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Pilatus Massif

This hike will truly fulfill your stay in Lucerne.

Hiking Difficult

Distance
15 km
Ascent
1.6 km
Descent
1.6 km
Duration
5-6 hrs
Low Point
444 m
High Point
2.1 km
Gradient
16˚
Pilatus Massif Map

If you are visiting Lucerne, either for a shorter or a longer period, this is a hike you cannot miss before leaving. The beauty of the city only gets confirmed by going up to Pilatus. One other nice bonus is that there are no time constraints—this hike can be done as an “all-day-thing,” or just a short visit!

Description

This hike offers impressive views, including the great Vierwaldstättersee (Lake Lucerne) and the big mountains located in the Engelberg region. Also, the nature around the trail itself is lovely, walking through trees in the start before arriving to more open, green areas further up. The atmosphere can give you the 100% traditional feeling of being in the Alps. There are plenty of chances to become friendly with cows around and approaching the top, you might even be lucky enough to hear someone playing the famous alphorn.

The trail is very suitable for hikers from all levels. Good to keep in mind, though, is that this is a quite attractive place, with many people on a nice day.

After arriving at Pilatus there are several options. A hotel and restaurants are situated right at the top, or an exciting path on the mountainside will lead you on a short, but very cool walk to Tomlishorn.

There are many possibilities when heading back down again. If you wish to walk, you can of course return the same way you came up. If preferred, there are also other paths with signs leading the way down. Another alternative is to take the gondola to Fräkmütegg, or Pilatus Bahen, the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, can bring you to Alpnachstad.

Difficulty

Difficult

Hiking trails where obstacles such as rocks or roots are prevalent. Some obstacles can require care to step over or around. At times, the trail can be worn and eroded. The grade of the trail is generally quite steep, and can often lead to strenuous hiking.

Low Exposure

1 out of 4

The path is on completely flat land and potential injury is limited to falling over.

Remoteness

1 out of 4

Close to help in case of emergency.

Best time to visit

between May and October

Features

  • Wildlife
  • Historical
  • Picturesque
  • Summit Hike
  • Dog friendly
  • Wild flowers
  • Family friendly