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Day Trips
126 Tours & Activities

Pilatus Railways (Pilatus Bahnen) Tours
30 Tours & Activities

How to Spend 3 Days in Zurich
14 Tours & Activities
9 hours 30 minutes (Approx.)
Offered in: English and 2 more
Good for avoiding crowds
Keeping you safe during COVID-19
What you can expect during your visit
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
Overview
Immerse yourself in the mountainous majesty of Mount Pilatus on a full-day excursion from Zurich. Ascend to vertiginous vantage points on a gondola, aerial cable car and enjoy sweeping vistas of the dramatic Alps mountain range. Embark on a moderate hike down the verdant Dragon’s Path and the world’s steepest cogwheel railway before taking a short cruise on Lake Lucerne. Relish the convenience of round-trip transportation from Zurich on this enriching full-day tour.
- Summer day trip from Zurich to Mount Pilatus
- Ride an aerial cable car gondola to the top of Mount Pilatus
- Hike to the summit and descend on the world's steepest cogwheel railway
- A boat ride across Lake Lucerne is included
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After pickup at a centrally located spot in Zurich, admire the picturesque scenery as you travel to Lucerne in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach. Disembark for a leisurely stroll around the historical highlights of the city, visiting monuments like Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge. Stop for a scenic photo stop en route at Lake Lucerne. Spend some relaxed free time exploring the city at your leisure, and then return to the coach to travel to your next destination.
Continue to Kriens and climb aboard a panoramic gondola and aerial cable car traveling to the 7,000-foot (2,132-meter) summit of Mount Pilatus. Appreciate breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-smothered spires and enjoy some relaxed free time to absorb the views.
Follow the Dragon’s Path to Mount Pilatus’ summit and then descend the mountain’s steep side on the cogwheel railway, which with its 48% gradient is the steepest railway in the world. Back at sea level, climb aboard an awaiting boat for a tranquil cruise across Lake Lucerne.
Return to your vehicle and relax during the journey back to Zurich, where the tour concludes.
Please see the Itinerary section from seasonal service times of each transport method.
Continue to Kriens and climb aboard a panoramic gondola and aerial cable car traveling to the 7,000-foot (2,132-meter) summit of Mount Pilatus. Appreciate breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-smothered spires and enjoy some relaxed free time to absorb the views.
Follow the Dragon’s Path to Mount Pilatus’ summit and then descend the mountain’s steep side on the cogwheel railway, which with its 48% gradient is the steepest railway in the world. Back at sea level, climb aboard an awaiting boat for a tranquil cruise across Lake Lucerne.
Return to your vehicle and relax during the journey back to Zurich, where the tour concludes.
Please see the Itinerary section from seasonal service times of each transport method.
Itinerary
Continuation to Kriens, where you take the panoramic gondola and aerial cable car to the top of Mount Pilatus at 7000 feet (2132 meters). Enjoy some time at 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 cogwheel railway. At a gradient of 48% it is the world's steepest!
Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
After a enjoyable day, the guide will bring you back to Zürich.
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Traveler Photos
Traveler Tips
- "This is a great way to get out of Zurich and see some countryside and pack in a couple of different activities into a single day." See review
- "Pilatus's elevation is about 2000 meters, it is not too code at the top of the mountain." See review
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Product code: 3885SW304BS
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