Mount Titlis: Day Trips and Tours from Lucerne

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Uri Alps and glaciers from one of Switzerland's most impressive destinations, Mount Titlis. Nestled between Obwalden and Bern at an altitude of over 3,000 meters, it is accessed by the world's first rotating cable car.

Embark on your own snow-capped adventure by joining a day trip to Mount Titlis from Lucerne, which is only a short drive away. Along the way, you can enjoy the majestic Lake Lucerne and explore the mountain resort of Engelberg.

Here is everything you need to know about Mount Titlis, one of the most exciting day trips from Lucerne.

How to get to Mount Titlis from Lucerne?

Mount Titlis is located about 35 kilometers south of Lucerne and is accessible by cable car from Engelberg. You can reach Engelberg by car or train and then continue with the cable car to reach the summit.

From Lucerne to Mount Titlis by car

The fastest route to Engelberg is via the A2 route. After Stansstad take Exit 33 towards Stans-Süd/Engelberg/Dallenwil/Ennetbürgen. You continue on the Kantonsstrasse and follow the signs to Engelberg.

From there you will need to take the cable car for Mount Titlis. The scenic drive should take about 40 minutes.

From Lucerne to Mount Titlis by train

There are direct train services from Lucerne Station to Engelberg every hour, with the journey taking about 45 minutes. From there you will need to walk to the nearby cable station to reach Mount Titlis.

Guided tour to Mount Titlis from Lucerne

For a more relaxed and flexible excursion to Mount Titlis, there are many guided tours that depart from Lucerne. Guided tours may include hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional tour guide and occasionally food and drinks.

They usually last between 5.5 and 8 hours, depending on the itinerary.

What is the typical itinerary?

Your excursion to Mount Titlis will typically begin at a meeting near the train station in Lucerne, unless the tour you booked includes a hotel pickup. Leaving the city, you will take a scenic journey south towards Engelberg.

Depending on the tour that you have booked, there might be a few stops for photo opportunities and visits along the way. Once you arrive there, you take the cable car to Mount Titlis. During the 30-minute ride towards the summit, you will have an impressive view of the glacier.

After you have taken in the spectacular view of the snow-capped alpine landscape, your tour may take you to explore the natural Glacier Cave, cross the highest suspension bridge in Europe – the Cliff Walk Bridge – or have a fun day playing in the snow at Glacier Park.

After a couple of hours, your tour on Mount Titlis finishes and it is time to take the cable car back to Engelberg and then drive back to Lucerne.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Mount Titlis?

Half-day tours to Mount Titlis from Lucerne

The most straight-forward way to visit Mount Titlis from Lucerne is with a half-day guided tour. These typically begin near the train station and include transportation to Engelberg by coach and to the mountain summit via cable car.

Weather permitting, you should be able to explore the Glacier Cave, take the Ice Flyer, cross the Cliff Walk and play at Glacier Park. These tours usually last about 5.5 to 6 hours.

Day trip to Mount Titlis from Lucerne

For a more comprehensive trip in Lucerne and Mount Titlis with many snow-themed activities, a day trip conveniently covers everything. Starting in Lucerne, you make your way to Mount Titlis to ride the cable car and explore the Glacier Cave and cross the Cliff Walk Bridge.

After the sightseeing, you can enjoy a day in the snow skiing, going on a snowmobile ride and snow tubing. The day trip concludes with a walking tour of Lucerne. The total duration is about 8 hours.

Private tour to Mount Titlis from Lucerne

To get a better feel of Mount Titlis and to have greater flexibility and comfort, there is the option of a private tour from Lucerne. These tours area ideal for smaller groups and guarantee you the undivided attention of your guide.

Aside from offering a personal experience, private tours may also include stops at additional sights along the way and activities, such as cheese tastings. The typical duration of a private tour is 6 to 7 hours.

Private photo tour to Mount Titlis from Lucerne

If you would like to immortalize your excursion to Mount Titlis in style, consider a tour that includes the services of a professional photographer. During the tour, the photographer will give you tips on how to take the best shots.

These also include a dedicated slot for a private photoshoot in the alpine landscape that you can view online. Private photo tours, which are ideal for small groups, typically last about 8 hours.

Private snowboarding lessons on Mount Titlis from Lucerne

Should you like to add a bit of adrenaline to your excursion to Mount Titlis, why not book a tour with a snowboarding instructor?

Whether you are a novice or experienced, your guide will help you pick a suitable track in the mountains and you can spend the day on the slopes perfecting your style.

How much does a day trip to Mount Titlis from Lucerne cost?

The most affordable way to visit Mount Titlis from Lucerne, half-day tours cost about €140 to €180 per person, depending on the size of your group. Self-guided tours that include a stop at Lake Trübsee cost about €200 per person.

The cost of a day trip to Mount Titlis that includes a walking tour of Lucerne is about €500 per adult. While this includes basic ski equipment and snowmobile ride, there is no pickup service and you have to pay separately for transportation.

Private tours to Mount Titlis from Lucerne usually cost €500 to €530 per person, depending on the group size and exact itinerary. These tours usually include hotel pickup, transportation and fees for additional activities.

Private tours that also include the services of a professional photography can cost between €600 and €700 for a group of up to six. These tours do not include transportation fees to Mount Titlis, so you will have to purchase tickets separately.

To book a private snowboarding tour to Mount Titlis from Lucerne, expect to pay about €450 for a group of up to six participants.

This includes professional snowboarding instructor services and hotel pickup, but you have to provide your own equipment and pay separately for ski passes and transportation.

What will you see and do?

Engelberg

Before you go up Mount Titlis, you can stop for a stroll in the alpine town of Engelberg. Among the many interesting sights and old buildings to explore are the influential Benedictine Monastery, which also includes a cheese factory.

Rotair cable car

To get to Mount Titlis, you have to ride on the world's first rotating cable car. During the 30-minute ascent, you can enjoy the breathtaking view. For a better look at the scenery, you can stop at Trübsee and explore the hiking trails.

Cliff Walk Bridge

At over 3,000 meters above sea level and 500 meters off the ground, Cliff Walk is Europe’s highest suspension bridge. Crossing the bridge will need nerves of steel, but you will be rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view of the abyss below.

Glacier Cave and Park

After you cross the bridge, you reach the impressive Glacier Cave. Extending 150 meters into the glacier, the cave system has a sublime turquoise light and is freezing cold throughout the year.

In the summer you can then play in the snow at Glacier Park, while in the winter you can spend the day at the Trübsee Snow Park.

What are the opening times?

Mount Titlis is open to the public throughout the year, depending on the weather. Access to the summit is via cable car station at Engelberg, which opens at 8:30 AM, and the last ride up is at 3:40 PM. The last cable car from Mount Titlis to Engelberg departs at 4:50 PM.

When is the best time to visit Mount Titlis?

The best time to visit Mount Titlis is early in the morning and mid-afternoon, as it is not as crowded. You can visit Mount Titlis throughout the year, with summer offering the best visibility and being the busiest period.

Are there any tours to Mount Titlis from other cities in Switzerland?

Yes, there are tours departing from another city in Switzerland:

• Day Trips to Mount Titlis from Zürich

Travel tips

• Slip-resistant hiking boots are essential if you want to explore the area.
• Dress warm, as the weather can be freezing even during the summer.
• Take sunglasses with you because the snow can be blinding on a sunny day.
• Mount Titlis is a very popular tourist destination, especially during the summer, so book ahead of time.
• Altitude sickness can affect people from about 2,000 meters. To overcome it and adapt to the thinner atmosphere, pace yourself and rest for a bit.