What to wear on Mount Pilatus (and how much colder it is)
Why it is so much colder up there
The number people underestimate is the altitude gap. The cogwheel and the Dragon Ride lift you 1,700 m in well under an hour, and the air does not care that you left a heatwave at the lake. Ten degrees is the honest rule of thumb; on a clear windy day the terraces at Kulm feel colder than that, and inside a cloud it is damp as well. Kerrie, who reviewed the Silver Round Trip, called the summit a relief in a heatwave. That is the pleasant version. The other version is a family in sandals standing in June snow, and I have seen both in the same week.
What I wear, season by season
Summer: trousers rather than shorts, a t-shirt, a fleece or wool layer, and a light windproof that packs small. Trainers with a proper sole are fine for the Esel steps and the Dragon Path; the Tomlishorn path wants something with more grip if there is any snow left. Sunglasses and sunscreen, because the light off snow and pale rock is harsh. Spring and autumn: the same, with a hat and gloves in the bag, because May and October can be full winter on top. Winter from Kriens: proper insulated jacket, hat, gloves, boots. The sledging at Fräkmüntegg is a bonus, not a reason to bring less.
Things people forget
- A layer you can add on the terrace and take off in the restaurant. The hotels at Kulm are warm.
- Closed shoes even in August. The Dragon Path gallery is rock and can be wet.
- Sunglasses. Snow glare at 2,000 m is stronger than any beach.
- A check of the webcams on pilatus.ch before leaving. If the summit is white, dress for it.
- Water. Five restaurants on the mountain, but the paths have none.
Warm-day trick: leave Lucerne in a t-shirt with the jacket in a daypack. You will want it at Fräkmüntegg already, and at Kulm you will be grateful. On the Golden Round Trip the boat deck is the other cold spot; the lake breeze after a warm summit is what gets people.
Not wheelchair accessible, but easy walking
The guided coach tours are listed as not wheelchair accessible; the self-guided Silver Round Trip and the bare round-trip ticket are. The summit terraces and the Flower Path are easy; Esel is steps. More on the walks on what to do on top. For the season and closures that decide whether you are going up by cogwheel or cableway, read best time to visit.
Book the guided Golden Round Trip
Frequently asked questions
How much colder is Mount Pilatus than Lucerne?
About 10 °C as a rule of thumb, from the 1,700 m altitude difference, and windier on the terraces. Check the pilatus.ch webcams before you go.
Do I need hiking boots for Mount Pilatus?
Not for the terraces, Esel or the Dragon Path; closed trainers with grip are enough. For the Tomlishorn walk in early season, better footwear helps. See what to do on top.
Is there snow on Mount Pilatus in June?
Often, yes. Snow on the summit is normal into June and possible any month. The best time page covers the months.
What should I wear on Pilatus in winter?
Insulated jacket, hat, gloves and boots. Winter access is from Kriens by gondola and Dragon Ride; the Kriens ticket is the one to book.