MOUNT PILATUS AND LUCERNE

After looking at all the brochures it looked like a great day would be to go to the top of Pilatus which has quite a few peaks in the 7000 feet range.  The last boat back from Lucerne was 7:00 so I thought driving over there would be better so we don’t feel rushed and we could eat dinner in a relaxed atmosphere. 

Only 20 minutes’ drive got us at the parking garage of the railway station.  I was really quite surprised at the size of Lucerne.  Quite city-like in my opinion.  We made it to our train which we were taking to Alpnachsted.  Arriving at the base of the mountain we got our ticket for the Incline Railway which takes us to the top.  It takes about 30 minutes to get to the top.  This Incline Railway makes the claim that it’s the “steepest incline railway in the world”.   Now doesn’t it seem that all of these Incline Railways make that same claim?   I know the one in Chattanooga said they were the steepest.  Or maybe they said “in the states”.   ANYWAY……it was VERY steep – at one point getting to a 48% grade. 

Once at the top we are able to walk around their observation building and we also roamed into the hotel that is up there.  The hotel has been there since the late 1880’s.  I can’t imagine how they could have built this at that point in time.  Just amazing.  I guess since the only way you can reach the hotel is by Cog Railway, Cable Car or Hiking, you have to be a light packer. 

I SPY...With my little eye....a hiker.

A bit nervous at the edges of some of the walking paths that are around the area.  Especially when the clouds clear and you can really see how steep the drop is!  Then a little more nervous about the cable car ride down.  We start off in a large car, packed in like a Tokyo subway car!   The ride was very smooth although one little section did have a “drop” feeling!   Some guy in the car thought his yodeling was really awesome…..it wasn’t!    As we are heading to the first stop in the cable car we pass over an Alpine Sled area .   Looked like fun but the kids didn’t really feel like spending more time up there so we just got on the next cable car which was the type that seats 4 and headed back down the mountain.  Looking back up the mountain from where we had come from really gives you chills to realize how high up you were!  Amazing!

In the Clouds

The hotel at the top!  Built in 1889.

Enjoying the Swiss Alps at 7000 feet

Clouds coming into the "Cave Path"

A cable to nowhere!

We could hear the cow bells through the clouds.

I don't think I'd be up for a picnic right there on the edge!

A flock of birds having fun in the wind.

A view of Lucerne from the Cable Cars

Then it was off to Lucerne to walk around the town and see the shops.  A bit disappointed I would say.  The river and the scenery was nice of course but the town and stores themselves were just a bit too commercial.  As I had said previously, it really is a big town and most of their shops were chains.  So we found a spot to have a beer and water since it was really quite hot.   It was probably in the 80s.  Then we grabbed that relaxed dinner on a terrace overlooking the water.  Another deliciously rich meal. 

They love to paint religious figures on the old buildings

I love the slogan of this hotel..."Where people sleep"
I'm sure it refers the fact that only the bed fits in the room.

 You can see 3 of the old towers in the background that were built with the old city walls. 

We had dinner on the terrace of the building in the center of the photo.

It was pretty hot walking around but a great day for photos!

Sunglasses?  In the car...good place for them.

Do we look hot, tired, hungry and thirsty?  

Finally...time for dinner.