The opening of Alpnachstad - Pilatus Kulm cogwheel railway services on 15 May 2008 also sees the start of the extremely popular "Golden Round Trip" from Lucerne – by boat, the world's steepest cogwheel railway (48%), aerial cableway and panoramic aerial gondola – and the "Silver Round Trip" with the Zentralbahn and RailAway around and over Mount Pilatus. The Pilatus Rope Park and Fräkigaudi summer roller-sledge run started their 2008 season on 1 May.

The wet and wintery weather in April 2008 meant that huge amounts of snow fell on Mount Pilatus. Because of the low temperatures, the snow remained for a long time – in complete contrast to April 2007 with its summery weather and temperatures. Hence this year's preparations for the new season have taken considerably longer than planned. Before the world's steepest cogwheel railway can begin operations in spring, PILATUS-BAHNEN employees must first clear the railway line and tracks of snow and ice, a job carried out in sometimes extremely demanding working conditions (see photos below).

"Golden Round Trip" and "Silver Round Trip" around and over Mount Pilatus

With the start of the season for the world's steepest cogwheel railway, Mount Pilatus guests can again enjoy Lucerne's landmark mountain from its most exciting and eventful side: with the "Golden Round Trip" by boat from Lucerne and the "Silver Round Trip" with the Zentralbahn and RailAway by rail from any station in Switzerland.

Appealing leisure programme with many events and attractions

Lucerne's landmark mountain has many thrilling highlights lined up for visitors again this season: the 2nd Pilatus Mountain Triathlon on 30 August from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm – the already-sold-out Mount Pilatus Open-Air on 5 July, at 2132 metres above sea level with Gotthard unplugged (the famous Swiss band) and Pegasus - the Sunset Dinner on Pilatus Kulm – hiking trails from easy circular strolls to demanding mountain tours – panorama trails – local alphorn and folklore groups on good-weather summer weekends - Central Switzerland's biggest rope park – Switzerland's longest summer roller-sledge run (1350 m) – the Dragon Moor nature experience and PILU®-Land (large adventure playground)on Krienseregg – overnight stays at 2132 metres above sea level in the historic and romantic mountain hotel or the newly renovated Hotel Bellevue – attractive restaurants on Krienseregg, Fräkmüntegg and Pilatus Kulm with choice Swiss and international specialities, also ideal for seminars and banquets.

PILATUS-BAHNEN: The world's steepest cogwheel railway (48 %) (3990KB)

Snow clearance on Mount Pilatus: the railway line is still covered by many metres of snow and scree (1454KB)

Snow clearance on Mount Pilatus: the railway line is still covered by many metres of snow and scree (0KB)

Snow clearance on Mount Pilatus: the railway line is still covered by many metres of snow and scree (1942KB)

Snow clearance on Mount Pilatus: tunnel access has to be cleared of snow by hand (0KB)

Snow clearance on Mount Pilatus: the around 5-metre-high wall of snow has to be removed by hand (1319KB)

Snow clearance on Mount Pilatus: the snow is carried down towards the valley on Sarnafil plastic sheeting (0KB)