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Lucerne - Fräkmüntegg - Pilatus via the Alpenpanorama Weg
Mount Pilatus, which towers over Lake Lucerne and Lucerne, quickly comes into view on the Alpenpenpanorama Weg trail. It is clearly visible from the heights as soon as you leave Lucerne. This summit is well worth a detour. You will have unforgettable memories of the panorama of the Alps and the Jura in the evening, when you can enjoy the absolute calm and a magnificent sunset over the Bernese Alps.
This walk is part of a multi-day hike: From Lucerne to Schwarzsee via the Alpenpanorama Weg
Details
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 6.50 mi -
Average duration: 5h 55 -
Difficulty: Difficult -
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Back to start: No -
Ascent: + 3,323 ft -
Descent: - 177 ft -
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Highest point: 4,629 ft -
Lowest point: 1,434 ft
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Country:
Switzerland
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Area: Alps -
City:
Lucerne -
Start: N 47.051952° / E 8.304611° -
End: N 46.990694° / E 8.251345° -
Hour-by-hour weather
Photos
Description of the walk
Waypoints
- S : mi 0 - alt. 1,460 ft - Lucerne, Alistair Krone hotel
- 1 : mi 0.62 - alt. 1,522 ft - ‘Wander weg’ sign
- 2 : mi 0.72 - alt. 1,627 ft - Alpenpanorama Weg No. 3 sign
- 3 : mi 0.94 - alt. 1,762 ft - Alpenpanorama Weg No. 3 sign – junction
- 4 : mi 1.31 - alt. 1,690 ft - Dead-end road, steps
- 5 : mi 1.99 - alt. 1,604 ft - Stairs to the church and cemetery
- 6 : mi 2.26 - alt. 1,683 ft - Pilatusbahn (Kriens station – first section)
- 7 : mi 3.44 - alt. 2,579 ft - Signposted for Krieseregg – 40 mins
- 8 : mi 4.16 - alt. 3,346 ft - Turn right and head downhill. Do not go up to the station
- 9 : mi 4.43 - alt. 3,412 ft - Viewpoints, picnic tables
- 10 : mi 4.79 - alt. 3,451 ft - Signpost to Fräkmüntegg 1h10
- 11 : mi 6.38 - alt. 4,606 ft - Descent to a small road
- E : mi 6.5 - alt. 4,629 ft - Fräkmüntegg (Pilatus cable car lower station)
Notes
In principle, the Alpenpanoramaweg No. 3, starting from Lucerne, heads towards Malters on a 12 km route.
To enjoy an unforgettable panorama of the Bernese Alps and Lake Lucerne, this short stage is best split into two:
- From Lucerne to Fräkmüntegg – then by cable car up Mount Pilatus. (Overnight stay at the summit).
- Mount Pilatus – Fräkmüntegg (cable car), then descend to rejoin the Alpenpanoramaweg No. 3 to Malters.
This detour to Mount Pilatus is only worthwhile if good weather is guaranteed.
If this is not the case, it is advisable to complete the stage from Lucerne to Malters (approximately 12 km, with 500 m of ascent and descent). With the numerous No. 3 signposts, the route is easy to follow.
- Green No. 3 Alpenpanorama Weg sticker
- Yellow: Alpine Panorama Trail, No. 3 sticker. Excellent signposting, with numerous signs along the entire route.
- Mountain gear, including good walking boots, warm clothing and sun protection.
- Several restaurants along the route.
- Accommodation in Lucerne: Hotel Altstadt Krone
- Accommodation on Pilatus: Hotel Pilatus Kulm
- A few drinking fountains along the route, but the water is not always safe to drink.
- Transport: Timetables
- Pilatus Cable Car, Fräkmüntegg – Pilatus: 16 CHF (May 2022)
- Weather: before setting off, check the Swiss Weather Service or Météoblue
- Alpine pastures: You’ll pass through numerous alpine pastures; farmers are very supportive of walkers. Please stick to the paths that cross their land. Don’t forget to close any gates behind you.
Worth a visit
- Lucerne.
- Lake Lucerne.
- Mount Pilatus.
- The Bernese Alps, including the Mönch, the Eiger and the Jungfrau.
Other walks in the area
From Lucerne to Schwarzsee via the Alpenpanorama Weg
Visorando Member
97.78 mi
+19,350 ft
-17,323 ft
10 days
Difficult
Departure from Lucerne (Canton of Lucerne)
This ten-day itinerary follows the Alpenpanorama Weg from Lucerne to Schwarzsee. With Mount Pilatus within easy reach, it is well worth stopping off to enjoy the unique panorama of the Alps. You will cross the following cantons: Lucerne, Niedwalden (at Pilatus), Bern and Fribourg. This beautiful route offers numerous panoramic views of the Bernese Alps and the Jura.
A getaway to Lucerne
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+157 ft
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2h 05
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Lucerne boasts an impressive heritage and ranks among the most beautiful cities in the world. The world-famous Chapel Bridge is an integral part of Lucerne’s image. The suggested route will take you past its two covered wooden bridges, the Chapel Bridge and the Spreuer Bridge, the city walls with their towers overlooking the town, the old town with its richly decorated houses, and St Leodegar’s Church. You’ll also enjoy a stroll along the shores of the famous Lake of the Four Cantons.
Pilatus - Fräkmüntegg - Malters via the Alpenpanorama Weg
8.74 mi
+335 ft
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4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Kriens (Canton of Lucerne)
After a night at the summit of Mount Pilatus and a last look at the Bernese Alps, you will descend towards the Alpenpanorama Weg. Before reaching the Petite Emme valley, you will have several more opportunities to admire the Pilatus massif.
Renggpass - From Stansstad to Hergiswill
4.82 mi
+1,772 ft
-1,709 ft
3h 45
Moderate
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Starting from Stansstad railway station, you go straight up above the motorway, thus tackling the steepest part.
Then, along the ridge overview of the Alpnachersee lake for a good third of the way, glimpses of views and appreciating the 400-500m ascent: Probably a good time to rest for a lunch break before the Renggpass.
The final part is downhill all the way to the village and train station of Hergiswil, passing through fields of cows, farms & green pasture.
Malters - Wolhusen via the Alpenpanorama Weg
7.11 mi
+620 ft
-348 ft
3h 50
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This short stage will take you from Malters to Wolhusen. You will walk along the banks of the Petite Emme before arriving in Werthenstein. At the entrance to this village, you can admire the imposing cloister, a major pilgrimage site on the Via Jacobi.
Küssnacht am Rigi – Rigi Kaltbad
5.79 mi
+4,098 ft
-804 ft
6h 15
Difficult
Departure from Canton of Schwyz
This first stage will take you from Küssnacht am Rigi, on the shores of Lake Lucerne, to Rigi Kaltbad. The hike is fairly short but quite steep as you make your way up to the Rigi. At Rigi Staffel, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Alps, Lake Lucerne, Lake Sempach and Lake Zug. The Rigi is accessible from all directions via seven cable cars and two funiculars.
From Küssnacht am Rigi to Einsiedeln via the Schwyzer Höhenweg
40.10 mi
+13,566 ft
-12,123 ft
5 days
Difficult
Departure from Canton of Schwyz
This scenic route will take you on a journey to discover the three legendary mountains of the canton of Schwyz: the Rigi, the Rossberg and the Mythen. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug, Lake Lauerz and Lake Ägeri.
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