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Destinations, Switzerland ·

Views from Mount Pilatus

Last Updated on 11/29/2017

It had been snowing almost the whole time we were in Lucerne and we saw absolutely nothing the day before when we had gone to Rigi. There was a blizzard up on Rigi Klum and I could barely see 10 feet in front of me. So when I woke up to clear skies the next day, I made a beeline for Mount Pilatus. I was determined to see these incredible views I had read so much about.

Mount Pilatus

When I asked the girl at the information stand for her honest opinion about Mount Pilatus vs. Rigi, she said that there wasn’t much to do on Mount Pilatus if weren’t going to ski. She said with a slight British accent, “You just go up, it’s a nice view… there’s a bar up there… and that’s it.”

Perfect.

Mount Pilatus

We got there by taking a bus to the ski lift and then transferred to the gondola for the last few minutes of the journey up the mountain. There’s also a boat/train option that runs during the summer. I don’t ski or snowboard, so the lift itself was a treat. Especially with views like this…

Mount Pilatus. Lucerne, Switzerland.
Mount Pilatus

When we got to the top, we enjoyed the Swiss Alps with some bubbly we had chilled in the snow. As darling as the city streets are down below, Switzerland is meant to be seen from up in the clouds. I feel like you can see all four countries Switzerland boarders from the top of Mount Pilatus. When the champagne was gone, we warmed up with some gluhwein from the bar inside the observatory. My feet were frozen by then too!

Mount Pilatus. Lucerne, Switzerland.
Mount Pilatus. Lucerne.

Transportation Tip:

All the modes of transportation were free for us because we got two Tell-Passes included in our hotel stay. I can’t rave enough about the Tell-Pass (it’s an unlimited transportation pass for central Switzerland). Many hotels in Lucerne offer the pass as a promotion in the winter. Since we booked directly with our hotel, they included the passes FO FREE! Prices vary by season and length of pass, but it’s totally worth it even if it’s not included with your hotel. Between the boat ride and gondola to Rigi and the lifts up to Mount Pilatus, all the modes of transportation over two days would have cost over $350 in the off season.

Mount Pilatus. Lucerne, Switzerland.
Mount Pilatus

I was so glad we got to experience at least one clear day in Lucerne and see the views Mount Pilatus is know for. Just as the girl at the information booth said, we went to the top, enjoyed some drinks with the most breathtaking view and went back down. I couldn’t have asked for more.

Mount Pilatus

Winter Weekend in Lucerne

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Mount Pilatus in the Winter

Comments

  1. Nana Patricia says

    I’m visiting this place soon … can’t wait to witness the beauty of it, prayerfully it will be a good weather for us when visiting..

    Reply

    • Aasheekaa says

      I’m headed there next weekend and used your blog for help!

      We are staying up on the mountain and I’m worried the commute will take away from your time. But as you said – Switzerland is meant to be seen from up! So I think it’s worth it.

      Was there ski gear rentals on mount Pilates?

      Reply

      • Scarlett | Petite Suitcase says

        That will be fun! I did see a handful of people skiing and families sledding, but I’m not sure if they rented them or not. I would think there would be a place to rent equipment, I just can’t remember the specifics. Enjoy your trip!!

        Reply

  2. Blair says

    I am traveling to Switzerland this weekend and plan to do this exact thing! Do you remember how long the trip to the top of Mount Pilatus and back took you?

    Reply

  6. Alexandra says

    Oh my gosh it all looks soo beautiful! I have never ski’d or snowboarded either but I want to try one day! x

    Reply

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