Pilatus from Zürich

General information

Destination	Category
Zurich, Switzerland	Sightseeing Tours

Program details

Feel on top of the world at the summit of Mount Pilatus, with this fascinating full-day guided tour to one of the most famous peaks in the Alps.

From Zurich we will take you on a scenic coach journey through picturesque landscapes via the Albis Pass and along the shores of the Lake of the Four Forested Cantons (as Lake Lucerne is romantically called in German) to Lucerne.

We’ll stop in this historic city for a brief tour of the main sights, including the Lion Monument, which was described by Mark Twain as ‘the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world’. You will then have some time to explore the Old Town at your own leisure. Admire the frescoed façades and fairytale turrets of the narrow streets and marvel at the wooden Chapel Bridge.

Afterwards, we’ll continue our journey to Kriens, the picture-postcard alpine village nestling at the foot of Mount Pilatus. We’ll take the panoramic gondolas and aerial cableway to reach the top, which is more than 2,000 metres above sea level. Enjoy the spectacular view over the surrounding mountains and lakes, stop for a bite to eat or hike to the summit.

The descent involves yet another adventure as you board the world's steepest rack railway (48% gradient) to reach the lakeside hamlet of Alpnachstad, from where we’ll board a ferry for a scenic one-hour lake cruise to Lucerne.

Meeting/ Pick up point: Bus parking near Main Station. Stop: ''Sihlquai'', Streetcar: 4, 13 and 17.
Duration: Nine and a half hours.
Start or opening time: 9.30am.
Languages: Live guided in English, German, Spanish(early May to mid Nov) and partly live guide in English and German(spanish on request) (mid Nov to early May).
Others: The Panoramic gondolas and aerial cable car will be offered during all year except revision early Nov, the World’s steepest cogwheel railway will be offered (early May to mid Nov), Boat ride on Lake Lucerne will be offered early May to late Oct and Lunch will be offered instead of boat ride (Nov to early May).