Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: April 16, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

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38 m

Pilatus Railway Lower Station

Highlight • Rest Area

In 1889 the 4618 m long railway line was opened (steam operation until 1937). With a maximum gradient of 48%, it is still the steepest cog railway in the world. …

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1.67 km

Bench with a view of Lake Alpnach

Highlight • Viewpoint

The bench is often occupied, but you can also sit on the slope. But be careful, it is steep. A seat pad is recommended. And a telescope. There is a small airfield on the right-hand side in Alpnachstadt.

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2.64 km

View of Lake Lucerne

Highlight • Viewpoint

Beautiful view and great hiking trail

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4.91 km

Ämsigen Railway Station

Highlight • Rest Area

The Ämsingen intermediate station offers the opportunity to get off and climb the last part of the Pilatus on foot. But if you want to experience the most breathtaking section …

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5.30 km

Meadow with meltwater stream and impressive rock face

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

Ideal for snacks

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5.82 km

Meadow with stream and rock face by the cog railway

Highlight (Segment) • Natural

Ideal for snacks

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7.52 km

Pilatuswald Ascent and Descent Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Pilatus Forest offers a varied hike both on the ascent and on the descent from the Pilatus summit. You hike through dense forests, past rock formations and waterfalls. The Tomlishorn Hut offers a place to rest.

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10.6 km

Stone Arch Railway Bridge near Stansstad

Highlight • Bridge

11.8 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

8.07 km

2.10 km

715 m

403 m

356 m

120 m

Surfaces

8.07 km

1.15 km

956 m

790 m

732 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Friday 1 May

24°C

8°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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View of Lake Lucerne – Ämsigen Railway Station loop from Alpnachstad (Pilatus-Bahn)

Pilatus Railway Lower Station

Bench with a view of Lake Alpnach

View of Lake Lucerne

Ämsigen Railway Station

Meadow with meltwater stream and impressive rock face

Meadow with stream and rock face by the cog railway

Pilatuswald Ascent and Descent Trail

Stone Arch Railway Bridge near Stansstad

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