Page 119 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL WINTER SPRING 2022

Mount Pilatus in the 19th century, many
thought he was crazy. But in 1889, the 15,151
ft long track opened with a gradient of 48%.
Since its opening until today, nothing has
changed of the ingenious design of two hori-
zontally rotating cogwheels which made it
possible to move a train forward at such a
steep incline.
The second option of visiting Pilatus (all
year round) is by twelve-minute bus ride from
Lucerne central station to Kriens station
where gondolas whisk visitors upwards to
Fräkmüntegg, the largest rope park in central
Switzerland complete with tree tents, tobog-
gan runs, hiking trails, and scenic grilling
spots. In winter, locals enjoy fast-paced sled-
ding (wooden sleds are available for hire) and
winter hiking trails. Cable car to Pilatus with view of Lucerne
and lake in background copyright Wibke
At Fräkmüntegg travellers change from the Carter
gondola to the cable car and continue for an- Opposite: Musegg Wall copyright
other 3.5 minutes to the top, Pilatus Kulm Lucerne Tourism
(6995 ft). But despite the vast sports enter- Below: locals sledging on Mt Pilatus
copyright Wibke Carter
tainment options, the hotels, the restaurants
and souvenir stores, most travellers come up
here and surrounding peaks for the incredible
views of Lake Lucerne and to enjoy the clear
mountain air, just like Queen Victoria did.

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