Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – The Legendary Dragon Mountain

15 Reviews 4.47 out of 5 stars Based on 15 reviews collected by Cool Zurich and TripAdvisor | Zurich, Switzerland
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 21 (0) days in advance.

10 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Step into the legends of Mount Pilatus, the mythical “Dragon Mountain.” Steeped in centuries-old legends, Pilatus is said to be the resting place of Pontius Pilate, home to a petrified guardian, and the site where a dragon stone fell from the sky in 1420.

Begin your journey in Lucerne, with free time to explore its charming Old Town, wander the cobbled streets, admire colourful frescoed buildings, and stroll across the iconic Chapel Bridge.

Then head to Kriens and ascend to Mount Pilatus by Panorama Gondola and Dragon Ride. Feel the sensation of flying as you soar towards Pilatus Kulm at 2,132 metres, where sweeping views stretch across 73 Alpine peaks.

Choose your preferred descent:

Silver Option: Descend by cable car to Kriens, where your driver will meet you for the return journey.

Gold Option: Descend to Alpnachstad aboard the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, then enjoy a scenic cruise across Lake Lucerne, where your driver will meet you for the return journey.

What's Included

  • Free time to explore Lucerne
  • Cogwheel train from Pilatus to Alpnachstad (gold option)
  • Cruise on lake Lucerne (gold option)
  • Food and beverage
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Ausstellungsstrasse 5
8005 Zürich, Switzerland

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Zurich

Meet your driver-guide in the vibrant city of Zurich and begin your journey towards the Swiss Alps. Sit back and relax as you leave the city behind, watching the scenery transform from urban landscapes to rolling green meadows, shimmering lakes, and majestic Alpine peaks.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Lucerne

Discover Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most picturesque cities. Enjoy free time to wander through the charming Old Town, admire its colourful historic buildings, and capture a photo of the iconic Chapel Bridge or Lion Monument.
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Kriens

Your driver-guide will take you to Kriens, where your journey to Mount Pilatus begins. From there, board the cable car and glide above lush forests and alpine meadows, taking in breathtaking views as you ascend toward the majestic summit.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Fräkmüntegg

Enjoy the scenic cable car ride to Fräkmüntegg on your way to Mount Pilatus. If you wish, take a short break to enjoy the alpine scenery or explore one of the area’s attractions, such as the famous Fräkigaudi summer toboggan run. Otherwise, continue your ascent to Pilatus Kulm aboard the Dragon Ride, where panoramic windows and sweeping mountain views create the sensation of flying above the spectacular alpine landscape.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Pilatus Luzern

After your scenic Panorama Gondola ride to Fräkmüntegg and onward journey aboard the Dragon Ride, you’ll reach Pilatus Kulm at 2,132 metres above sea level.Rising above Lake Lucerne, discover the legendary “Dragon Mountain” and the centuries-old myths surrounding its rugged peaks, adding a touch of mystery to this spectacular setting. Explore the summit at your own pace, taking in panoramic views across 73 Alpine peaks, relaxing on the terraces, or simply enjoying the mountain scenery.For the return journey, choose your preferred option: - Silver Option: Descend by cable car back to Kriens, where your driver-guide will meet you for the return journey. - Gold Option: Take the world’s steepest cogwheel train down the mountain, followed by a peaceful cruise across the serene waters of Lake Lucerne (option only available from mid-May to mid-October).
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4 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Alpnachstad

For those who choose the Gold Option, the journey continues aboard the world’s steepest cogwheel railway down to Alpnachstad.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lake Lucerne

For those who choose the Gold Option, after descending to Alpnachstad aboard the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, you’ll take a scenic cruise to Lucerne. Upon arrival, meet your driver-guide and board the bus for the return journey to Zurich.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Zurich

After a day filled with mountain scenery, legendary stories, and unforgettable Swiss landscapes, relax on the return journey to Zurich and enjoy the final views along the way, taking with you memories to cherish.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Mount Pilatus facilities are closed for annual maintenance from 19 October to 27 November.
  • Any activities or attractions not specifically listed in the inclusions are optional and available at your own expense.
  • Child seats are not provided. Guests traveling with infants or children are required to bring an appropriate child seat. For safety reasons, the driver reserves the right to refuse transportation if the required child seat is not available.

Frequently Asked Questions (6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – The Legendary Dragon Mountain?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-2510P102

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.47
15 reviews

Average 4.47 out of 5 stars based on 15 traveler reviews collected by Cool Zurich and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 21 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Free time to explore Lucerne
  • Cogwheel train from Pilatus to Alpnachstad (gold option)
  • Cruise on lake Lucerne (gold option)
  • Dragon and flower path
  • Cable car including Dragon ride
  • Driver-guide during transportation
  • Food and beverage

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • The Gold Option, including the cogwheel railway and scenic cruise to Lucerne, is available from mid-May to mid-October.
  • Mount Pilatus facilities are closed for annual maintenance from 19 October to 27 November.
  • Any activities or attractions not specifically listed in the inclusions are optional and available at your own expense.
  • Child seats are not provided. Guests traveling with infants or children are required to bring an appropriate child seat. For safety reasons, the driver reserves the right to refuse transportation if the required child seat is not available.
  • This tour operates in all weather conditions. However, mountain activities are subject to weather and operational conditions. In exceptional circumstances, the itinerary may be adjusted for safety and operational reasons.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers

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