Our adventure continued on July 31st, as we embarked on a picturesque train journey from the tranquil town of Engelberg to the vibrant city of Luzern. The scenic route offered glimpses of the idyllic Swiss countryside, preparing us for the day’s explorations. Upon our arrival in Luzern, we seamlessly transitioned to a local bus that transported us to the base of the majestic Mount Pilatus (Kriens). The initial walk from the bus stop to the cable car station presented an unexpected challenge; it was notably steep, a detail that future adventurers should certainly bear in mind when planning their ascent.
Undeterred, we then began our climb up Mount Pilatus aboard a comfortable cable car.
The ascent begins from Kriens, taking you on a panoramic gondola lift up to Fräkmüntegg. From there, you transfer to the “Dragon Ride” aerial cableway, a modern and spacious cable car that offers breathtaking views as it glides swiftly up to the summit of Mount Pilatus.
The panoramic views during the ascent were truly breathtaking, even though a significant portion of our journey was shrouded in clouds. This ethereal mist, however, added a dramatic and mysterious ambience to the experience, transforming the landscape into an ever-changing canvas of light and shadow. From the summit, we opted for a different descent, taking the historic cogwheel train. This engineering marvel, the steepest in the world, provided a thrilling ride back to the base, offering unique perspectives of the surrounding valleys and forests.
Once back at the base, our day’s itinerary seamlessly transitioned to a more serene mode of transport. We boarded a delightful cruise on the shimmering waters of Lake Luzern. The gentle lapping of the waves and the stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains on the crystal-clear water provided a perfect contrast to the earlier mountain adventure. The cruise gracefully brought us back to the heart of Luzern city center, allowing us to absorb the charm of this historic lakeside town.
Later that same day, driven by an insatiable curiosity for Switzerland’s natural wonders, we decided to extend our adventure with a train trip to the magnificent Rhine Falls. This journey necessitated a transfer via the bustling city of Zurich, adding another layer to our Swiss exploration. After marveling at the sheer power and impressive scale of the waterfalls, feeling the mist on our faces and hearing the thunderous roar of the water, we began our return journey. We retraced our steps, traveling back to Luzern via Zurich, before finally embarking on the last leg of our day’s extensive travels: a final train journey that brought us safely and contentedly back to our base in Engelberg, concluding a truly unforgettable day of Swiss discovery.