Undoubtedly Switzerland is a beautiful country. Every time I visit one of those romantic swiss getaways, it continues to amaze me with its jaw-dropping natural beauty, and Lucerne is nothing less. So enjoying a few days in Lucerne on a beautiful lake surrounded by stunning mountains and creating memories to keep forever is absolutely the best thing you could do during the trip. I have no words or photos that can come close to what I have experienced in real life, but the pictures I captured can definitely help prevent my experience fade away over the years. It is a photographer’s paradise because there are lovely panoramic views to capture in every direction you look and every turn you make. Or regardless you are a photographer or not; you can spend hours pondering the heartfelt, natural beauty surrounding you.
Sharing Few Pictures From our Lucerne Trip
Again, a trip to Lucerne is incomplete without going up 7000 feet to the top of Mount Pilatus on a Sunny day. It is one of the most picturesque places in Central Switzerland. And undoubtedly one of the most beautiful. The mountain offers a panoramic view of 73 Alpine peaks on a clear day.
Planning a Trip?
Here is a few affiliate links that may help plan a perfect trip while staying within budget.
How To Get There
The nearest big city is Zurich. From Zurich Airport, I took a train to Lucerne via Zurich Hauptbahnhof, which took me less than an hour, and the cost was around 28.00 CHF. Mount Pilatus is one of Zurich’s most attractive day trip locations and easy to get there. Once you are in Lucerne Bahnhof, just cross the Bahnhofstrasse to the boat terminal. Boat to Alpnachstad is available throughout the day; check for the Current Pricing. From Alpnachstad getting on to the Cogwheel train and climbing uphill to Pilatus Kulm is pretty straightforward.
Mount Pilatus Golden Round Trip
The Golden Round Trip is one of the most popular packages among most Mount Pilatus visitors between May and October. The tour begins from Lucerne with a cruise on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, followed by a ride up to Mount Pilatus by Cogwheel railway. The descent is by two separate cable car systems to Kriens then Connect a trolleybus to the city center. This trip can also be made the other way around, starting from Kriens, then the cable car to the top, descent by Cogwheel railway, and then switching over to the cruise back to Lucern.
Pilatus Silver Round Trip
This package is for those on a tighter schedule; instead of taking the cruise. Visitors can shorten the travel time by taking the S-Bahn train from Lucerne to Alpnachstad. Then rest of the uphill and downhill will be the same as above.
Our Trip Started with a Ferry Ride to Alpnachstad
I have taken the Mount Pilatus Golden Round Trip. The cruise from Lucerne to Alpnachstad takes about 70 – 90 minutes to cover 14 miles (approx.). The best time to start the trip is early morning as the view of the lake and the surroundings are breathtaking with the sunrise. On the way, it makes a few stops most interesting stops are Verkehrshaus-Lido, Kehrsiten-Dorf, Hergiswil, Stansstad, and finally Alpnachstad at the foot of Mount Pilatus. It is a great idea to spend some time here by the lakeshore town before going to the Pilatus Bahn. Because this place is so beautiful and a great place to relax and enjoy the picturesque view of the lake and surrounding mountains.
From Alpnachstad Take The Pilatus Bahn
From Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm is the most exciting portion of the trip, riding the world’s steepest cogwheel railway and going up through the woods and meadows covered with wildflowers and sometimes covered with snow, crystal clear view of the beautiful Lake Lucerne from the top was fantastic.
In about 30 minutes, the train climbed a vertical distance of 5350 feet over 3 miles. Finally, the train pulled into the Pilatus Kulm station, located at the lower levels of Hotel Bellevue at an altitude of 6800 feet.
Arrival at Pilatus Kulm
This was my first trip to one of the Swiss Alps high-altitude mountains, so I was excited to get the most out of it. Without wasting much time headed straight to the vantage points at Pilatus Kulm and captured a few decent pictures before the clouds started to move in. Few hiking trails will take you to various mountain corners, giving you different vantage points.
As usual at the Kulm, it got such unpredictable weather as I wanted to take some shots through the moving clouds, but suddenly, a huge bank of clues moved in quickly and completely covered the view from the lookout.
It started snowing a little, so I decided to cover myself in the restaurant. Unfortunately, by the time I finished my lunch, the peak was blanketed in thick clouds, and finally, I decided to make my way down to catch the aerial tramway.
Aerial Cableway From Pilatus Kulm – Frakmuntegg
From Pilatus Kulm, a 5-minute ride by aerial cablecar carried us to the tiny hillside resort of Fräkmüntegg, where we transferred to smaller panoramic gondolas that continue down to the lakeside village of Kriens. But if the weather is right, don’t just transfer right away – instead, spend some time at Fräkmüntegg, which has a restaurant, hiking paths, and two summer adventure attractions open from May to October. The view from the new aerial cableway (Dragon Ride) is spectacular. It gives the impression of flying with a cockpit-like design and large windows perfect for great pictures.
Next Cable Car Down to Kriens
We continued our journey on the gondola lift on the lower half of the cable car ride down to Kriens. For the final portion of the 3 miles cable car ride, we enjoyed a view of Lucerne city and the northern suburbs as the cable car approached Kriens station.
Finally by Trolleybus back to Lucerne City Centre
Finally, we arrived at the Kriens cable car terminal building and needed to get the trolleybus back to Lucerne City Center. We just followed the Clear directional signs placed at every corner along the way to guide passengers to complete the final part of the Golden Round Trip. So no problem finding the bus stop to catch the trolleybus service 1.
Where to stay in Lucerne, Switzerland
Ameron Luzern Hotel Flora, Lucerne
Ameron Luzern Hotel Flora is conveniently located in the Lucerne Metro Area, and this property puts you close to attractions. Conveniently located in the Luzern Metro Area, the famous Chapel Bridge and the railway station are only minutes away. This 4-star property features restaurant to make your stay more indulgent and memorable. They provide parking at the hotel, which is good news for those guests who are driving. We definitely enjoyed our stay here.
Ibis Budget Luzern City, Lucerne
The Ibis Budget Hotel Luzern City is a short 15-minute walk from Lucerne Main Train Station, Lake Lucerne, and the Old Town. There are direct bus services to the train station from Brunigstresse Bus Stop (line 4) right outside the hotel. The famous attractions such as the Chapel Bridge over the Reuss River and the most photographed iconic water tower are just half a mile away. You will find A grocery store next to the hotel. Above all, the hotel is in a perfect area to explore Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most charming and cultural sights and attractions. If you are driving on-site public parking is available at less than CHF 20 per day.
My Opinion and Last Word
Have you been to Lucerne, Switzerland? Any cool tips to share?
I loved being in Lucerne Switzerland, and want to go back again. I hope my story has motivated you to visit Switzerland.
Please leave a comment below! I’d love to hear from you to improve my knowledge.
Was this travel guide helpful for you?
If you’d like to help me continue making free guides, here is one way you can help:
- Share This Guide – If you have a friend that would benefit from this guide, share it with them. Or post this guide on Facebook, Twitter or Google+
Your Support would definitely help me making more free guides like this. Thank you in advance!
Affiliate Link – This post in Dizzy Traveler contains affiliate links, which means I receive a referral commission if you purchase after clicking at no additional cost to you. These funds go to maintain the site. Thank you for your support.
Book Your Sightseeing Trip
With a multitude of beautiful places to visit and a range of exciting sightseeing activities, you are sure to create unforgettable memories. To explore your options, simply click on the affiliate link below.
