Combine the Lucerne local mountain with a scenic train journey departing from Lucerne.
The Silver Circuit begins in Lucerne. Take bus number 1 (towards Kriens/Obernau) directly in front of Lucerne train station. After an eleven-minute bus ride to the stop "Kriens, Zentrum Pilatus" and a short walk, you reach the valley station of the cable car in Kriens. Enjoy the 15-minute ride to the middle station Krienseregg. There you can relax on the terrace of the Krienseregg restaurant (own cost) and enjoy the time while children play on the Pilu Land playground.
After another 15-minute ride with the cable car, you reach the middle station Fräkmüntegg. At Fräkmüntegg, you can test your skills in the rope park (own cost) or try a local specialty at the self-service restaurant (own cost).
From Fräkmüntegg, switch to the "Dragon Ride" aerial cableway and, after a thrilling 5-minute journey, reach the summit of Pilatus Kulm. Thanks to its spacious interior, cockpit-like design, and large windows, the Dragon Ride creates the impression of sitting in a helicopter.
Once at the top, enjoy panoramic views over Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps and decide whether to linger in the panoramic gallery or relax on the terrace. You can climb one of the peaks (5-10 minutes) or enjoy a regional specialty at the Bellevue or Pilatus Kulm hotel restaurant (own cost). Many hiking options invite you to explore the Drachenberg above Lucerne.
The steepest cogwheel railway in the world (built in 1889) takes you from Pilatus Kulm through fascinating rock walls, bubbling mountain streams, and lush Alpine meadows down to Alpnachstad. In Alpnachstad, take the train back to Lucerne.
The Silver Circuit can also be undertaken in reverse, starting with the train from Lucerne. Please check the timetable before your visit.
Practical Information:
- Wheelchair accessible (advance reservation required)
- Duration 2.5 - 6 hours, see timetable for departure times
- Check the timetable carefully
- To avoid long waiting times for the cogwheel railway between Alpnachstad and Pilatus Kulm (or vice versa), we recommend making a reservation at www.pilatus.ch/reservation
- The circular tour can be done in both directions
- Start your journey at Lucerne train station. The ticket is valid for bus No. 1, the cable car, the cogwheel railway, and the train between Alpnachstad and Lucerne.
- If you wish to travel in the opposite direction, board the S5 train to Alpnachstad (towards Giswil).
- Dress according to the weather, as it can be cold and windy at the summit.
- Infants travel free (age 0 - 5.99 years)
- The child ticket price applies for ages between 6 and 15.99 years.
- Choose first class for a better train experience: holders of a first-class ticket sit on more comfortable seats with more space.
- Please note that this is a self-guided tour, with no guide waiting for you.
- Carrying small dogs up to 30 cm is free on all means of transport during the Silver Round Trip. However, they must stay in a transport container throughout the journey. You need to tuck this container under your seat.
- Dogs without a container and all dogs taller than 30 cm shoulder height require their own dog ticket for each mode of transport.
For the Silver Round Trip, you need the following dog tickets:
- Pilatus Railway: Dog ticket valid for mountain and valley rides (rack railway and cable car)
- Central Railway/SBB (bus line): separate dog ticket at half the price of a second class ticket or the minimum fare (dog day pass, dog journey card).
