Pilatus Summit Peaks: Esel, Oberhaupt and Tomlishorn Flower Trail

The Pilatus summit peaks walk links the Esel, the Oberhaupt and the Tomlishorn from Pilatus Kulm, the summit station at Alpnach on the Pilatus massif in central Switzerland. Access starts in Luzern: a train or boat reaches Alpnachstad, and the Pilatus cogwheel railway climbs to Pilatus Kulm in about 30 minutes. Alternatively, bus 1 runs to Kriens, followed by the panorama gondola and the Dragon Ride cable car. The gondola and cable car close from 19 October to 27 November 2026, and only the cogwheel railway runs during that period. No permit is needed. The paths are short and well built, and Pilatus lists the flower trail to the Tomlishorn as easy and open from June to October. The Esel takes about 15 minutes from the station, the Oberhaupt about 20 minutes around, and the Tomlishorn, the outermost and highest peak, 30 to 40 minutes, for about 1 hour 30 minutes combined. The surfaces are built stone steps, tunnels and gravel paths set into rock, with sections of exposure, although railings and tunnels make them secure. At around 2,000 m elevation there is no shade, and wind and cold can be strong even in summer. Protected alpine flowers grow along the Tomlishorn route, so walkers should stay on the marked path. Each peak is a natural turn-around point, as all paths return to the station, where restaurants and a hotel offer food, water and shelter. There are no separate huts on the loop, because the summit complex serves that role. Warm layers, a windproof jacket, sunscreen and sturdy shoes are the recommended equipment. Fog and sudden weather changes are common on Pilatus, so views are not guaranteed.