A mountain near Lucerne with sledding, stunning views and dragon-themed adventures. No skiing. LU
The "it" factor
What makes it special:
Dragon themed
Two adventure options:
Sledding fun from Fräkmüntegg to Krienseregg, including winter playground and winter walks
Summit fun at Pilatus Kulm, including stunning views, dragon world and dragon path.
Things to keep in mind:
It can get very crowded during weekends and weekdays
There is no skiing
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The fun factor
Pilatus is a stunning mountain (2,132 m) located near Lucerne, Switzerland, offering breathtaking views and exciting activities, all year round. The mountain is easily accessible by public transport, making it a convenient getaway. It is also known as the "Dragon Mountain" due to the legends of dragons that were said to inhabit the area in ancient times.
While Pilatus doesn’t offer skiing, it’s perfect for winter adventurers. When there’s snow (check the official website for open facilities), you can enjoy thrilling sledging runs or winter walks. For those less inclined toward winter sports, the top of Pilatus Kulm offers plenty of opportunities to relax, explore, and take in the spectacular scenery.
Each activity—sledging or enjoying the mountain-top—can be done in half a day. If you want to take your time, you can stay longer and enjoy the relaxing alpine atmosphere. We normally arrive early (as it can get very crowded on weekends and holidays) and combine both adventures into a full day fun.
To help you choose and plan, we’ve detailed Pilatus adventures below:
Adventure 1: Sledding Fun
From Fräkmüntegg to Krienseregg
Sledge down a scenic run
From Fräkmüntegg to Krienseregg
Important: check the official website for open facilities as often the sledge run is closed.
When there's snow, Pilatus offers two fantastic sledging runs. Be sure to check in advance if the runs are open, as they are located at lower elevations. These runs starts at Fräkmüntegg (elevation: 1,350 meters) ends at Krienseregg (elevation: 1,010 meters).
a. The Easy Run: This 4.8 km run is ideal for those seeking a gentle slope. It's the one we usually take, offering a fun and scenic descent. Towards the end, there’s a flat section where you’ll need to pull your sled – and it even goes slightly uphill. We didn’t mind, as it adds a unique twist to the experience!
While this run is considered easy, we recommend it for sledgers with some experience to ensure they can control their speed and make safe turns on a longer route.
b. The More Difficult Run: This 3 km run is shorter and steeper, with less need for walking. However, its challenging slopes make it more suitable for experienced sledgers and families with older children.
Practical Tips:
Sledges can be rented at Kriens (the bottom gondola station), or you can bring your own.
Requires taking the gondola from Kriens. It is not accessible via the cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad.
Don’t forget to wear a helmet for safety!
Hit the PILU-land
Krienseregg
At the end of the sledging run, just next to the gondola station at Krienseregg, you’ll find PILU-land, a fantastic playground that’s open year-round. This fun-filled area is named after PILU the dragon, the friendly mascot of Mount Pilatus. PILU-land features slides, climbing frames, and other activities, making it a perfect spot for kids to burn off energy whether it’s summer or winter.
From Krienseregg, you can also embark on beautiful easy winter walks. We only done hikes in the summer, as we always run out of time when we visit in the winter, but from what we have seen from the gondola, they look great in the winter too.
The food factor
Fräkmüntegg & Krienseregg
Along the run there are 2 restaurants.
First one, Restaurant Fräkmüntegg, is located at the start of the sledging run. This self-service restaurant offers typical meals you would find in a mountain spot, with stunning views. We enjoyed a meal here during the summer and loved the scenery, especially when the valley was blanketed in clouds and the slopes were covered in snow. It’s a great place to fuel up before you start your sledging adventure.
Second one, Restaurant Krienseregg, is located at the end of the sledging run and right next to the PILU-land playground. Although we haven’t tried it yet, it looked like a great place to relax and enjoy a meal after a day of sledging.
Adventure 2: Summit Fun
Soak in the stunning views
The top station, Pilatus Kulm, located at an elevation of 2,132 meters, can be reached via a gondola from Kriens or the Pilatus Railway (Pilatusbahn), the world's steepest cogwheel train, from Alpnachstad.
The highlight of Pilatus Kulm is the breathtaking views that greet you as soon as you step out of the station. The area is stroller-friendly, making it accessible for families, or you can climb 161 steps to the viewing platform for an even more spectacular panorama. It’s truly impressive every time we visit, no matter the season.
Explore the dragon world
Pilatus Kulm
Inside the same building as the gondola station at Pilatus Kulm (called the Mythen Foyer), you’ll find Dragon World, a small interactive exhibit dedicated to the legendary dragons of Mount Pilatus. The exhibit features dragon stories, a video offering a flying dragon’s perspective of the area, and immersive elements that bring the myth to life.
Just a heads up - The exhibit is quite small, contained within a single room, and can be explored quickly. However, it’s still a fun way to learn about the mountain’s mythical history.
Embark on a dragon path
Pilatus Kulm
For more adventures, you can explore Dragon Path, a short tunnel carved into the mountain, featuring caves and occasional viewing windows that offer glimpses of the surrounding landscape. This path is accessible during the summer months; however, in winter, it may be partially or entirely closed due to weather conditions.
The food factor
Pilatus Kulm
There are four places where you can grab a snack or a meal with spectacular views:
Panorama Grill: When the weather is nice, the outdoor Panorama Grill is open, serving sausages and other quick bites.
IBEX Bar: For lighter options, the IBEX Bar inside the station offers drinks, cakes, and sandwiches – perfect for a quick snack.
Restaurant Bellevue: Our preferred option is Restaurant Bellevue, a self-service restaurant offering a variety of choices. The menu includes typical mountain food such as burgers, chips, schnitzel, pasta, a small salad bar, and, during our visit, a Chinese food option.
Restaurant Pilatus-Kulm: For a more sophisticated dining experience, visit Restaurant Pilatus-Kulm in the Kulm Hotel. You can enjoy an elegant meal here and even book your table online in advance.
The value factor
Sledging Fun from Fräkmüntegg
Snow & Fun Ticket Prices (2025):
Adults: CHF 35 | CHF 25 with a Half-Fare Card
Kids (6-16): CHF 17.50 | CHF 14 with a Half-Fare Card
CHF 20 after 12:30
This ticket offers access to Fräkmüntegg and unlimited sledding
Summit Adventures at Pilatus Kulm
Ticket Prices (2025):
Adults: CHF 64 | CHF 36 with a Half-Fare Card
Kids (6-16): CHF 36 | Free with Junior Travelcard and Childrens Co-Travelcard SBB
If you take the gondola from Kriens, you have the option to add sledding to your adventure. On your way back, you can get off at Fräkmüntegg, sledge down to Krienseregg, and then take the gondola the rest of the way back to Kriens.
🚆 Train Savings:
SBB offers a 20% discount on the return journey to Pilatus Kulm on the mountain railway.
E.g - Adults: CHF 28.80 when combined with a train ticket
Combine with a Supersaver Ticket or Saver Day Pass to save even more!
Visit the SBB website for details on ticket options and discounts.
Pilatus adventures - practical info
Access from Kriens for Sledding Fun and Summit Fun
Address: Schlossweg 1, 6010 Kriens
Arrival by car: Park at the Kriens Parking (Schlossweg 1, 6010 Kriens)
Arrival by public transport: From Lucerne main station: Take Bus number 1 (platform A) in direction to Kriens/Obernau. Get off at the stop “Kriens, Zentrum Pilatus” (approx. 15 minutes). Then follow the red signs to the valley station in Kriens (5-minute walk).
Access from Alpnachstad for Summit Fun only
Address: Brünigstrasse 2, 6053 Alpnach
Arrival by car: Park at the Gondola Parking (Brünigstrasse 2, 6053 Alpnach)
Arrival by public transport: From Lucerne main station: Take the train S5 to Alpnachstad railway station. Or from Lucerne by boat from pier 2 to Alpnachstad (50 – 90 minutes). The boat only operates from May to October.
More info: Sledding | Webcams & Open facilities | Family Activities | Arrival | Tickets