The "house mountain" outside Lucerne offers a selection of bolted crags, and some longer multipitch adventures. With the world's steepest cogwheel or a cable car to top, it is easy to avoid the challenging approach and make a more leisurely day out of it. Pilatus offers stunning views of the Alps and across Lake Lucerne, and is not to be missed if in the area!

English-language guidebook is Plaisir Ost, available from Filidor. Other guidebooks in German can be found, including the Swiss Alpine Club's guides. I plan to add climbs and areas as I climb them, so look for more comprehensive details in local guides.

3 options:

1. From Alpnachstadt, take the cog wheel up the mountain. You can get off at Aemsigen if you want to hike uphill to some of the crags, or continue on the train to Pilatus Kulm and hike down.

2. From Kriens, take the gondolas up to Frankmuntegg, then up to Pilatus Kulm. Then hike down.

3. Hike up from either Alpnachstadt or Kriens. If you take this option and still climb a bunch of stuff, you're a certified badass.