Pilatus Cogwheel train

A masterpiece from the 19th century

Alpnachstad and Pilatus Kulm are linked at 2’132 m altitude by the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, with 48% gradient and 4’618 m long. Guests are issued with a Pilatus cap, a book about the railway and a certificate at the destination.

The engineer Eduard Locher developed its very particular ingenious rack-and-pinion solution: he dealt with the gradient by using two horizontally rotating cogwheels. In 1889, the first visit was made. The masterpiece was displayed in the same year at the World Fair in Paris.

Technical specifications

Opening          4 June 1889 (steam-driven propulsion)

Reopening       15 May 1937 (electrical propulsion)

Operating season         May to November

Altitude difference     1,635 m

Track length    4,618 m

Travel time      Ascent 30 min., descent 40 min.

Gradient          Maximum 48%, average 38%

General information

Suitable for                  Individual, Couples, Families, Groups

Weather                        Indoor and outdoor

Execution                     On demand

Category                      Adventure

Group & pricing information

Accompanied                Yes

Language                        German, Swiss German, English

Group Size                        1 – 1

Price from                       CHF 134

Booking Information

Contact

Pilatus-Bahnen AG
Schlossweg 1
6010 Kriens
Switzerland