Lucerne: 3 days exploring Pilatus and Titlis by public transport
Article updated on 13.07.26
The Lucerne region is the perfect destination for combining mountains and hiking using public transport. From the city, you can easily reach some of Central Switzerland’s most iconic peaks by train, boat, funicular and cable car, without needing a car.
Over three days, we explored two of the region’s must-see mountains: Pilatus and Titlis. From the world’s steepest cogwheel railway and panoramic hiking trails to a night in a tree tent, an alpine lake and a glacier, every day offered something different.
To make getting around easier, we used the Lucerne Travel Pass, which provides unlimited travel on trains, buses, boats and several mountain railways throughout the region.
Here’s the itinerary we followed.
The Lucerne Travel Pass
The Lucerne Travel Pass is a convenient way to explore the region without a car.
It offers unlimited travel throughout the Lucerne region on:
- Trains
- Buses
- Boats
- Several funiculars and mountain railways
The pass is available for durations ranging from 3 to 10 consecutive days.
As an indication, a 3-day adult pass in 2nd class costs around CHF 240, with prices varying depending on the duration and travel class.
It gives easy access to many of the region’s iconic mountains, including Pilatus, Rigi, Stoos, Stanserhorn, Titlis and Brienzer Rothorn.
During our trip, we used the pass for three days to travel between Lucerne, Pilatus, Engelberg and Titlis.
Just make sure to check which mountain railways are included or discounted before each excursion.
Arrival and overnight stay in Lucerne's old town
Lucerne’s train station is located right in the city centre. As soon as you step outside, you’ll immediately spot the famous Kapellbrücke, the city’s iconic wooden bridge.
For your first night, we recommend staying at The LUBO, a self check-in accommodation located about a 10-minute walk from the station, in the heart of the Old Town. Its location is perfect for exploring the historic streets, strolling along the Reuss River and enjoying Lucerne’s atmosphere.
For dinner, we recommend PASTARAZZI im Himmelrich, an excellent Italian restaurant around 10 minutes on foot from the city centre. Slightly away from the busy tourist area, it serves outstanding food in a quieter setting.
The following morning, before heading into the mountains, Mill’Feuille is a great choice for breakfast. Located directly on the Reuss River, it’s the perfect place to start the day before boarding the boat to Pilatus.
Day 1: Lucerne → Pilatus → Fräkmüntegg
🚢 Boat from Lucerne to Alpnachstad
🚞 Cogwheel railway to Pilatus
🥾 Dragon Path & Flower Trail
⛺️ Overnight in a Tree Tent at Fräkmüntegg
For your first day, we recommend reaching Pilatus by combining two of the region’s most iconic means of transport: a boat cruise across Lake Lucerne followed by the world’s steepest cogwheel railway.
From Lucerne’s pier, the boat reaches Alpnachstad in just over one hour. It’s a beautiful way to begin the day, with fantastic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Upon arrival, the cogwheel railway station is only a few metres from the boat landing.
Pilatus
Ride the World's Steepest Cogwheel Railway
Opened in 1889, the Pilatus cogwheel railway still holds the world record with gradients of up to 48%.
In around 30 minutes, it climbs from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm, at an altitude of 2,132 metres.
Once at the summit, several walking trails and viewpoints offer spectacular panoramic views.
The Flower Trail to Tomlishorn
If you have a little more time, don’t miss the hike to Tomlishorn via the Flower Trail.
🥾 Around 6 km return
⏱️ 1.5 to 2 hours
📈 +230 m
The trail follows Pilatus’ ridge all the way to the highest point of the massif.
Along the route, information panels introduce the alpine flowers that bloom throughout the summer.
However, the real highlight is the scenery. On a clear day, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views over Lake Lucerne, the Swiss Alps and the surrounding Central Swiss mountains.
The final climb to Tomlishorn is a little steeper but remains accessible to anyone used to hiking in the mountains.
If you prefer, you can simply walk part of the trail before turning back.
Flower Trail sur Swisstopo
Find the route on Swisstopo below.
If you’re using a mobile device, you can open it directly in the Swisstopo app by clicking here.
The Dragon Path
This short circular walk starts directly from Pilatus Kulm and passes through several tunnels carved into the rock.
The trail is inspired by the many dragon legends that have surrounded Mount Pilatus for centuries.
Easy and suitable for everyone, it already offers impressive views over the cliffs and Lake Lucerne.
Spend the night in a Tree Tent at Fräkmüntegg
To finish your first day, we recommend taking the panoramic Dragon Ride cable car down to Fräkmüntegg.
Here you’ll find one of the region’s most unique accommodation experiences: the Tree Tents.
Suspended between three trees, these tents accommodate two to three people for a night surrounded by forest.
The experience also includes access to the Fräkmüntegg Adventure Park at the end of the afternoon, an all-you-can-eat barbecue and breakfast at the Fräkmüntegg restaurant.
Day 2: Fräkmüntegg → Engelberg → Trübsee
🚠 Gondola from Fräkmüntegg to Kriens
🚆 Train from Lucerne to Engelberg
🏔️ TITLIS Xpress & TITLIS Rotair
🧊 Glacier Cave, suspension bridge & TITLIS Tower
🛏️ Overnight at Berghotel Trübsee
After spending the night among the trees, begin the day by taking the gondola down to Kriens, then continue by bus to Lucerne and by train to Engelberg.
From Engelberg station, the cable cars are about a 10-minute walk away, or you can use the free shuttle bus.
The TITLIS Xpress takes you to Trübsee, the intermediate station located at 1,764 metres.
From there, the TITLIS Rotair continues up to the new summit station at 3,020 metres, on the glacier.
Titlis
The Summit of Titlis
From Trübsee, continue your ascent aboard the TITLIS Rotair, the famous revolving cable car.
In just a few minutes, you’ll reach the glacier at 3,020 metres, where several attractions can easily be explored on foot.
We recommend walking to the highest point via the Glacier Cave, a tunnel carved directly into the ice.
At the top, cross the spectacular TITLIS Cliff Walk, Europe’s highest suspension bridge.
Don’t miss the brand-new TITLIS Tower and its Horizon Deck, inaugurated in June 2026.
Located around 50 metres above the glacier, this panoramic platform offers sweeping views across the Swiss Alps and, on clear days, all the way to France, Italy and Germany.
Please note: Access to the TITLIS Tower is not included with the cable car ticket and requires an additional admission ticket.
Lake Trübsee
After visiting the summit, head back down to Trübsee, where the atmosphere is completely different.
You can borrow a rowing boat free of charge and enjoy a peaceful trip across the lake.
Alternatively, follow the easy walking trail that circles the lake.
A small waterfall is also located just a few minutes’ walk beyond the left-hand side of the lake.
Overnight at Berghotel Trübsee
For your second night, stay at Berghotel Trübsee, located at 1,800 metres, and enjoy dinner directly at the hotel.
The room rate includes a three-course dinner as well as breakfast.
One of the biggest advantages of staying here is experiencing the mountains after the cable cars have stopped running, allowing you to enjoy both sunset and sunrise in complete tranquillity.
Day 3: Trübsee → Engelberg → Lucerne
🥾 Hike: Trübsee → Untertrübsee → Gerschnialp → Engelberg
🚠 Funicular from Gerschnialp to Engelberg
🚆 Train from Engelberg to Lucerne
To finish the weekend, we recommend hiking back down to Engelberg via the trail connecting Trübsee to the valley.
The route passes through Untertrübsee, continues to Gerschnialp, then descends to Engelberg.
The hike is mostly downhill and offers beautiful views over the valley throughout the journey.
From Gerschnialp, you can also take the funicular to skip the final descent into Engelberg.
If you’ve stayed at Berghotel Trübsee, you can leave your luggage at reception in the morning, and it will be transported directly to the Engelberg cable car station for you.
Trübsee to Engelberg on Swisstopo
Find the route on Swisstopo below.
If you’re using a mobile device, you can open it directly in the Swisstopo app by clicking here.
Three days without a car in the Lucerne region
In just three days, this itinerary allows you to discover two of Central Switzerland’s most iconic mountains, each offering a completely different experience.
From the boat cruise across Lake Lucerne and the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to overnight stays in the mountains, the Titlis glacier and several beautiful hikes, every experience perfectly complements the next.
Thanks to the Lucerne Travel Pass, the entire trip can be completed using public transport alone, without needing a car.
It’s a fantastic way to discover the region while enjoying its spectacular landscapes every step of the journey.
Did you like the article ?
Pin it !
Leave a Reply