Mount Pilatus. 🐉
In the Middle Ages, ascending this peak was forbidden because locals believed a dragon lived in the caves and Pontius Pilate's ghost haunted the lake.
Steepest Railway
The cogwheel train from Alpnachstad is the steepest in the world (48% gradient). It claws its way up the rock face like a mechanical mountain goat.
Dragon Path
At the top, walk the "Drachenweg" (Dragon Path), a gallery cut into the sheer rock face offering vertigo-inducing views of the Alps.
The Lake. ⛴️
The lake is shaped like a complex fjord. The water is drinking quality. The best way to travel between mountains is by boat.
Paddle Steamers
Five historic paddle steamers from the early 1900s still ply the lake. You can watch the massive pistons and engine cranks working through a glass floor.
Rütli Meadow
A quiet meadow on the lakeshore. This is the birthplace of Switzerland, where the original oath of the Swiss Confederation was sworn in 1291.
Sunset Cruise
Take the evening boat. As the sun sets, the limestone peaks turn pink and purple (Alpenglow), reflected perfectly in the water.
Queen of Mountains
Mark Twain's Hike
Mount Rigi. 🚠
While Pilatus is rugged and jagged, Rigi is green and panoramic. It is famous for its 360-degree view of 13 lakes.
First Mountain Railway:
Europe's first mountain railway opened here in 1871. It is a gentler ride than Pilatus, passing through cow pastures with ringing bells.
Golden Round Trip. 🔄
The most efficient way to see everything in one day. It is a logistical masterpiece of Swiss timing.
Step 1 & 2
1. Take the boat from Lucerne to Alpnachstad (90 mins).
2. Take the steep Cogwheel Train up to Pilatus Kulm (30 mins). Have lunch at the top.
Step 3 & 4
3. Take the "Dragon Ride" aerial cableway down the other side to Kriens ( panoramic gondolas).
4. Take Bus #1 back to Lucerne city center (15 mins).