My Mother’s Journey on the Blockchain: Pilatus, Switzerland

There is no place like Switzerland.

A paradise for nature-lover, Switzerland’s grandeur stems from its diverse yet enchanted landscapes.

Summer in Switzerland, lake in Spiez

Summer in Switzerland, Lauterbrunnen and its waterfall

---

Especially in Summer, the mighty mountains, deep-green forests, picturesque lakes and rushing waterfalls put on their best performances.

Switzerland is one of my Mom’s favorite destinations. Her affection for Switzerland has brought her back to this country multiple times. Each visit, she would explore different cities and accommodations. Up on the mountains, near the lake, or even in the valley. Everywhere, pristine nature, flora, and fauna can be discovered.

Lucern: City, Lake, Mountain

---

During the trip, my Mom used the Lucern central station as her base to travel to other attractions. She considered public transportation in Switzerland to be one of the best. It was extremely convenient, punctual, safe and clean.

The iconic Pilatus above Lake Lucerne

---

Since her first visit to Switzerland, it has been her goal to return to Switzerland to stay high up on the mountain, Pilatus Kulm, which was not far away from Lucern.

Pilatus Bahn cogwheel railway

Quick stop at a nearby café before heading up Pilatus

---

Pilatus, is one of the most magnificent and legendary mountains in Central Switzerland. On clear days, the mountain offers a panoramic view of 73 Alpine peaks.

On the way, up to Pilatus Kulm

---

The name Pilatus derives from a legend that the body of a Roman governor, Pontius Pilatus, may have been buried in a former lake on the mountain. The name Pilatus may also derive from the word "pileatus," which means cloud-top.

The steepest cogwheel railway in the world

---

The route up and down Pilatus is known as The Golden Round Trip. During Summer, Pilatus can be reached from Lucern via a 1-hour boat ride, across Lake Lucerne, to Alpnachstad. Then taking the cogwheel from Alpnachstad up to Pilatus. Coming down from Pilatus is done via gondola, cable car and bus back to Lucern. It is also possible to take the gondola up to Pilatus and the cogwheel on the way down. In Winter the summit of the mountain can only be reached by cableways and gondolas.

A warm welcome, Swiss Flag Show

The Alphorn band

---

At over 2,100 m above sea level, my Mom was greeted with Pilatus’ inimitable warmth, the Swiss Flag Show and the Alphorn band. The awe-inspiring panorama, view of the Alpine mastiff and the mountain range left my Mom mesmerised. My Mom stayed at the Pilatus Kulm hotel which was built in 1890 and was completely renovated in 2010.

Hotel Pilatus Kulm

---

The interior design of the hotel was nice and cozy. All rooms had magnificent views of the alpine panorama. It was very cloudy and cold that evening, and my Mom couldn’t see any twinkle stars as she had expected.

The atmosphere in the following morning, however, was the complete opposite from the day before.

The first picture she saw from her room was a beautiful golden mountain.

The mountain looked gold from the morning sun. My mom decided not to have breakfast first, but to walk around.

She strolled along the “The Dragon Trail,” where she saw the picturesque lakes of Lucern.

As it was a very clear day, she could see all the 73 Alpine peaks from the hotel’s terrace.

Then, she climbed up to the top of Pilatus where she could see the stunning panoramic view of Lucern and Alpines.

My mom spent as much time as she could at the Pilatus Kulm. She really enjoyed taking photographs and deep breaths of fresh air.

It was the perfect location to see this incredible scenery!