Pilatus vs Rigi
 

I'll be in Lucerne for 2 nights and am considering doing Mt. Pilatus or Mt. Rigi. Can anyone provide input on which is the more worthwhile trip sine I only have time to see one? Also, how long does it take to "do" each? Costs?

Similar cost. I personally like Pilatus better because the rugged mountain top gives you more 'Alpine' feeling and you're closer to the main Alpine crest.

Rigi, on the other hand, gives you the better overview from a certain distance. And it's better for hiking.

If you have only 2 nights then Pilatus is probably more feasible - should be doable in shorter time and leaves you some time in the town, too.

Cool, thanks. Does anyone have a rough idea of how long it would take to see Pilatus, or what's involved in getting there?

My recollection is that Pilatus from Lucerne was a half day trip. Started off taking the boat to Alpnachstad, then the cog train up to the top; time at the top; then gondola/cable car back down the other side; then bus back to Luzern.

http://www.pilatus.ch/en/railway-cableways/timetable/

When we did this, we were stupid. We did it after a long flight from LA, so we kind of fell asleep during parts.

But when we were awake, it was spectacular! From the boat along the river to where we took the cog train, seeing the Swiss cows with their cow bells on the way up, the Edelweiss, then the snow at the top! Followed by this scary but oh so cool cable car ride down the mountain over kid parks with zip lines, oh my!

For us, the cost was really part of our Swiss pass. But the timetable should help.

If you do nothing else in Luzern, however, go see the Dying Lion. I don't see a lot of discussion about it on these boards, but if there is nothing other than seeing the Löwendenkmal in Luzern, you haven't lived.

Surfergirl is spot on although they fell asleep during parts of the trip LOL

There's not much to do on top except walking and climbing around for a bit. Half way down at Fräkmüntegg (where you change from cable car to gondola) is a toboggan run - might be fun for you to check this out.

Like the tourist office I would recommend to do Mt. Pilatus the other way around, up from Kriens, down to Alpnachstad as there will be less waiting times especialy during summer time.
On the way back from Alpnachstad you could hop of the boat (or train) at Hergiswil and visit the glas factory and museum - www.glasi.ch - there and continue your journey later.
My personel preference is Mt. Rigi because of the great views and the many easy hiking options.
Have fun where ever you go
pore

Do you need reservations to go to the top of Pilatus in July? We are only 2 adults, traveling with 1 year old twins (so they won't need a seat)?

No reservations needed.