What is the Pilatus Dragon Ride?

The Dragon Ride is the aerial cableway from Fräkmüntegg (1,416 m) to Pilatus Kulm (2,132 m): a large glass cabin that covers the last leg in about 3.5 to 4 minutes, pulling up under the summit cliffs. It is the top section of the Kriens route, reached by the panorama gondola from Kriens in about 30 minutes, and it runs year-round apart from maintenance closures on 30 to 31 March and 19 October to 27 November 2026. The name comes from the dragon legends of 1421 and the dragon stone of 1509, told in the free Dragon World exhibition at the top.

FromFräkmüntegg, 1,416 m

ToPilatus Kulm, 2,132 m

Ride timeAbout 3.5–4 min

RunsYear-round, two closures

Summer hoursKriens up 08:30–17:00

CabinLarge, glass

Insider tip

Stand at the front facing the rock. Keeley, who reviewed the guided tour, recommends it even if you are afraid of heights, and I agree: it is a big steady cabin, not a chairlift. Genesis from Costa Rica just showed the QR code on the Kriens ticket and it worked for both cable cars. Winter access to the summit is this ride only; see best time to visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Dragon Ride the same as the cable car from Kriens?

It is the upper half. Kriens to Fräkmüntegg is the four-seat panorama gondola (about 30 min); Fräkmüntegg to Kulm is the Dragon Ride cableway (about 4 min). One ticket covers both; see how to get there.

Does the Dragon Ride run in winter?

Yes, and from December to March it is the only way up, with hours an hour shorter than summer. It closes for maintenance 30 to 31 March and 19 October to 27 November 2026.

Is the Dragon Ride included in the Golden Round Trip?

Yes. Every round trip and the guided tours use it; only during the autumn closure does the Golden Round Trip switch to cogwheel both ways.