Mount Pilatus has been the majestic backdrop to Lucerne since medieval times, when legends claimed that dragons with magical healing powers lived at its peak—earning it the nickname “Dragon Mountain.” At 6,983 feet, it rises dramatically above the Swiss Alps and offers some of the most breathtaking views in all of Switzerland. It is the kind of mountain that demands more than a passing glance.
A few months before our 25th anniversary trip to Italy and Switzerland, I told Chris I would maybe possibly consider paragliding Mt Pilatus with tandem guides. He promptly found a reputable company and made reservations for both of us before I had a chance to change my mind. Spoiler: it was awesome! In this post I cover 11 epic things to do on Mount Pilatus, from riding the world’s steepest cogwheel train and soaring over the Alps to catching the sunset from the summit and hiking to Mt. Tomlishorn—everything you need to plan an unforgettable day on Dragon Mountain.
11 Things to Do on Mount Pilatus—Including Paragliding
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Mount Pilatus has been on adventure bucket lists for good reason—there is no shortage of things to do on this iconic Swiss mountain, whether you are there for a few hours or a full day. If paragliding off a Swiss Alp sounds like your kind of adventure, you are in the right place. If you are still in the early stages of trip planning, my how to plan a European trip guide and Switzerland travel tips are great places to start before diving into this list.
From soaring over the Alps on a tandem paraglide to riding the world’s steepest cogwheel train, these 11 adventures cover everything worth doing on Dragon Mountain. Add them to your adventure bucket list and start planning—this is one mountain that delivers on every level.
1. Paragliding Mt Pilatus
As time came for our scheduled tandem paragliding session, we met up with Marcel in the lobby of the Hotel Bellevue (close to the reception desk) and followed him outside to the paragliding staging area. Marcel and Werner would be our tandem paragliding guides.
Chris went first and easily glided off the mountain and quickly out of sight. My turn. I may have been a little nervous but kept thinking, “If the people on the Amazing Race can do this and survive, so can I!”
After spending the night on Pilatus, wonder what we did with our luggage and backpacks? We left it with the clerks at the reception desk and they sent all of our gear down on the gondolas for us to pick up once we landed.
I got set to go with Marcel shortly after Chris and Werner took off. I was just trying not to be nervous about running toward the edge of a mountain and jumping off. Turns out, there was nothing to worry about and the flight with Marcel was awesome. I even got to steer the glider!
Once we landed in the field next to the gondola at the base of the mountain in Kriens, Marcel walked with us to show us where to retrieve our luggage. If you are traveling as a couple, this would be a great adventure to add to your couples bucket list!
Tips for Your Paragliding Adventure
- Fly tandem with a licensed advanced paragliding guide.
- Be aware that your flight is dependent on the weather conditions. Your guide will monitor the weather conditions prior to your take off.
- The guides will bring all of the necessary paragliding equipment.
- Wear closed-toed shoes.
- Wear long pants.
- Wear a warm jacket. We didn’t bring puffy jackets for this end of summer trip, but would have appreciated the warmth while paragliding. As it was, our guides provided extra jackets as another layer that we gratefully wore.
- Do not drink alcohol or take drugs before your flight.
- Listen to your guide. When he says, “Run!”, you run to catch the thermals.
- Legs out straight on the landing unless your guide says otherwise. If you notice the tandem pack in the picture below, it comes with substantial padding to soften your landing.
Is paragliding safe? Be sure your tandem guides are fully licensed, insured and skilled in advanced paragliding techniques. Always schedule with a reputable company.
Related Post: 15 Ultimate Tandem Paragliding Tips
2. Enjoy a Day Trip from Lucerne
If you plan to visit Mt. Pilatus as a day trip, you can ride either the gondola or cogwheel train to the top of Mt. Pilatus and spend the afternoon exploring, hiking, snacking, and taking pictures of the magnificent view. Be sure to check the timetable for the last trip down the mountain each day. It is a loooooong way down the mountain if you have to hike!
If you plan to visit BOTH Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus in one day, you will need to get an early start.
Related Post: 20 Super Things to Do In Lucerne, Switzerland
How to Get to Mount Pilatus
You have a variety of options when planning a visit to Mount Pilatus. You can hike up the mountain, take the cogwheel train, board the gondola/cable cars from Kriens, or take a combination of the cable cars and cogwheel train.
| Option | Price (2nd Class) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Round Trip | CHF 119.80 | Bus to Kriens (from Lucerne Railway Station), cable car up, cogwheel train down to Alpnachstad, boat back to Lucerne. The full scenic experience. |
| Silver Round Trip | CHF 94.20 | Same as Golden but taking the train instead of boat back to Lucerne. ~20% cheaper, more flexible timing. |
| Do-It-Yourself | Varies by route | Cable car and/or cogwheel train, tickets purchased separately. Best with a Swiss Travel Pass. |
If you have the Swiss Travel Pass, you will receive a discount and kids with a Junior Travelcard get to travel for free with a paid adult ticket.
3. Mt Pilatus Hike from Alpnachstad
This hike is NOT for the faint of heart. It is strenuous and exhausting as you climb uphill switchbacks the entire way. But, oh the view once you reach the top. Treat yourself to some ice cream!
- Trailhead: Begin your hike at the trailhead in Alpnachstad
- Destination: Hotel Pilatus Kulm
- Length: 5 miles (8 km)
- Time: 4-5 hours depending on your pace
- Elevation Gain: 5480 ft (1670 m)
- Difficulty: Challenging
4. Hikes the Summit Peaks
If you plan to go hiking on Mount Pilatus, the hike to Tomlishorn takes about an hour and a half. Chris and I hiked later in the afternoon and saw only one other person on the trail. As we walked along, we could hear the cowbells ringing from the valley below.
| Peak | Duration | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Tomlishorn | 35 min, 197 ft (60 m) elevation gain | Medium |
| Esel | 10 min, 164 ft (50 m) elevation gain | Medium |
| Oberhaupt | 10 min, 131 ft (40 m) elevation gain | Medium |
The hiking path skirts the edge of the mountain and is clearly marked with a protective railing. The last section of the trail is rockier (as shown above), so you’ll want to watch your step along the way.
The views though? Stunning.
Normally, Chris and I would wear hiking boots* and carry trekking poles, but as we were packing lightly for 10 days in Italy and Switzerland, we opted for trail shoes that gave us enough grip for hiking but doubled as our sightseeing shoes each day.
- Asics Trail Running Shoes
- Trekking Poles
- Oboz Hiking Boots*
- Merrell Hiking Boots*
- Sunglasses
- Visor
- Water Bottle
- Socks
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5. Ride the Cogwheel Train
Ride the steepest cogwheel train in the world featuring a 48% incline on the trek up to Mt. Pilatus! Catch the Pilatusbahn cogwheel train from Alpnachstad; the train takes approximately 30-40 minutes to reach Hotel Pilatus Kulm.
6. Climb Aboard the Gondola & The Dragon Ride
If you are coming from Lucerne (or Luzern), you will want to take a bus to Kriens to reach the cable car. (During the winter months, this is the best way to reach Mt. Pilatus).
The cable car option includes taking a small 4-person gondola from Kriens to Fräkmüntegg and then the Dragon Ride (a larger capacity aerial cableway) from Fräkmüntegg to Mount Pilatus. If you take the cable cars, this trip will take about 35-40 minutes. If you are planning to stay the night on Mount Pilatus, bring your luggage with you on the gondola.
7. Stop at Fräkmüntegg
If your schedule allows, be sure to stop at Fräkmüntegg. The gondola from Kriens stops here. It is an adventure all by itself. Fräkmüntegg features a rope park, tree tents, a toboggan run, numerous hiking trails, and beautiful grilling and viewing spots. Once you’re ready, continue on to Mount Pilatus taking the Dragon Ride gondola.
8. Stay at the Hotel Pilatus Kulm
You can experience Pilatus as a day trip or have a truly fantastical couple’s getaway and spend the night at either the Hotel Bellevue or the Hotel Pilatus Kulm. Chris and I stayed at Hotel Pilatus Kulm overnight and LOVED it. It was getting close to the end of the summer season, so when the last Dragon Ride and cogwheel train left the top of Mount Pilatus, the atmosphere was quiet and relaxed.
We easily traveled up the mountain with our luggage in tow and deposited our bags and backpacks in our room before checking out the view and the mountain.
Check In for Your Couples Getaway on Mt. Pilatus
Whether you are planning for a couples weekend getaway or a mid-week adventure, staying on Pilatus is amazing.When you reach the top of Mt. Pilatus via the Dragon Ride or the cogwheel train, you arrive at the lobby of Hotel Bellevue where you will find the Reception Desk for both of the Mt. Pilatus Hotels: Hotel Bellevue and Hotel Pilatus Kulm.
Our desk agent gave us a brief introduction and pointed out popular hikes and sites to see. She recommended hiking on Mount Pilatus to Tomlishorn. It followed a path that skirted the side of the mountain and offered expansive and stunning views of the Swiss Alps.
The Check-In card (above) noted that sunset was at 19:50 (7:50 pm) and sunrise at 6:50 am.
Related Post: 170 Fun Questions to Ask Your Partner as You Travel
9. Photograph the Sunset from Mount Pilatus
Once seated for the dinner service, we placed our order for our first course with our waiter, Joshua, and then left to climb to Oberhaupt to watch the sunset. Many people leave part way through dinner to catch the sunset; it was an option our check-in agent suggested for us and highly recommended we do.
I suggest you leave the dining room at least 15-20 minutes before sunset to make the 10 minute climb and to catch the gorgeous evening views. It is totally worth the effort!
Camera Gear for Mount Pilatus
Sunrise and sunset on Mt. Pilatus produce the kind of light that’s hard to capture on a phone alone. If you’re shopping for gear that can actually do the moment justice, here’s a breakdown of the best travel cameras by type, from pocketable point-and-shoots to full-frame mirrorless.
Best Cameras for Travel
Point & Shoot Cameras — The pocketable PowerShot SX740 HS is a do-it-all compact with 4K video and impressive zoom range. No lens swapping required. For a step up in performance, the Canon PowerShot V1 delivers better image quality and video in a still-compact body.
DSLRs — One of the lightest DSLRs on the market, the Canon Rebel SL3 has a great battery life, a vari-angle touchscreen, and solid image quality in a comfortable grip. Ready to go full-frame? The Canon EOS 6D Mark II (my current camera) delivers professional-level image quality with a fully articulating screen and impressive low-light performance—a favorite among travel photographers who don’t want to make the jump to mirrorless just yet.
Mirrorless Cameras — The Canon EOS R50 is the sweet spot for travel: 24.2MP, 4K video, lightweight, and beginner-friendly without sacrificing quality. Step up to the Canon EOS R8 if you want full-frame performance in a carry-all-day body, or the Canon EOS R7 for serious action and wildlife shooting at 32MP.
Adventure & Underwater Cameras — Built for the moments when your camera needs to keep up with you. The GoPro Hero 13 is waterproof, shockproof, and small enough to clip anywhere—perfect for hiking, rafting, snorkeling, or any activity Chris talks me into!
Phone Camera — Arguably the best camera is the one you always have with you. Today’s smartphone cameras are genuinely impressive, and for social media and quick shots, they’re hard to beat whether you’re shooting with an Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or Google Pixel.
10. Enjoy a Mount Pilatus Sunrise
If you’re an early riser, the sunrise from Esel is worth it—it’s a short walk from Hotel Bellevue. As noted on the check-in card, sunrise was at 6:50 am, and the staff recommended being at the top of Esel at least ten minutes prior to sunrise.
Chris and I chose to sleep in. We were glad we did, since the sky was overcast by the time we woke up.
11. Walk the Dragon Path & Spot 73 Alpine Peaks
On a clear day, the summit of Mt. Pilatus opens up to a panorama of 73 Alpine peaks—one of the most sweeping mountain views in Switzerland. The Dragon Path is the best way to take it all in: a short circular trail that winds past legend-steeped viewpoints while the Alps stretch out in every direction.
Along the way, you’ll spot the little Klimsenkapelle chapel perched on the mountainside. Built in 1861, it originally belonged to the Hotel Klimsenhorn, which was torn down in 1967 after the hotel burned down.
Our room faced north, giving us views of the patio, the nearby peaks, the distant Alps, paragliders drifting by, and the cogwheel train working its way up the mountain.
Dining Options on the Mountain
The dinner menu in the Queen Victoria Dining Room changes with the season. In fact, our stay at the hotel was the first night for the new Fall menu. We were a little unsure if the evening meal was included in the cost of our stay, but were surprised to find that our only cost for the meal was our drinks.
Breakfast was also included in the hotel package Chris purchased: a continental breakfast spread of meats, cheeses, yogurts, pastries and bread, cereal, and fruit. It was more than enough to get us started for our day.
Both the Ibex Bar and Panorama Grill are open during the day. You will find cold and warm snacks at the Ibex Bar where you can find a seat in the Panorama Gallery to enjoy the breathtaking view. Craving french fries and brats? Order freshly grilled food from the grill and relax on the patio overlooking the Swiss Alps.
Adventure & Paragliding Quotes to Inspire You
- Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. ~ Helen Keller
- Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. ~ Neale Donald Walsch
- Your world is as big as you make it. Begin imagining. ~ Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Any landing you walk away from is a good landing!
- Do one thing every day that scares you.
- Flying is the second greatest thing known to man. Landing is the first!
- When was the last time you did something for the first time? ~ John C. Maxwell
- The man who flies a paraglide must believe in the unseen. ~ Badmoon
- Until you spread your wings you have no idea how far you will fly.
- Whatever you are doing today, do it with all of the confidence of a 4-year old in a superhero cape.
- Jobs fill your pocket. Paragliding fills your soul.
- There’s just nothing like seeing the world from thousands of feet up in the air.
Related Post: 65 Awesome Travel Quotes for Instagram
Basic Language Terms to Know
It always helps to learn a few basic phrases when traveling to a foreign country. Switzerland has four national languages—French, German, Italian, and Romansh—and Swiss German, the dialect spoken around Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus, borrows words from several of them. Here are a few basic terms to know before your trip:
- Grüezi or Hallo — Hello
- Auf Wiedersehen, Ciao, or Adieu — Goodbye
- Bitte — Please
- Merci — Thank you
- Gern — You’re Welcome
Be Sure to Explore Lucerne, Switzerland Too!
Lucerne sits in central Switzerland, part of the Swiss German-speaking region. It offers dramatic views of the Swiss Alps, including Mt. Pilatus and Mt. Rigi. You may recognize Chapel Bridge as one of Lucerne’s famous landmarks.
When you plan your trip to Mt. Pilatus, be sure to allow yourself enough time to explore Lucerne and the surrounding area as well.
Travel Must-Haves for Switzerland
Switzerland Travel Must-Haves
Get your free Switzerland Packing List. Be ready for everything from alpine trails to paragliding to mountain top dinners.
Sunscreen: Use sunscreen every day.
Laundry Detergent Pods: If you travel for more than a week, you will likely need to do laundry.
Hand Sanitizer: For all the things you touch throughout the day, hand sanitizer is essential.
Travel Adapter: Not all international countries use the same adapters. Be sure to check before you go. Purchase one here.
Travel Backpack: Chris and I both like our NorthFace Recon Backpacks. They have a standard version and a women’s version.
Crossbody Anti-Theft Bag: Pickpocketing is a real concern in busy European cities. A secure crossbody bag keeps your belongings close without the bulk. I love the Travelon Anti-theft Messenger Bag.
Packing Cubes: A game changer for staying organized, especially when you’re moving between cities. Shop packing cubes here.
Portable Power Bank: Long days of sightseeing, navigation, and photography will drain your phone faster than you think. Don’t get caught without one. Shop power banks here.
Walking Shoes: You will cover a lot of ground on cobblestone streets. Comfortable, broken-in shoes are non-negotiable. Shop walking shoes here.
Favorite Camera: My go-to DSLR is the Canon 6D Mark II and I have zero complaints. If you’re ready to go mirrorless, the Canon EOS R6 Mark III is the natural upgrade—and your existing Canon EF lenses work on it with an adapter. New to photography? Start with the Canon EOS R50.
Favorite Electronics: We are a family of Apple users—watches, phones, tablets, AirPods, and Apple AirTags for security. Don’t forget the cables and chargers too. Check out our electronics suggestions here.
Get a Travel Credit Card: We often travel worldwide for free using travel rewards. The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of our favorite travel credit cards.
Switzerland Quick Facts
- Official Language: German, French, Italian, & Romansh
- Capital City: Bern
- Population: 9.1 million
- Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
- Power Outlet: Type J (3-pin, grounded) and Type C (2-pin, Europlug) sockets
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get to Mount Pilatus?
The cheapest way to reach Mount Pilatus from Lucerne is by taking Bus #1 to Kriens, then walking a short distance to the cable car station, which takes you to the summit.
Is visiting Mt. Pilatus free with the Swiss Travel Pass?
No. But you will receive a discount using the Swiss Travel Pass.
Do you tip your paragliding guide in Switzerland?
Tipping isn’t mandatory in Switzerland, but it’s a nice way to thank your guide for a great flight. Most travelers tip between 10 and 15%, or simply round up to a convenient amount in Swiss francs.
Is there an age limit for tandem paragliding at Mt Pilatus?
Most operators set a minimum age of 6, with no strict upper age limit as long as you’re reasonably fit and able to walk a few steps at takeoff. Maximum passenger weight is typically around 100 kg (220 lbs).
Do you need to book paragliding in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak summer months when time slots and specific pilots can fill up quickly.
How long does a tandem paragliding flight last?
Flights typically last 20 to 25 minutes thanks to Pilatus’ large altitude drop between launch and landing. Good thermal conditions can extend the flight time.
What is the best time of year to visit Mt Pilatus?
The cable car and cogwheel train run daily from mid-May to mid-October, making late spring through early fall the best window for the full round-trip experience. Outside that season, only limited winter access is available.
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Is Paragliding Mt Pilatus Right for You?
Let me just say that I am NOT a big adrenaline junkie. Paragliding Mt Pilatus was monumental for me. Turns out there was nothing to worry about, and Marcel (my tandem guide) and I easily glided off the mountain side. Chris and I both had a great experience.
If you are wondering if this paragliding off a mountain is right for you, I emphatically encourage you to give it a try. Would I do it again? You bet. And visiting Mt. Pilatus, even on a day trip when you don’t plan to be paragliding off the mountain, is totally worth your time. If you have the opportunity to stay overnight, the atmosphere is welcoming, peaceful, and romantic.
Ready to see Mt Pilatus for yourself? Book your paragliding flight, plan your day trip, or reserve a night at Hotel Pilatus Kulm—however you experience Dragon Mountain, it’s one Swiss adventure you won’t want to skip. And before you go, grab your free Switzerland Packing List below so you’re ready for everything from alpine trails to mountaintop dinners.
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Wow what a fantastic experience, when we were in Switzerland the cog train had stopped for winter but this Mountain is on my list for next Switzerland trip and now (even though I am affeered of heights) I think if I am going to paraglide Switzerland is the place to do it… such an inspiring article thank you
This is such a wonderful resource for planning! I love it! Thank you!
Mt. Pilatus was an amazing destination to visit.
I would do it again too. Hmmmm, where next?
Wow, this really is an adventure!
Having jumped out of perfectly good planes over 150 times, I would certainly be up to trying paragliding at Switzerland’s Mt. Pilatus. Glad it was a great adventure for you. Even the trip up in the cogwheel train or the cable car up would be interesting. There look like there are so many things to do in this area of Switzerland that we missed. Great reasons to head back.
Mount Pilatus looks stunning! And I’m soo excited to hear about your great paragliding experience – I’ve done it once in France but am looking for more places to fly! I’ll definitely be saving this for future adventures 🙂
This looks like a fantastic trip if you’re going to be in Switzerland. The views from nearby your hotel are incredible!
Love the pics! And such a great resource you put together
Wow, paragliding Mount Pilatus looks like an amazing experience! I’d love to catch the sunrise and sunset! I could also spend hours admiring the view! I think I’d push past my fear of hights to give this experience a go – thanks for the great guide!
Now this is something we would totally do!
This looks amazing! I would love to paraglide with my hubby. I went skydiving for the first time this year and loved it.
I loooooove adventures like this. I’ve don my share of jumping off places so this is right up my alley. You guys are a great couple. Keep adventuring together- the sky is not your limit!
This sounds like such an amazing experience! I’d love to give paragliding a go one day and what a beautiful place to experience it! Thanks for the great guide!
Wow, such great info, thank you!!
Wow, I had no idea you can paraglide on Mt Pilatus. What an interesting experience
This is so inspiring! I bet the views were crazy long, long before even reaching the top!
The views look incredible! This sounds like an epic experience!
The cogwheel train looks like a fairytale world.
Great info. Thanks for that. Planning a trip for clients and this blog was a great reference.
The paragliding looks amazing. What was the landing like, was it fairly soft?
No problems at all on the landing. The padded seat helps a lot.