The Pilatus Massif is a mountain massif located south and southeast of Lucerne. As a mountain massif, it comprises not just a single peak but a series of peaks within an extensive mountain region. This region is also known as the Pilatus region and is surrounded by several bodies of water and rivers, including the Grosse Schlier, the Samer Aa, Lake Alpnach, Lake Lucerne, the Reuss, the Kleine Emme, the Rümlig and the Fischenbach. To the west, the region is bordered by the Risetestock. The peaks of Pilatus include, among others, the Risetestock (1,759 m), the Stäfeliflue (1,922.2 m), the Mittaggüpfi (1,916.6 m), the Widderfeld (2,075.2 m), the Tomlishorn (2,128.5 m), the Oberhaupt (2,106 m), the Esel (2,118.7 m), the Matthorn (2,041.3 m), the Klimsenhorn (1,907.2 m), the Rosegg (1,972 m) and the Steiglihorn (1,968 m). The highest peak of Pilatus is the Tomlishorn at 2,128.5 metres.
Due to its central location near Lucerne, the Pilatus Massif is easily accessible. Several motorways run around the Pilatus area, including the A2, the A8 and the A14. The A2 runs directly past Lucerne and Pilatus.
Legends surrounding Pilatus
The Pilatus region is surrounded by several legends and tales. One of these legends concerns the Roman prefect Pontius Pilate, who, according to the story, is said to have been buried on Pilatus in the so-called Lake Pilatus (a former mountain lake on Pilatus). According to this legend, every place where Pilate was buried was struck by severe storms and bad weather. He was therefore eventually buried on Pilatus, where strong winds blow. The legend says that Pilate's spirit is said to rest in Lake Pilatus, and that any disturbance of this rest leads to tremendous storms. Another legend describes a stone that a dragon is said to have dropped onto Pilatus in the 15th century. The stone is attributed with miraculous and healing powers.
Tourism on Pilatus
The Pilatus Massif is a popular tourist destination, easily accessible thanks to the well-developed motorways. However, the mountain itself cannot be reached directly by car. With the Pilatus Railway, the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, which opened in 1889, visitors can travel from Alpnachstad up to an altitude of 2,073 metres on Pilatus. From there, the Hotel Bellevue and the Hotel Kulm can be reached. Since 1956, Pilatus has also been accessible from Kriens near Lucerne by gondola lift and cable car.
Among the most popular attractions of Pilatus are Lake Pilatus and the Mondmilchloch (Moon Milk Cave). In addition, Pilatus offers numerous opportunities for mountain sports such as climbing, hiking and paragliding.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
We wish you a pleasant journey to Switzerland and lots of enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country's impressive nature. Please inform yourself in good time about the applicable toll regulations in Switzerland. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your journey optimally and display the relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we are of course happy to help. Feel free to contact us at any time by email.
About the author
Michelle Albrecht