Esel

Esel is one of the two main summits of the Pilatus massif, in the Swiss canton of Obwalden near Alpnach. At roughly 2,118–2,119 m above sea level, it counts among the easiest high viewpoints to reach in the Swiss Alps.

What is Esel and where is it?

Pilatus rises above Lake Lucerne on the border between Obwalden and Nidwalden. Its profile has two peaks: the higher Tomlishorn (about 2,128 m) and Esel (about 2,119 m). A third top, Oberhaupt (about 2,106 m), lies on the other side of the Pilatus Kulm plateau, which holds the railway stations, restaurants and hotels. That makes Esel a short stroll from the lifts rather than a serious alpine objective.

How do you get to Esel?

From Pilatus Kulm the climb takes around 15 minutes. You can reach the Kulm in two ways:

• the cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad, one of the steepest in the world with a maximum gradient of 48%,
• the gondola and aerial cableway from Kriens near Lucerne.

Hikers can walk up from Alpnachstad via Ämsigen, a moderate route of about 4.5 hours. Longer loops link Alpnachstad, Pilatus Kulm and the return through Ämsigen.

What can you see from the top?

Esel looks out over Lake Lucerne, the Lucerne area and the mountain ranges of central Switzerland. The summit is popular and can be busy because the railway makes access easy. The neighbouring Tomlishorn, the highest point of the massif, takes 30–40 minutes from the Kulm, so you can combine both summits in one outing.

When should you go?

Choose a clear day in the summer season, when the lifts run regularly and visibility is best. Check the current timetable and forecast with the Pilatus operator before travelling, since cloud can hide the whole panorama.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Esel? Sources give 2,118–2,119 m; the small difference comes from different measurements.

How long is the climb from Pilatus Kulm? About 15 minutes at an easy pace.

Is Esel the highest point of Pilatus? No. Tomlishorn is higher by roughly 10 m.

Can you hike up Pilatus? Yes, from Alpnachstad via Ämsigen; it takes about 4.5 hours on a moderate route.