Pilatus Railways

Put into operation in 1889, with a gradient of up to 48 percent and a journey time of around 30 minutes: this is the steepest cogwheel railroad in the world. Meter by meter, it climbs the path from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm, past blooming alpine meadows and impressive rock formations. In just 30 minutes, the panoramic gondola lift takes you right into the heart of the Pilatus adventure. Enjoy the magnificent panoramic view as you glide from Kriens over Krienseregg to Fräkmüntegg station. The "Dragon Ride" aerial cableway offers a cockpit-like design with floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of space - you'll feel like you're flying. In just three and a half minutes, you can reach the summit from Fräkmüntegg and enjoy a breathtaking view in all directions.

Pilatus at a glance

Open systems
& Interactive map

Operating information

Open systems

Here you will find up-to-date information on the open facilities on Mount Pilatus. Whether railroads, hotels & restaurants, adventure facilities on Fräkmüntegg or activities on Pilatus Kulm - stay up to date and plan your experience on Drachenberg.

Operating information

Open systems

Here you will find up-to-date information on the open facilities on Mount Pilatus. Whether railroads, hotels & restaurants, adventure facilities on Fräkmüntegg or activities on Pilatus Kulm - stay up to date and plan your experience on Drachenberg.

Click here
Operating information

Open systems

Here you will find up-to-date information on the open facilities on Pilatus. Whether railroads, hotels & restaurants, adventure facilities on Fräkmüntegg or activities on Pilatus Kulm - stay up to date and plan your experience on Drachenberg.

Click here
2132 possibilities

Pilatus at a glance

The interactive map of Pilatus gives you an overview of the wide range of activities on offer on the mountain. From culinary delights and a wide range of hiking options to PILU-Land - everyone, young and old, will find the right experience here.

2132 possibilities

Pilatus at a glance

The interactive map of Pilatus gives you an overview of the wide range of activities on offer on the mountain. From culinary delights and a wide range of hiking options to PILU-Land - everyone, young and old, will find the right experience here.

Click here
2132 possibilities

Pilatus at a glance

The interactive map of Pilatus gives you an overview of the wide range of activities on offer on the mountain. From culinary delights and a wide range of hiking options to PILU-Land - everyone, young and old, will find the right experience here.

Click here
Ticketing

Tariffs & operating times

Tariffs

Here you will find the price list for the various facilities on the Pilatus, including round trip offers by boat or train as well as discounted conditions for groups of 10 or more. Plan your unforgettable experience on the mountain.

Timetable

Here you will find the current timetable for the aerial cableway and gondola lift from Kriens and the cogwheel railroad from Alpnachstad. Check the departure times and plan your journey into adventure.

Cog railroad, gondola lift, aerial cableway

Technical data

Cogwheel railroad: Alpnachstad - Pilatus-Kulm

  • Opening (with steam operation): June 4, 1989
  • Reopening after electrification: May 15, 1937
  • Reopening with new rolling stock: June 5, 2023
  • Operating time: May to November
  • Height difference: 1,635 m
  • Length of the railroad line: 4,618 m
  • Travel time: uphill 27 min., downhill 33 min.
  • Maximum driving speed: uphill: 15 km/h; downhill: 9 km/h (on gradients >39%), 12 km/h (on gradients <39%)
  • Maximum transport capacity: 368 people per hour.
  • Capacity: 8 railcars for 46 passengers each
  • Unladen weight traction unit: 13.1 tons
  • Total weight of traction unit: 16.7 tons
  • Railroad system: Locher rack-and-pinion railroad system
  • Drive power: 358 kW per railcar
  • Track: track gauge: 0.8 m / gradient: maximum 48%, average 38%
  • Catenary voltage: 1,500 volts DC
  • Opening: December 24, 1954
  • Reopening after renovation: May 10, 1966
  • Height difference 899 m
  • Travel speed: max. 4.5m per sec.
  • Travel time: 18 min. (minimum)
  • Maximum transport capacity: 750 people per hour
  • Capacity: 132 cabins for 4 people each
  • Track system: single-cable circulating track
  • Drive power: 400 kW per section, drive station: Krienseregg
  • Ropes: Conveyor ropes Ø 44 mm
  • Opening: March 9, 1956
  • Reopening (after renovation): December 3, 1983 / April 1, 2015
  • Height difference: 646.6 m
  • Length of the railroad line: 1387.6 m
  • Travel speed: field max. 9.0 m per sec. / support 7.0 m per sec.
  • Travel time: 3 min. 39 sec.
  • Maximum transport capacity: 589 people per hour.
  • Capacity: 2 cabins for 55 + 1 persons each
  • Railroad system: aerial tramway
  • Drive power: 260 kW Fräkmüntegg drive station
  • Ropes: 2 carrying ropes per track Ø 44 mm / 1 hauling rope Ø 30 mm / 1 support, height: 18.3m, track width: 11.8m
Nostalgia

Excerpt from the history of the cog railroad

The Pilatus Railway, opened in 1889 by engineer Eduard Locher, is considered the steepest cogwheel railroad in the world with a gradient of 48% and represents a technical masterpiece. Its innovative technology with two horizontally rotating cogwheels, presented at the Paris World Exhibition in 1889, made it possible to master the enormous gradients safely. Initially steam-powered, the railroad was converted to electric railcars in 1937, which significantly increased efficiency.

To mark its 125th anniversary, it was decided to comprehensively modernize the historic railroad and make it fit for the future. To this end, around CHF 55 million was invested in eight new passenger railcars, one freight railcar and several structural improvements such as the construction of new platforms in Alpnachstad and the modernization of the middle station. These investments ensure the preservation and efficient operation of this unique cultural asset, which continues to take visitors on an incomparable journey up the Pilatus.

Pilatus

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