Mt. Pilatus & Lake Lucerne Cruise Small Group Tour | From Zurich

4.812 reviewsZürich6 hr 30 min
Mt. Pilatus & Lake Lucerne Cruise Small Group Tour | From Zurich
  • Free cancellationFor a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
  • Duration6 hr 30 min
  • Guide languagesEnglish
  • Instant confirmationMobile ticket
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CHF 293per person
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Overview

Towering over the city of Lucerne like a monument to the Swiss wilderness, Mt. Pilatus is a must-visit for nature lovers. This stunning massif boasts several stunning peaks, set within a playground of soaring rock faces, lush rolling valleys, and a network of meandering emerald lakes. The tallest peak in the group, Mt. Pilatus, reaches a heady 2,132 meters above sea level and is beloved by visitors for its sensational views over the region. We'll take you to the heart of the sights, with opportunities to explore the Lake of Lucerne, Pilatus summit, and ride the famous dragon aerial cable cars.

What's included

  • Local guide
  • Meet and Greet at Zurich HB
  • Standard Rail Pass
  • Mt. Pilatus Steepest Cogwheel Experience (From Mid-May to Mid-October)
  • Lake Lucerne Cruise Pass
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Zurich

    1 hr

    Your guide will greet you at your hotel or residence, before whisking you away to Mt. Pilatus.

  2. 2

    Pilatus Luzern

    45 minAdmission included

    In Lucerne, your driver will escort you to the Pilatus Bahn and begin your ascent to Mt. Pilatus. We'll make a little stop at Fraukmuntegg, where you will admire the beginning of the Swiss Alps and the cantons that formed the Swiss Confederation in 1291. Then, you will board the iconic “dragon ride” aerial cable car, where we will float in a giant glass cabin. The windowed walls provide 360 views of the Lucerne region, and many compare it to the experience of flying. Enjoy an ever-changing perspective of the Alpine landscape as historic Lucerne pulls back into focus as we approach the end of the line. The ride is a highlight of any trip to Mt. Pilatus.

  3. 3

    Pilatus Luzern

    2 hrAdmission included

    Afterward, you can keep soaking up the stunning valley views from the restaurant or enjoy a leisurely hike to the summit of Mt. Pilatus. The top of this famous peak offers a bird’s eye view of historic Lucerne and panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside. Enjoy the view platform's clean mountain air as you gaze out over an expanse of crystal-clear lakes, lush green meadows, and rolling peaks and valleys. Learn how Pilatus came to be haunted by legends of dragons and why many believe the body of Pontius Pilate was laid to rest within its foothills.

  4. 4

    Pilatus Luzern

    40 minAdmission included

    We begin our descent of the world's steepest cogwheel, which will head to Alpnachstad; take the cogwheel train, where the engine will climb the foothills of Pilatus, taking you to the end of the steepest rack railway in the world. Admire the views over the Alps from 2,073 meters high as your guide reveals each area's history, culture, and culinary delights.

  5. 5

    Lake Lucerne

    1 hrAdmission included

    Experience the Lake of Lucerne, also known as the lake of four cantons, and admire the Bürgenstock, Rigi Mountain, and Pilatus Mountain from afar cruising along the crystal clear lake. From May to October you will have the option to take the boat from Lucerne to Alpnachstad instead.

  6. 6

    Zurich

    1 hr

    After a full day of adventure, your guide will return you safely to your hotel in Zurich.

Meeting point and pickup

Meeting point

Meet your tour guide inside the main hall underneath the clock tower of the central train station of Zurich HB.

End point

Ends back at the meeting point.

Good to know

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveller reviews

4.8

12 reviews

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  • 378vinaym · Jul 2026

    Great tour Pilatus

    Salama was great . Guided us very well. Good details

    Review via Tripadvisor

  • Michelle B · Jul 2026

    One of the best tours

    Best tour. I had in a long time. Salma was informative in all areas…friendly and fun!!! I am vey happy about it

    Review via Tripadvisor

  • Dreamer115523 · Jul 2026

    An Adventurous Day!

    Selma was a fantastic guide. She was very friendly, organized, and informative! We enjoyed it all.

    Review via Tripadvisor

  • juliabW6535BM · Dec 2025

    Don’t miss this tour!

    Michelle was an amazing tour guide with so much knowledge! Highly recommend this tour! If you want to see the beautiful mountains this is for you!

    Review via Tripadvisor

  • nancy b · Dec 2025

    A wonderful day in Lucerne

    Everything about the day was perfect. The visit to Mount Pilates, and the boat ride around Lake Lucerne were perfect. The best thing about our tour was Michelle. She was knowledgeable, personable, and overall made the day very enjoyable.

    Review via Tripadvisor

  • lezanf · Sep 2025

    A day in Lucerne with my family

    Such an amazing day from the second we got picked up till the second we got dropped off!!! We learned so much history while having so much fun with the family. Such an amazing start to our family vacation. Would definitely recommend to everyone!!!

    Review via Tripadvisor

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