If you could only do one thing when you come to Switzerland, a visit to Mount Pilatus would be a formidable competitor. Few people can visit this mountain without returning home to rave about it to anyone and everyone who will listen, as there’s something indescribably touching about the stunning scenery and alluring atmosphere. Legend surrounds this enormous rock, often referred to as the “dragon stone”, rumoured to have sprung out of the Earth when a great dragon crash landed and fainted, waking up to find the mountain had been created. Contrary to the fearsome and ruthless beasts that come to mind, the dragons of Mount Pilatus are celebrated for their healing powers, rumoured to have saved the life of a man who had fallen into one of the mountain’s many caverns. A mythical ambience can be felt to this day as the mercurial weather, which oscillates between bright sunshine and eerie fog, create a distinctly mysterious feel. A gondola lift and cable car is used to get to Alpnachstad from Lucerne, while reaching the peak of the mountain is no mean feat, requiring a ride on the world’s steepest railway - an experience in itself.

Upon reaching the top, the gorgeous sights on the way up are dwarfed by the spectacular panoramic views offered at this 7000 foot summit. When you stare at the azure blue of the sky, the rugged mountainside with smatterings of bright green and pure white, you’ll find yourself hard put to tear your gaze away. Try spotting Lucerne Lake or the Bernese Alps, in the midst of which the famous Jungfraujoch is nestled. For those longing for something more adventurous, numerous hiking trails and sports facilities are spread throughout the region, and kids will simply adore the summer toboggan run, when they can zoom down the slope on the most thrilling joyride of their lives. There’s few things that will stay with you quite like a visit to Mount Pilatus and the view that will be ingrained in your mind’s eye for times to come, making it an unmissable destination well-worth the time, effort and money of any true Swiss adventurer.