Pilate massive - everything you should know

The Pilatus Massif, an impressive mountain range in central Switzerland, captivates visitors and locals alike with its majestic beauty and diverse natural landscape. This striking landmark above Lake Lucerne rises 2,132 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps and the idyllic lake landscape.

Mount Pilatus is not only a popular destination for hikers, skiers, and nature lovers, but also a place steeped in myths and legends deeply rooted in the regional culture. From its unique climate to its rich flora and fauna to its diverse recreational opportunities, the Pilatus Massif is a fascinating object of study, attracting both nature lovers and history buffs.

The most important things in brief:

• At 2128 meters above sea level, the highest point of the Pilatus massif is the Tomlishorn.
• There are numerous legends and stories about the exciting Pilatus region.
• The Pilatus massif attracts numerous visitors every year, and this destination can be easily reached via the motorway.

Tourism on the Pilatus Massif

The Pilatus massif attracts numerous tourists every year and is easily accessible thanks to excellent motorway connections. While the mountain itself is only accessible by car to a limited extent, the Pilatus Railway, inaugurated in 1889 as the world's steepest cogwheel railway, offers an impressive ride from Alpnachstad up to an altitude of 2,073 meters. This railway transports visitors to the comfortable Hotel Bellevue and Hotel Kulm. Since 1956, the service has been expanded to include a gondola and an aerial cableway, allowing travelers from Lucerne to easily reach Pilatus.

Popular attractions in the Pilatus area include the picturesque Lake Pilatus and the mysterious Moon Milk Hole. Furthermore, the area offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, including climbing, hiking, and paragliding, making Pilatus not only a place of relaxation but also an adventure destination for mountain sports enthusiasts.

Don't forget your vignette

Those who wish to visit the Pilatus Massif by car can do so comfortably via the motorways. However, please note that a vignette is required in Switzerland. You can purchase the digital one-year vignette online in our shop and enjoy maximum convenience in the future.

Hiking, climbing and eating out

Mount Pilatus offers a variety of breathtaking hiking options, ranging from leisurely strolls to challenging alpine adventures. The Dragon Trail is particularly recommended, offering a fascinating exploration of the mountain's legends in just about 30 minutes, while rewarding with magnificent views. For those seeking a longer hike, countless routes are available, ideal for extended exploration. Climbers will find exciting challenges on the steep cliffs, while paragliders can view the entire spectacle from the air.

Numerous exquisite restaurants await you in the Pilatus area, offering both culinary delights and light snacks. If you're planning an overnight stay amidst these impressive surroundings, that's also possible.

The special cog railway

The mountain railways in Switzerland are essential lifelines for the people who live and work in the mountains.The Pilatus massif is one of the most impressive mountain ranges in Central Switzerland and has been offering a unique adventure and a breathtaking natural panorama for more than a century with its steepest cogwheel railway in the world.

Unlike other cog railways, the Pilatus Railway's wheels engage laterally with the rack, allowing it to negotiate the exceptional gradient of approximately 50%. During the approximately 30-minute journey from Alpnachstad (440 m above sea level) to Pilatus Kulm (2073 m above sea level), the railway climbs an impressive 1600 meters in altitude – a true world record for gradients!

The summer toboggan run

Fräkmüntegg is home to Switzerland's longest summer toboggan run, stretching an impressive 1,350 meters. Constructed from high-quality chrome steel, the track, with its tight curves, tunnels, and jumps, provides an exciting ride for all ages. Those who prefer to explore the breathtaking Alpine panorama at their own pace can adjust their speed to their liking. At the mountain station, you'll find a selection of food and drinks, as well as plenty of seating for relaxation.

The Pilatus Massif – the myths live on

The Pilatus region is surrounded by numerous legends and myths. One of the most famous stories tells of the Roman prefect Pontius Pilate, who was supposedly buried in Lake Pilatus—a former mountain lake in this area. According to this legend, all the places where attempts were made to bury him suffered severe storms and bad weather, until he finally found his final resting place high atop Mount Pilatus, where the winds blow particularly strongly. It is said that the spirit of Pilate rests in Lake Pilatus, and that any disturbance of this tranquility can lead to violent storms.

Another fascinating legend concerns the Lucerne Dragon Stone, a stone that a dragon dropped onto Mount Pilatus in the 15th century. This stone is believed to have miraculous and healing powers and continues to arouse the interest of many people to this day.