Free interactive Map for the self-guided hike to Mount Pilatus
Check out the interactive Map of the hike from Eigenthal to Mount Pilatus. Find out more about the altitude by dragging and moving the cursor in the field under the map. If you want to view a more detailed map or download a GPX file of this hike to your smartphone, click on the blue icons in the previous section above 👆.
The best deals, discounts, and packages for Mount Pilatus
There are plenty of things you can do on Mount Pilatus. Here is an overview of the activities that we recommend. You can book them directly by clicking on the link and book tickets:
- Pilatus Ticket from Alpnachstad or Kriens
- From Zurich: guided tour Pilatus incl. mountain railroad and boat trip
- From Zurich: Day tour Pilatus and Old Town Lucerne in winter
- From Lucerne: guided hike to Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi
- From Lucerne: guided tour Pilatus incl. mountain railroad and boat trip
- Lucerne, Pilatus, and Rigi sightseeing helicopter flight 30 minutes
- Pilatus Paragliding Tandem
Our experience hiking Mount Pilatus from Eigenthal
Hiking Mount Pilatus is a classic and we do it at least once a year. Pilatus is the home mountain of the city of Lucerne. From the top one can get a fantastic view of the Alps and Lake Lucerne. Be aware that this hike is intense. Pilatus is a very steep mountain and after the hike, you will feel your muscles. Many people underestimate the hike. Bring good gear, shoes, enough water and you will enjoy this hike to Mount Pilatus. Read about our experience hiking from Eigenthal to Mount Pilatus Kulm in the following paragraphs.
With the bus from Lucerne train station to Eigenthal
We met early at Lucerne train station and took the bus to Eigenthal. Obviously, we were not the only ones going on this hike – the bus was full! Bus number 71 from Lucerne to Eigenthal is an idyllic ride into the green backcountry of Lucerne. It takes about 30 minutes. Over 100 different hiking paths are starting in the idyllic Eigenthal valley. Today, we had only one of them in mind – the one to Mount Pilatus Kulm.
From Eigenthal along a river and through a forest to Oberlauelen
We got out at the final stop of the bus line and started our hike immediately. We first crossed a field, left some houses behind, and then walked for 30 minutes along a river deeper into the valley. At the first sign path, we turned left. From here, the trail gets steeper uphill through a forest. After 30 more minutes, we left the forest behind and reached Oberlauelen. In front of us stood a rock: Mount Pilatus
Hiking Mount Pilatus: more of a climb than a hike
From Oberlauelen the hike respectively the climb to Mount Pilatus kicked off. After 10 minutes already we were out of breath. A zig-zag path in the rock took us further up Mount Pilatus. At some points, we had to use chains to pull us further uphill. Hiking Mount Pilatus is not for the faint-hearted. Luckily, we were in good shape and swindle-free. Finally, we reached the chapel. Here, we took a break and ate the pick-nick. What a beautiful view over Eigenthal valley on the one side and Lake Lucerne on the other side. Check out this view of the chapel from the Mount Pilatus cable car:
An incredible view from Mount Pilatus
On Mount Pilatus, we walked through a tunnel and reached our hotel for the night. The hotel Pilatus-Kulm thrones over the Lake Lucerne area. The view from here is incredible. From Mount Pilatus, we got to see the 4 arms of Lake Lucerne and iconic mountains such as Mount Rigi, Bürgenstock, and Stanserhorn. This is indeed the heart of Switzerland!
Back to Lucerne: An unforgettable cogwheel railroad ride to the valley
Reward yourself with an unforgettable cogwheel railroad ride from Pilatus to Alpnachstad Just click on “book now” and you can buy the ticket. Once in Alpnachstad, you can take the train or the boat back to Lucerne. We wish you a wonderful stay on Mount Pilatus.
Conclusion of our hike to Mount Pilatus
Hiking Mount Pilatus is an incredibly intense experience but it is worth every sour muscle! The view from Mount Pilatus over Lake Lucerne and its surroundings are unique. No wonder so many tourists come up here with cable cars every day. We were proud that we hiked up. Finally, we sat down on the large terrace and looked at the wonderful view while zipping on well-deserved beer. However, if you feel that you are new to hiking, we recommend you book a guided hike.
Dine at Hotel Pilatus-Kulm
“The Hotel Pilatus-Kulm is a modern mountain hotel on the top of Lucerne’s famous Mount Pilatus. In the evening, we enjoyed the 3-course menu. And then this sunrise at 6 am – check out the pictures in the post below”
