Combine Lucerne's local mountain with a boat trip on Lake Lucerne. Both experiences are an absolute must during your visit to the Lake Lucerne region.
The Golden Round Trip starts in Lucerne. Take bus number 1 (towards Kriens/Obernau) right outside Lucerne station. After an eleven-minute bus ride to the stop "Kriens, Zentrum Pilatus" and a short walk, you’ll reach the valley station of the panoramic cable car in Kriens. Enjoy the 15-minute ride up to the middle station Krienseregg. Here you can relax on the terrace of the Krienseregg restaurant (own expense) and enjoy the time while the kids play at the Pilu Land playground.
After another 15-minute ride with the panoramic gondola, you arrive at the middle station Fräkmüntegg. At Fräkmüntegg, you can test your skills climbing in the rope park (own expense) or try one of the local specialties at the self-service restaurant (own expense).
At Fräkmüntegg, you also switch to the "Dragon Ride" aerial cableway and after an exhilarating 5-minute ride reach the summit of Pilatus Kulm. Thanks to the spacious interior, cockpit-like design, and large windows, the Dragon Ride gives the impression of sitting in a helicopter.
Once at the top, you can enjoy panoramic views over Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps from the summit. You decide whether to linger in the panoramic gallery or relax on the terrace. You can also climb one of the peaks (5–10 minutes) or enjoy a local specialty in the restaurant of Hotel Bellevue or Hotel Pilatus Kulm (own expense). Many hiking opportunities invite you to explore the Dragon Mountain above Lucerne.
The world’s steepest cogwheel railway (built in 1889) takes you down from Pilatus Kulm through impressive rock faces, bubbling mountain streams, and lush alpine meadows to Alpnachstad. In Alpnachstad, simply cross the street and you’ll be at the boat pier. After a breathtaking one-hour boat trip on Lake Lucerne, you arrive back in Lucerne near the station, concluding your unforgettable half-day excursion.
The Golden Round Trip can also be done in reverse, starting with the boat from Lucerne. In any case, check the timetable beforehand, especially for the boat trips.
Practical information:
- Wheelchair accessible (advance reservation required)
- Duration 2.5–6 hours; see timetable for departure times (especially for boat trips)
- Check the timetable carefully, especially for the boat connections (there are 2 - 5 boat departures per day)
- To avoid long waiting times for the rack railway between Alpnachstad and Pilatus Kulm (or vice versa), we recommend making a reservation at www.pilatus.ch/reservation
- The round trip can be done in either direction
- If you want to travel in the opposite direction, take the boat to Alpnachstad (dock no. 2) and show your voucher on the boat.
- Dress according to the weather, as it can be cold and windy at the summit.
- Toddlers travel free of charge (ages 0 - 5.99 years)
- The child price applies between 6 and 15.99 years of age.
- Choose a first-class ticket for a nicer boat ride: First-class ticket holders sit in the spacious upper deck of the boat and enjoy a great view over the lake.
- Second-class ticket holders have seating on the lower level of the boat.
- Please note that this is a self-guided tour, and no guide will be waiting for you.
- Start your journey at Lucerne station. The voucher is valid for bus no. 1, the cable car, the rack railway, and the boat.
- Bringing small dogs up to 30 cm is free on all transport on the Golden Round Trip. However, they must remain in a carrier for the entire journey. You need to slide this under your seat.
- Dogs without a carrier and all dogs 30 cm and taller at the shoulder require a separate dog ticket for each mode of transport.
For the Golden Round Trip, you need the following dog tickets:
- Pilatus railways: Dog ticket, valid for both ascent and descent (rack railway and aerial cableway)
- SGV dog ticket (Lake Lucerne shipping): SGV dog ticket. (The SBB dog GA is also valid on SGV ships.)
- SBB (line bus): a separate SBB dog ticket at half the price of a 2nd class ticket or the minimum fare (dog day ticket, dog pass).