Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – The Legendary Dragon Mountain
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 17 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – The Legendary Dragon Mountain worth booking?
Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – The Legendary Dragon Mountain is a 10-hour experience in Zurich, Switzerland, from $207 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 17 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (17)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $207 per person
Step into the legends of Mount Pilatus, the mythical “Dragon Mountain.” Steeped in centuries-old legends, Pilatus is said to be the resting place of Pontius Pilate, home to a petrified guardian, and the site where a drag
What you get
About this experience
Step into the legends of Mount Pilatus, the mythical “Dragon Mountain.” Steeped in centuries-old legends, Pilatus is said to be the resting place of Pontius Pilate, home to a petrified guardian, and the site where a dragon stone fell from the sky in 1420. Begin your journey in Lucerne, with free time to explore its charming Old Town, wander the cobbled streets, admire colourful frescoed buildings, and stroll across the iconic Chapel Bridge. Then head to Kriens and ascend to Mount Pilatus by Panorama Gondola and Dragon Ride. Feel the sensation of flying as you soar towards Pilatus Kulm at 2,132 metres, where sweeping views stretch across 73 Alpine peaks. Choose your preferred descent: Silver Option: Descend by cable car to Kriens, where your driver will meet you for the return journey. Gold Option: Descend to Alpnachstad aboard the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, then enjoy a scenic cruise across Lake Lucerne, where your driver will meet you for the return journey.
What's included
Included
- Panoramic Skyglass Roof Bus
- Free time to explore Lucerne
- Cogwheel train from Pilatus to Alpnachstad (gold option)
- Cruise on lake Lucerne (gold option)
- Dragon and flower path
- Cable car including Dragon ride
- Guide
Not included
- Food and beverage
What you'll see and do
Zurich
Meet your expert driver-guide in the vibrant city of Zurich, where your adventure begins. Step aboard our panoramic bus, designed for comfort and breathtaking views. As you settle in, watch the cityscape fade into rolling green meadows, shimmering lakes, and majestic Alpine peaks.
60 minutes here
Lucerne
Visit the village of Lucerne, capital of central Switzerland. Enjoy an hour at your convenience exploring the Old town and snap a picture of the famous chapel bridge or the Lion monument.
60 minutes here
Kriens
Your driver-guide will take you to Kriens, where your ascent to Mount Pilatus begins. From there, board the cable car and glide smoothly above lush forests and alpine meadows, immersing yourself in the breathtaking scenery as you journey toward the majestic summit.
15 minutes here
Enjoy the cable ride to Frakmuntegg, enjoy view points on the Alps and board the Dragon ride cable car to the top.
40 minutes here
Pilatus Luzern
Experience the legendary Mount Pilatus, Lucerne’s most famous mountain with our guide. Your journey begins with a scenic gondola ride to the summit, where you’ll board the new "Dragon Ride" with large panoramic windows, giving you the sensation of flying as you soar toward the top. From the peak, you’ll be captivated by sweeping views of 73 Alpine peaks and have time to relax at the restaurants and terraces with stunning vistas at 2,132 meters above sea level. Your expert guide will lead you through the experience, sharing stories of the mountain’s myths and history. Choose your preferred option: Silver Option: Descend by cable car back to Kriens, where your guide will meet you for the return journey. Gold Option: Take the world’s steepest cogwheel train down the mountain, followed by a peaceful cruise across the serene waters of Lake Lucerne, with your guide offering insights along the way.
240 minutes here · Admission included
Alpnachstad
If you take the gold option, You will board the steepest cogwheel train to Alpnachstad and then relax on a cruise back to Lucerne for some free time.
10 minutes here
Lake Lucerne
If you take the gold option, take a cruise back to Lucerne and relax on the boat
60 minutes here · Admission included
Zurich
Ride back to Zurich full of swiss memories.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Zurich
Swisstours bus will be waiting for you at Zurich Sihlquai bus station. Please check in directly with the driver
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Swisstours bus will be waiting for you at Zurich Sihlquai bus station. Please check in directly with the driver
Options you can book
Pilatus Silver
(KTZ724) - Silver Option: round trip cable car from Kriens
Pilatus Gold
(KTZ721) - Gold Option: cable car - cogwheel train - cruise - free time in Lucerne
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Keytours (Switzerland)
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 16 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
16 verified traveler reviews for Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – The Legendary Dragon Mountain. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
The cable car cogwheel...
The cable car cogwheel train and Lucerne were great but I didnt have a guide I had a driver as we were dropped in Lucerne for 2hrs on my own Then taken to cable car and given tickets fo that the cog wheel train and the boat and told where the driver would pick me up Would not recemend to anyone who doesnt have internet as mine was not working
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your feedback, Sandra. We're glad to hear you enjoyed the cable car, cogwheel train, and your visit to Lucerne. This excursion includes transportation with a driver and free time in Lucerne, along with tickets for the mountain attractions and boat cruise, rather than a guide accompanying guests throughout the day. Your comments are valuable, and we'll take them into account as we continue to improve the information we provide before the tour. Thank you for traveling with Key Tours.
via Viator
Mount Pilatus is beautiful
Pretty much a bus shuttle service to two areas with self guided time in each. If you are expecting a guide with local commentary regarding history and local facts probably better to look at alternative tours. We only booked the silver tour so there may be better options with the gold tour. Could probably be done much cheaper independently via train and Uber to and from the cable car station.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback, and we are sorry to hear that the experience did not fully meet your expectations. We would like to clarify that the Gold option is not available in December, which is why the Silver option was the only one bookable for your travel date. The Silver tour is indeed advertised as self-guided, with a driver-guide only during the bus journey, and free time at each location, as indicated in the tour description. We hope you enjoy the beautiful view.
via Tripadvisor
Not really fair to rate...
Not really fair to rate the experience since it was a rainy and foggy day. We did enjoy the day very much even in bad weather. The guide was excellent. I do recommend the Gold tour. The train and the cruise were very nice. We wish we could have seen the views but can’t blame that on anybody.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind review on PIlatus tour! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the Gold Tour, the train, the cruise, and especially the guide’s excellent service. Weather is, of course, beyond anyone’s control, but we’re glad it didn’t stop you from enjoying the day. We appreciate your recommendation and hope you’ll join us again for another Keytours adventure — hopefully with clearer skies next time! Warm regards, The Keytours Team
via Viator
Gold Pilatus is the best!
Get the gold package. It was truly a remarkable day with enough “free time” to complete everything on our list.
Response from the operator: Dear guest, Thank you for your feedback! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the Gold Package and that it gave you enough free time to experience everything on your list. Glad you had a remarkable day! Best regards
via Viator
Well planned, well timed,...
Well planned, well timed, great guide, beautiful views and a worry-free experience. We highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Dear guest, Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the well-planned tour, beautiful views, and our guide’s expertise. We really appreciate your recommendation! Kind regards
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Keytours (Switzerland), who run 70 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.1.
See everything Keytours (Switzerland) runsWhy this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – The Legendary Dragon Mountain: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Zurich.
How much does Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – The Legendary Dragon Mountain cost?
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Prices start at $207 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Zurich usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – The Legendary Dragon Mountain take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Zurich is not rushed.
Is Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – The Legendary Dragon Mountain worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 17 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Zurich, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – The Legendary Dragon Mountain?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – The Legendary Dragon Mountain suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – The Legendary Dragon Mountain?
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Around 6 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Zurich can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Zurich and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – The Legendary Dragon Mountain start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Zurich within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Zurich?
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On Outty we rank every Zurich experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Zurich Food Tour with 10 Local Delicacies, Cheeses & Chocolates, Private, excellent guided tour of Zurich (from CHF 21/pers.), Zürich Historic District Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Zurich?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Zurich?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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