Boat ride choppy lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad-Mt. Pilatus?

It's dependent on the weather that day, isn't it? It's a big lake so subject to all sorts of weather. If it's that much of a concern, why not take the train to Alpnachstad? Just as easy.

I was on Lake Luzern (Vierwaldstaettersee) in January and I noticed no chop. However, why not just take the train to Alpnachstad and put all worries aside. It is quicker. Train takes 17 minutes, boat takes 1 hour and 21 minutes. Train is cheaper as well.

Thank for the reply. We wanted to have the boat option if possible to not miss out on the experience of the view while on the boat. If the view is no that worth it, we will just do the Silver pass without the boat ride.

I'd focus on the views from up top, which are extraordinary--especially since the motion sickness med could compromise the way you feel up on the mountain.

marinellehall, you can always take a cruise tour on the lake at any time of day. Lots of boats docked on the shore to the left of the river. A good option if weather is not good up top.

Thanks so much everyone for the quick response. I think we might skip the boat ride. Good point if there meds don’t work and don’t want to ruin the whole day and also not knowing the weather.

The boats on lake Lucerne go steadily and slowly, and they are large boats so a little bit of wind does not affect them. If the weather is awful you wouldn't want to be on a boat anyway. I have never experienced any sort of movement or rocking on the boat at all.

The view from the lake is spectacular.

I agree with Nigel!

My two cents worth....I am also prone to seasickness. I have ridden for hours at a time on the Lake Lucerne boats on three different trips, twice during October trips, once in early May. Last year in May we rode them everyday for three days. The view from the boats, esp. further away from Lucerne is breathtaking. I have never been seasick or experienced a choppy sea. I have never needed to take motion sickness pills while riding boats on Lake Lucerne. Perhaps you could keep your options open and see what the weather and lake look like on the day you plan to travel to Mt. Pilatus.

Have a wonderful trip!

Traveler Girl

If the weather is that bad for a boat ride, I would be concerned about your view on Mt. Pilatus. I agree the views from the boat are really great.

@valadelphia, could you please elaborate on your comment?:

I'd focus on the views from up top, which are
extraordinary--especially since the motion sickness med could
compromise the way you feel up on the mountain.

I have a child that gets severe motion sickness and we use Children’s Kwells but I have never heard that taking this might affect one differently at higher altitudes. If you can point me to something that infers this I can get it checked out by his doctor in advance of the trip.

Hi, wow thanks for the added responses. Good to know Nigel and Travelgirl regarding your experiences. Yeah I was discussing with my husband and we are considering leaving it open for now and see the weather once it’s closer to when we will be in Lucerne. Also, leaning in doing the trip clockwise ending it with the boat ride if the weather is good. This way we don’t miss out on the views and experience of the boat ride while also if by any chance I do get any motion sickness, it’s at the last part of our excursion.

Very good point -- save the boat ride for last because you want to optimize weather when you are at the top.

I was referring to my personal experience taking dramamine and the like, for children and medication, please refer to your dr.

Thanks valadelpia, appreciate any experiences from all.
As earlier I meant to say counter clockwise route. Silly me! I think I can brave the boat ride with good weather, Dramamine and doing it the last part. I hate to take away the experience from everyone.

Thanks again everyone!