From a geological aspect, Mount Pilatus is the northernmost branch of the Alps. The geological edge of the Alps stretches right through Lake Lucerne. Along this border run the sedimentary layers which traverse the whole of Switzerland and, with the lakes in the Alpine foothills, create some of Switzerland's most stunning scenery. No mountain in the long northern arc of the Alpine foothills shows such a marked upwards thrust as Mount Pilatus on Lake Lucerne. Its rock consists of cretaceous sediment and Tertiary deposits.

The calcerous rocks of Mount Pilatus were formed in the sea which stretched between the Aare and the Gotthard massif. Mussel, oyster, ammonite, echinite and sea snail fossils today discovered in the Mount Pilatus rock provide valuable documentation and evidence of when and where the fairly dense cliffs and fine slate layers of the mountain were created.

The first written reference to Mount Pilatus was made in the 13th century. But Celtic herdsmen already inhabited the extensive heights in much earlier times.

But the real story of Mount Pilatus began with the completion of the Gotthard route. Suddenly, not only local people stood at the foot of Lucerne's "own" mountain, but also travellers from the whole of the then-known world.

Since time immemorial, the rugged cliffs above Lucerne have been enveloped in mysterious myths and legends. in the Middle Ages, people believed that a dragon with healing powers and spirits inhabited the rocky crevices. It was said that the restless ghost of Roman governor once found lasting peace in Lake Pilatus. And so for a long time it was forbidden to climb the mountain - for woe betide any one who disturbed Pontius Pilate!

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PUBLIC TRANSPORT
By rail to LUCERNE Railway Station and then to Alpnachstad by train or boat from landing stage No. 2 (90 min.). Look out for the «Pilatus» sign at the railway station.
- SBB timetable
- SGV timetable

BY ROAD
From BASLE: A2 motorway via Lucerne, A8 direction Sarnen/ Interlaken, exit Alpnachstad.
From ZURICH : A3 motorway and E41 main road direction Zug, A14/4 and A8 motorways to Lucerne and Sarnen/Interlaken, exit Alpnachstad.

Last edited on Oct 27, 08 7:47 AM.
Contributors: Kamila N. , Meg Show History

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Meg

Tilak M.

Nov 29, 2011

Mount Pilatus is located near to Lucerne. Public transport from Lucerne is available to this place. A tourist package 'Golden round trip' is available which is worth taking. The mountain top can be reached by using the worlds steepest cog wheel railway, and can return back using the Gondolas and cable cars.

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Scott W.

Apr 8, 2009

Beautiful ride up the tram. You can see Adel Vice on your way up and the Swiss Goats and Dairy cows. (forgot the real names) Beautiful view from the top, cool and a great restaurant. The ride down has a nice drop and the final skyline ride to the city is great. you can also walk up and walk down if you want.

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Kamila N.

Oct 27, 2008

when u are on the top u realy feel like u are sitting on the cloud :) its great experience, there is really nice hotel but i dont know how much is there per person.... but i guess a lot ;) hehehe anyway u must see that :)

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Katharyn R.

Dec 16, 2009

It was amazing riding up the gondolas, well worth it to go all the way to the top. It was also amusing to watch all of the people attempting to sled down it.

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