Pilatus Luzern, Canton of Lucerne, Switzerland

5S L 5:00 PM Sep 24, 2022

Visit Mount Pilatus - the Dragon's Nest
What made Mount Pilatus unique to me was I went up via the Pilatus Gondola (had to switch at Frakmuntegg station) and came down via the Pilatus Cogwheel Railway: the world's steepest cogwheel railway. I took the Silver Route which allowed me to travel to Kriens Pilatus and Alpnachstad. The views were also equally impressive during the short window of non-fog I got. It is also home to a wide range of walking paths so everyone of all ages can experience walking and hiking. At the top of Pilatus, you can hike up further to two viewing points. However, this may be physically straining especially at such altitudes, so go slow if need be. There is also a Dragon Walk outside (can be slippery ground). They also have indoor activities such as a cinema featuring a short clip about Pilatus, and a children's corner where they can play some games and interact with the screens. There are also a few restaurants offered (including snack bars) at the two hotels there. <> You can either start from the Alpnachstad Train Station where the Pilatus Cogwheel Railway is located, or the Pilatus Gondola Station at Kriens. Do note, the journey to start at Kriens Gondola Station requires you to take buses, so if you have Citymapper and Google Maps this will help significantly. At both locations you can purchase the tickets to travel up to Pilatus. You can also purchase the tickets to ascend via one and descend via another. You can also opt to stop at any station along the way up/down when it is open. There is also a Golden Route (I didn't take that) which will allow you to travel via boat as well. Swiss Travel Pass gives a discount for your trips. <> Now, what makes Mount Pilatus unique to locals (from what I gathered) is that it is almost foggy all the time. Even on summer days where fog or cloud doesn't exist anywhere else, Pilatus would very likely still have clouds on it. Reminds me of how the legends there talk about dragons inhabiting the mountain with its smoke. <> So while I rate this an amazing experience on my part, just manage your expectations of being able to always see views atop Mount Pilatus itself (though, along the way up and down, you will get to see breathtaking views). If you want a guaranteed view of your surroundings, what locals recommended me to see is Mount Titlis instead. <> Note the Pilatus Cogwheel Railway doesn't operate during winter.

5Raintree_Thailand 5:00 PM Feb 15, 2023

Stunning Swiss Alps!!
Naturally, the majesty of the views from the peak depends on the level of cloud cover. The day we went up, the forecast was for clouds all day, but a break in the weather came and the skies were clear in the morning, affording us spectacular views. The ride up the cable car and gondola was fun and the panorama from the top was unforgettable. There are various shops at the top offering (expensive) food, drinks and souvenirs. But, the scenery is the calling card. Don't miss trekking out through the tunnels honeycombing the mountain, which provide unique views from a variety of perspectives.