Let's launch into the fantastic adventure of crowning it
The top, at 2,132 meters high, of the Mount Pilatus of Lucerne, in Switzerland, It was uncharted territory by modern man until late nineteenth century. The obvious reason the place remained untouched by man was the lack of technology and industry that would allow their access. It's not the only one.
For centuries, it was believed that the spirit of Pontius Pilate , that nice ruler who sentenced Jesus Christ to death, had decided take refuge there. So access to the mountain was prohibited by law in a past time in which this type of superstition was given rise.
It was believed that when the character he was in a bad mood, he caused storms able to easily get rid of unwanted visitors. Considering the fame that precedes him, the local authorities preferred not to risk it.
It was said that the spirit of Pontius Pilate dwelt in these parts
veto was upheld until the end of the 16th century and though the fear of the Roman was lost, it was allowed he continued to name the site. And that was not the only tenant of it. Dragons also lived there.
The best option to explore the mountain to the maximum during the summer months (from May to October) is the so-called Goldene Rundfahrt (the golden lap) . It is included in the Swiss Travel Pass and completely covers the up and down the mountain using the largest variety of transport possible.
It starts with a boat ride from the pier which is very close to the city center. For just over an hour, he walks on the water at the foot of the mountains.
The blue color competes with the green to dominate the landscape. Once accustomed to the natural beauty of the region, you arrive in Alpnachstad . In winter you can get there by car, bus or train instead of by boat.
The area, in addition to housing the Vierwaldstättersee (the lake of the Four Cantons) and being the kilometer zero from where many walks begin, it is the point of origin of the rack railway that brings the long-awaited Pilatus closer. It is the steepest rail transportation in the world, overcoming a slope that in some sections reaches the 48 degrees.
Athough it does not seems, it is far from an uncomfortable ride. In fact, it is quite an advantage for the photo hunters … as long as they sit facing the rear and right next to the car window.
Have 30 minutes to shoot as many times as they can through meadows placed diagonally along almost 5 kilometers of ascent. The reward? A privileged view of Lucerne thanks to the train that allowed the Swiss to conquer nature.
The first thing that fate offers us, Pilatus Kulm , are views of over 70 alpine peaks when the day is clear. The sensation of sailing on a rocky sea does not leave at any time while you walk along this peak.
Several walking routes They allow you to go around the mountain and almost completely forget about modern life. Over there, nature swallows you Without remedy. With such a shot of fresh air, it is much easier to understand why Heidi seemed to be high all the time.
The facade of Pilatus Kulm Hotel It seems out of a wes anderson movie , although it dispenses with the saturated colors of the filmmaker.
A Wes Anderson-style hotel, but discreetly
His restaurant is the best way to recharge your batteries. If possible, again by the window. All the mountaineering musts are found inside: a gigantic deer head presiding over the wall, a fireplace, wooden reinforcements on the ceilings and a good selection of meats on the menu.
If you allow yourself to be guided by the waiters, the gastronomic experience will probably not clash with the spectacular surroundings, although opting for the most local flavors serves more to satisfy the curiosity than the palate.
In the cold months, visitors go up here to go sledding, but those who are not looking for strong emotions can indulge in the pleasures of fondue, to honor the Swiss tradition. Or to sunday brunch from another of the nearby restaurants, the Frakmuntegg . Over there, Saturday is Tatarenhut day, a meat feast.
You also have the possibility of walking along the path of the dragon, to honor one of the legends of the place.
In summer, you opt for the paragliding , the mini-safari in search of the animals that occupy the area (dragons, perhaps) or the Giant slide descent. A good number of activities concentrated in a small space of land.
Unlike other excursions, the return trip is not a mere formality to return to the starting point. A Cableway go down to the kriens station and from there an aerial gondola leads to the opposite side of the route started with the Alpnachstad rack railway.
Two new opportunities to collect in your memory (or in your camera's memory) stunning panoramas.
Let's collect panoramas in memory