Mount Pilatus is located in the heart of Switzerland, overlooking the city of Lucerne (Luzern). There is a myth surrounding this nature’s charm, that in the summer of 1421 an enormous dragon flew to Mt. Pilatus only to crash to the ground so close next to the farmer Stempflin, that he fainted. When he revived back, he found a lump of clotted blood and the Dragon Stone, which was legally declared as having healing powers in 1509. This majestically soaring Mount to the height of 7000 ft provides stunning views of the city, along with Lake Lucerne from its lofty heights.

Ascend to the top

We started our trip by taking the cogwheel railway known as Pilatusbahn from Alpnachstad to the top Pilatus Kulm. This train rides at a gradient of 48 degrees and takes about 30 minutes with two stops along the way. The steep slope and the tall pines trees provide a feast for the eyes along the way. Engineers or non-engineers are left to wonder about this spectacular engineering feat, considering that it was inaugurated way back on 4 June 1889. By the year 1901, a million passengers had taken this ride. Originally designed by Zürich engineer Eduard Locher (1840 - 1910) that turned the rack on its side. The rack actually was doubled, engaged by opposing twin horizontal cogwheels. The combination not only ensured positive meshing of the racks and wheels even under extreme cases of loading but guided the cars along the rails in place of conventional flanged running wheels and literally locked the cars to the mountainside. One keeps on wondering how the steep slopes were cleared, leveled, and reinforced for the foundation of tracks were laid out, considering the logistics of transportation of construction material over the heights. This engineering masterpiece was exhibited at the World Fair 1889 in Paris. The unique rail cars design clawing upwards on 15151 ft (4618 meter) long tract stretch, defying gravity makes for memorable journey.

At the Peak

What an unexpected panoramic setting at the peaks with 5 restaurants, 2 hotels, a souvenir shop, plus milling crowds makes one feel like one is in a busy mall instead of being at a mount peak.

Image (c) istock.com

There are quite a few walking trails, hiking trails, caves to explore the natural beauty from different orientation angles from the heights. Walking on the hiking trails we got to see colorful hand gliders soaring above the majestic mount and adding moving colors above the natural landscape settings. There are lookouts named Lookout Oberhaupt, and Lookout Esel for viewing the surroundings and admire nature and its beauty.

We were fortunate to encounter very pleasant weather and clear skies to really relish nature’s spectacular and bountiful offerings. The cool mountain breeze passing over the slopes, got musical with the clinging sounds from the Swiss cowbells hanging around the necks of cows walking around in the pasture.

We got to spend two hours quality time exploring there and eating our lunch before starting to descend back.  

Descent from the peak   

We took the aerial cableway also called Dragon ride to descend to Frakmuntegg, which is at the height of 4649 ft. Then from there we came to Kriens 1694 ft height in a gondola via Krienseregg at the height of 3369 ft. We opted to stop at Krienseregg just to avail ourselves of the last chance, to admire the beauty from the heights before we could call it a day and return to our hotel. Overall, it was a memorable experience.   

References:

1.  https://www.pilatus.ch/en/discover/dragon-path
2.  ASTM Engineering History #220 Pilatusbahn.
3.  Flyers – Pilatus Adventure Guide, and Pilatus Mountain Guide