Sleep on the summit or in Lucerne
You have two real options. You can book a room at Pilatus Kulm, 2,132 metres up, or stay in Lucerne and make Pilatus a day trip. The summit gives you the mountain once the last day visitors have left. Lucerne gives you more choice, easier transport and the lake.
This is an independent guide. We do not sell rooms, and we name only the two hotels on the summit because their key facts are confirmed. Hotel opening periods are not verified, so ask the hotel which dates are open before you plan around it.
The two hotels on Pilatus Kulm
Both stand on Pilatus Kulm, with their own restaurants.
Hotel Pilatus-Kulm
The historic house opened in 1890 and is a Belle Époque building. It has 27 superior double rooms and 3 junior suites, which makes it small. We could not verify its room rates or the dates it is open. The restaurant is called Pilatus-Kulm.
Hotel Bellevue
A 3-star hotel. According to the operator it is the first house on the mountain. The building is from the 1960s and was designed by Anton Mozatti. The standard double room is listed from CHF 320 per night on its website. We have not checked the current rate, so treat it as a guide. It has its own restaurant, Bellevue.
Before you book either hotel, ask four things: which dates it is open, how luggage travels up, what to do if a railway or gondola closes, and which transport you can use on arrival and departure day. We could not verify these details for either house. The railway customer service on +41 41 329 11 11 (Monday to Friday 08:00 to 17:30, weekends 08:00 to 16:00) can answer questions about transport.
Both hotels share the summit with the Dragon Path, a free 20-minute loop. See the best time to visit for seasons and what is open when.
Mount Pilatus tours and tickets
Golden Round Trip tickets, day trips from Lucerne and Zurich and combinations with other mountains, with live prices and availability.
We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Summit or Lucerne: how to decide
The main difference is how you reach the mountain, and how late you can stay.
| On the summit | In Lucerne | |
|---|---|---|
| Time on the mountain | You stay after the last train down at 18:04 in 2026 | You leave by the last descent |
| Getting there | Cogwheel from Alpnachstad, 27 minutes, or gondola side from Kriens | Bus 1 to Kriens in about 11 minutes, or S5 to Alpnachstad in about 16 minutes |
| Choice of rooms | Two hotels, small number of rooms | Wide choice, not covered here |
| Season | Depends on hotel opening dates, not verified | All year |
Reaching the hotels takes two steps. From Lucerne, the S5 reaches Alpnachstad in about 16 minutes, and the cogwheel railway needs 27 minutes more. The alternative is bus 1 to Kriens in about 11 minutes and the gondola plus Dragon Ride, which together take about 40 minutes. For tickets see Pilatus tickets and prices.
If you stay on the summit, check how your luggage reaches the hotel and what happens when the railway or gondola is closed. We could not verify these arrangements. From 19 October to 27 November 2026 only the cogwheel runs, and in winter only the Kriens side.
Which area of Lucerne to choose
Three areas, sorted by what you reach on foot. We do not list hotels here.
Near the station
The best choice for trains and buses. The station has the boat piers across the road, the S5 to Alpnachstad and the bus 1 to Kriens. Zurich is about 41 minutes away by direct train. Building work on the station forecourt continues until 12 December 2026 and some bus stops have moved, so check the timetable first.
The old town
You can walk from the station into the old town. Highlights on foot are the Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower and the Musegg wall, all free. The Lion Monument is about 15 minutes on foot from the station.
The lakeside
The lake promenade and the paddle steamer landings are within walking distance of the centre. Choose this area if boat trips are your priority, and see the Lake Lucerne cruise guide for routes.
For a day plan in the city, read things to do in Lucerne.
Where to stay: frequently asked questions
Can you stay overnight on Mount Pilatus?
Yes. Hotel Pilatus-Kulm and Hotel Bellevue are both on Pilatus Kulm. Their opening dates are not verified, so contact the hotel before booking.
When did Hotel Pilatus-Kulm open?
In 1890. It is a Belle Époque building with 27 superior double rooms and 3 junior suites.
How much does Hotel Bellevue cost?
Its website lists the standard double room from CHF 320 per night. Rates change, so check the current price with the hotel.
Is it better to stay in Lucerne?
For most travellers, yes, because transport is easier and you have a wider choice. Stay on the summit if you want the mountain to yourself after the last day trippers go down.
Which part of Lucerne is best for Pilatus?
Near the station, because the bus 1 to Kriens and the S5 to Alpnachstad both start there.