Switzerland, Lucerne, Mount Pilatus

Mount Pilatus (Pilatus) is a mountain peak near Lucerne, Switzerland, spanning the cantons of Obwalden, Nidwalden, and Lucerne, with its highest peak (elevation 2128 meters) located on the border between Obwalden and Nidwalden. Access to the summit is possible via the Pilatus Railway, the world's steepest cogwheel railway, from Alpnachstad, operating from May to November (depending on the snowfall date). There are year-round aerial panorama gondolas and cableways from Kriens. Mount Pilatus features Switzerland's longest summer toboggan track (1,350 meters) and the largest rope park in Central Switzerland. During the summer, the popular 'Golden Round Trip' route for tourists includes taking a boat across Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, ascending the mountain by cogwheel railway, descending by aerial cableway and panorama gondolas, and then taking a bus back to Lucerne. The name of Mount Pilatus is derived from a local legend that Pontius Pilate was buried here. There are also legends of dragons roaming the mountain, with clouds and mist shrouding it all year round. When taking the cable car up the mountain, the first half of the journey is shrouded in fog. As soon as you break through the thick clouds, a scene of the sun shining on the golden mountain appears, with radiant light and a vast sea of clouds surrounding you. Everyone around, regardless of age, gender, or origin, exclaims in amazement, utterly captivated by the breathtaking view!