[Removed user]

1 November 2017 at 22:52:40 #813597

I’m back to continue with the trip report. Been busy with work.

Day 12 Pilatus Kulm– Thursday 14th September

Caught a train to Alpnachstad, to take the cogwheel train to Pilatus Kulm early in the morning (8am) as weather forecast predicted that the clouds will roll in around 11 am. The weather was superb in the morning with sunny and clear skies. Reached Alpnachstad and I couldn’t resist a quick cross over to Alpnachsee because it was just so beautiful and calm. See link to picture of the lake.

http://www.instagram.com/p/BZ BFyX5jX9Q/?taken-by=bensumw

Pilatus Bahn – http://www.instagram.com/p/BZ BGsC4j4pF/?taken-by=bensumw

Went to the ticket counter and got a free ticket with my STP. There was already a decent number of people there, including tour groups. Speaking to others waiting for the cogwheel train, I was made aware that the cable car from Kriens was not working due to strong winds. There were 3 separate waiting areas with tour groups segregated from individual tourist / families. There was no proper queue as it is a general waiting area after you scan your ticket and pass the turnstile. I was incredibly annoyed when there was one final space available as they tried to fill up the cogwheel train and an Asian woman from behind just went straight pass people in front of her (including me) to the gate and said she wanted the final space while saying she has a ticket. Hello? like everyone else didn’t have a ticket but her ? I am still fuming while writing this. What made it worse was her smirk and how shameless she was. The attendant there who allowed this to happen didn’t really care who got on as long as the final space was filled.

Managed to get on the next cogwheel train and it was a beautiful ride up. Reached Pilatus Kulm and it was very windy at the top. Could see grey clouds rolling in soon. Beautiful 360 degree panoramic views of Lucerne (flat), Lucerne Lake, Mt Rigi, and the great peaks of Bernese Oberland in the distance.

Steep cogwheel section : http://www.instagram.com/p/BZ BG3yWjQVL/?taken-by=bensumw

Short video of the ride up : http://www.instagram.com/p/BZ BHQzlDsOJ/?taken-by=bensumw

View from Pilatus Kulm- http://www.instagram.com/p/BZ BHkX2DGuk/?taken-by=bensumw

http://www.instagram.com/p/Ba m67bMjMeO/?taken-by=bensumw

Soon, it began to rain. But I met a young American couple, and we decided to do the trail to Tomlishorn, yes, in the rain. It was windy and foggy. We did it in 20 minutes each way. On the way back, we saw a mountain goat and its young, just casually traversing an incredibly steep section and they were moving so quick! Managed to grab a quick picture as they move really fast !

http://www.instagram.com/p/Ba -DwIUDci9/?taken-by=bensumw

We were slightly soaked from the rain and waited for the next cogwheel train back down and to Lucerne. Weather forecast showed rain but good weather in the evening, which turned out to be accurate.

Had a late lunch at Manor, which is very reasonably priced and a great variety of food available. Went back to the hostel, and the initial plan was to have a much needed afternoon nap. But I spent too much time on my phone using the wifi that the weather became sunny again around 4.30 pm. So I didn’t take a nap (bad decision that would affect me later on). I went to the 5 star Hotel Château Gütsch, taking the elevator / funicular up. Amazing panoramic view of Lucerne and loved the forest there as the sun was shining through the trees and it was a nice and quiet getaway.

I then proceeded to Musegg wall around 6 pm. Be warned, lots of steps, or maybe I was tired and rushing as I read that they close at 7 pm. Climbed the 1st tower and was rewarded with more great views of Lucerne and continued along the entire length of the wall and climbed up and down the other towers. On my way back, behind the wall, there’s a running track and a football field, where people were playing football and I saw the team was not even, meaning the other team had 1 person less, so I asked if I could join and played football with them. I played only around 20-25 minutes as I had to get back to the hostel in time to catch dinner before they shut at 8 pm.

Day 13 – Rigi

Woke up early again and caught the boat cruise to Vitznau. Blessed with splendid weather, clear and sunny skies. Arrived at Vitznau and saw a number of St Bernards with a tiny wooden keg around their necks for an event. I think it was Barry and Friends from the Barry Foundation? I dropped by to have a look around, but nobody came to engage me so I left and hopped on to the cogwheel train towards Rigi Kulm. Again, more spectacular views along the route, and noticed that this is how they deliver post to the residents along the route.

Boat cruise – http://www.instagram.com/p/BZ DwVoKjppW/?taken-by=bensumw

View from the cogwheel train – http://www.instagram.com/p/Ba zxcSMDZkZ/?taken-by=bensumw

Reached Rigi Kulm, as expected magnificent views all around and towards Mt Pilatus, which the peak was covered in clouds and below it was clear! So those who were there unfortunately, could see nothing but clouds. Walked up to the TV tower and around. Found a secret spot away from the crowds and just relaxed there. The only thing that disturbed me was a helicopter, a hiker and some clouds. I also met the cutest Bernese Mountaindog puppy, just adorable. I initially thought it was a St Bernard puppy.

View from my secret spot : http://www.instagram.com/p/BZ riEA-DPv9/?taken-by=bensumw

Cutest puppy ever : http://www.instagram.com/p/BZ EDgzFj3X2/?taken-by=bensumw

Rigi Kaltbad spa : http://www.instagram.com/p/BZ EFAdKD-9d/?taken-by=bensumw

Cable car down to Weggis: http://www.instagram.com/p/BZ Ewk-AjAuu/?taken-by=bensumw

Took the cogwheel train to Rigi Kaltbad, for the cable car down to Weggis and boat cruise back to Lucerne. I saw the spa at Rigi Kaltbad and I was so tempted to just book a well-deserved spa after being on the go and hiking daily for 13 days. But I didn’t have the time or budget. Back in Lucerne and again grabbed a late lunch at Manor and then got my luggage from the hostel and took the train to Zurich. Got a little disorientated at the Zurich train station, but eventually managed to get to the hostel.

After checking in, went back to the city center for a quick walkabout and planned to get the boat and get off on the next stop which is pretty near the hostel. But I realised that they imposed a CHF 5 fee on top of the ticket price for each passenger, which would have been worth it if I was doing a longer cruise but I was only getting off on the next stop. So I didn’t take the cruise, as the tram was free with my STP. So my record of cruising on the lakes stopped there having covered Geneva, Thun, Brienz and Lucerne with my STP.

As you can imagine, everyday has been a long and tiring day, and it began taking its toll. Should have taken that afternoon nap. Started to feel a little unwell while having my dinner and went to bed early hoping to get better the next day. Didn’t help that 1 of my roommate was a smoker and i’m very sensitive to cigarette smoke.

Effortlessly learn from the questions and answers in the forum. Receive a daily e-mail with new discussions. Sign up

[Removed user]

2 November 2017 at 6:35:59 #871457

Well done, another great trip report! Thanks for taking the time.
Good catch on those mtn goat. I haven’t seen any since I moved to Switzerland – very cool

[Removed user]

5 November 2017 at 1:51:56 #871458

Thanks Ben, for another wonderful report full of interesting details and some fantastic photos! What a fun and unusual thing to do, to join in with a local football game! Your energy amazes me.

Alpenrose

[Prasurya]

3 December 2017 at 18:31:25 #871459

Hi,

I have read all your trip reports. Please post the rest of it soon.

[Adelaidean]

4 December 2017 at 10:52:26 #871460

Lovely photography, Ben.

[Removed user]

8 December 2017 at 23:06:58 #871461

Thank you Ben for another interesting report.

You have certainly stacked up a whole lot of wonderful experiences and memories on your adventures. We didn’t discover Switzerland until quite late in life so our experiences though wonderful are very different from yours. It has been lovely to read about yours though if tinged with envy that we can’t emulate them!!

Maggie

[hitmankumar]

18 January 2018 at 8:40:39 #871462

Hi Ben,

Thanks for the informative report on Pilatus and Rigi. Please accept my apology on behave of the Asian lady. Can i check if the boat , cogwheel train and cable car free for those holding the STP(Swiss Travel Pass). I am considering my options before deciding between the Half Price Pass and STP.

Best Regards

Kumar aka Hitman

[Removed user]

18 January 2018 at 10:45:28 #871463

Hi Kumar,

You can see what is and isn’t covered by the Swiss Travel Pass here. We list most major attractions as well as a PDF map you can explore as well.

The trip to Pilatus is 50% off and the trip to Rigi is fully covered.

If you have further questions about your upcoming trip please start a new thread for yourself here:
https://www.myswissalp s.com/forum

[Removed user]

21 March 2018 at 15:21:54 #871464

traveling in june and for the days i stay in Lucerne- i want to take the boat to Mt Pilatusand up the cog. any suggestion? I cant figure out the boat info. Im trying to google it to see how far from the hotel it is or what time it leaves. How early do you suggest we leave to get on boat?

I wasnt sure if your trips were from lucerne. You mentioned another mountain trip where eerything was free on the STP?

[Removed user]

21 March 2018 at 15:38:05 #871465

Hi Ben:

with 1 night (June 13th) and two full days (14 and 15)

Ages 24 and 28 men. With only two days – what would be your MUST DO itinerary. (one day must be Mt Pilatus and boat ride)

what was the hippest lively place for the first night. does the STP cover any night boats?

you said you went to the top of a 5 star hotel – anyone can just go up there? is it close to the Manor restaurant? We will be near there. I only read the one post. An other cheaper places to eat in Lucerne?

I would love your input because you really did alot.

[Removed user]

25 March 2018 at 13:33:05 #871466

Hi Lisa,

Are you still unsure of getting to Mt. Pilatus or what is free with the Swiss Travel Pass?
I hope all is settled for you but if you still have questions let us know, and post a new thread to the forum – Ben isn’t online frequently so he may not reply for awhile.