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20240905.Pilatusbahn.037📷 Bybbisch94, CC BY 4.0
Editor's pick

Pilatus

Alpnachstad, Switzerland

Views

Lucerne’s rugged home mountain, 2,128 m, reached by the world’s steepest cog railway from Alpnachstad (May to November) or by gondola and cable car from Kriens. Short paths lead to viewpoints over the lake.

Nearest town
Alpnachstad, Switzerland
Category
Scenic viewpoints
GPS
46.9790, 8.2550
Editor's pick
★

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually June–July. Still fine, with some compromises, in August–September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Getting there

  • Switzerland: Vignette needed for motorways. Vehicles over 3.5 t pay the heavy vehicle charge instead of the vignette. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.

Featured in these trip guides

Lake Lucerne, Rigi and the Klausen Pass – 20240905.Pilatusbahn.037© Bybbisch94 · CC BY 4.0
17
Mountains & lakes

Lake Lucerne, Rigi and the Klausen Pass

123 km9 stops4 days

Nearby

Kapellbrücke – white and brown lighthouse on waterPhoto by Geertje Caliguire on Unsplash
History

Kapellbrücke

Lucerne, Switzerland
Swiss Museum of Transport – 6247 - Luzern - Verkehrshaus - SBB-CFF-FFS Ae 6-6© Andrew Bossi · CC BY-SA 2.5
History

Swiss Museum of Transport

Lucerne, Switzerland
20260717f155756 Rigi Kulm© Markus Giger · CC BY-SA 4.0
Editor's pick
Views

Rigi Kulm

Weggis, Switzerland
Ballenberg Open-Air Museum – Ballenberg 322© Gzzz · CC BY-SA 4.0
History

Ballenberg Open-Air Museum

Hofstetten bei Brienz, Switzerland

Campsites nearby

  • TCS Camping Luzern-HorwCampsite
    6 km from Pilatus
    TentsCaravansElectricityWi-Fi
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Camping SeefeldCampsite
    11 km from Pilatus
    TentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Camping Buochs-VierwaldstätterseeCampsite
    12 km from Pilatus
    TentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Camping International GiswilCampsite
    15 km from Pilatus
    TentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Stellplatz Hasle-EntlebuchMotorhome stopover
    15 km from Pilatus · 18 pitches
    MotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Campingplatz VitznauCampsite
    18 km from Pilatus
    TentsCaravansWaste disposalWi-Fi
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip

All campsites in Switzerland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Pilatus?

Pilatus is in Alpnachstad, Switzerland, at GPS 46.9790, 8.2550. It is about 9 km from Lucerne.

Can you camp near Pilatus?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Campingplatz Bachmattli, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 35 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

Which road trips pass Pilatus?

Pilatus is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Lake Lucerne, Rigi and the Klausen Pass.

What is there to see near Pilatus?

Places worth a stop nearby: Kapellbrücke (9 km), Swiss Museum of Transport (10 km), Rigi Kulm (19 km) and Ballenberg Open-Air Museum (29 km).

When is the best time to visit Pilatus?

The most pleasant months are usually June–July. Still fine, with some compromises, in August–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)