down different hiking paths, and there was food and drink up there as well. Afterwards we took the cogwheel railway down which was unique, followed by an hour long boat ride across Lake Lucerne with a quick trip home. It was very well run, you got to see a lot and on a beautiful day this simply can't be beat.
Review by: kken, August 2016
It was a great adventure and the tour guide had everything very organized. She even made sure the weather was perfect - sunny and warm. The only disappointment was on the boat where they wanted to charge extra to sit up on the top deck.
Review by: Isma Z, August 2016
Awesome! The guide and trip both were great!
Review by: anju_lamba, August 2016
Wonderful tour! Wish we had more time in Lucerne.
Review by: Abdul Samad, July 2016
The tour was excellent. The tour guide was excellent and very helpful. She was able to explain every activity in detail. This was a well organized tour and we all enjoyed a lot. The time allocation for everything was appropriate and good. Overall this was a good excursion.
Review by: Gary F, July 2016
Excellent tour! Beautiful scenery! Great tour guide!
Review by: tortspeed, July 2016
Great day, tour was amazing. Sad the bus driver was so rude to everyone
Review by: Mónica G, July 2016
Beautiful._br/_ Stunning. Great guide!!!_br/_ I wish we have had some more time in the recreation areas. _br/_ You should tell tourist that you have no time for the slide, for example. _br/_ Thank you!
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