What if a hike wasn’t just about reaching the top — but about chasing a legend?

This is the third chapter in my blog series where I explore Swiss trails not just with my feet, but with my imagination. I follow stories, search for meaning, and sometimes, come home without a summit… but with something deeper.

🧭 If you’ve missed the first two hikes, you can read them here:

• 🏞️ Hiking the Hidden Stories of Switzerland — where this journey of myths and trails began

• 🇨🇭 Rütli Hike: Switzerland’s Historic Heartbeat — a walk through the birthplace of the Swiss Confederation

And now comes Pilatus. A mountain shaped by legends, dragons, and storms — and one that turned me back before I could reach the top.

Let me take you there.

📖 1. The Legend: A Mountain with Fire in Its Past

In 1421, a farmer named Stempflin saw a dragon crash into the slopes of Mount Pilatus. He fainted from shock, and when he woke up, he found a strange black stone. People believed it had healing powers. This stone later became known as the Dragon Stone.

Over time, more stories appeared — about dragons hiding in caves, flying over the mountain, or helping people in need. Because of these legends, Pilatus became known as the Drachenberg — Dragon Mountain.

Today, you can walk the Drachenweg (Dragon Path), a trail filled with signs and stories about these myths. It’s more than just a hike — it’s a journey through Swiss legends.

🧭 Learn more about the trail here: Pilatus.ch – Drachenweg

🥾 2. My Hike: Chasing the Dragon, Turning Back

I did this hike just this week — part of my weekly journey to explore trails across Switzerland. Most of the official paths were still closed since it’s April, and snow still covered much of Mount Pilatus.

But I didn’t want to wait. I had read the stories, felt the pull, and I wanted to chase the dragon myself.

So I planned a different route, one I built from research and instinct. I knew it wasn’t the main path, and I knew it might be risky. But I was ready.

As I climbed, the snow thickened and the trail faded into fog. The silence was heavy. I pushed on until I reached a peak — not the summit of Pilatus, but close enough. Over 2,000 meters high.

And still, no dragon.

The mountain had spoken.
And sometimes… that’s the story.

✍️ 3. What Stayed With Me

I didn’t see a dragon.
I didn’t reach the famous summit.
But somehow, this was one of the most powerful hikes I’ve ever done.

There was something strange and beautiful about walking through snow  on a quiet mountain — with nothing but wind and story around me.

I felt small, but in a peaceful way. Like I was walking through a place that doesn’t care who you are — it just asks if you’re willing to listen.

Yes, this time my trail buddy was a curious little bird that flew beside me for a while. On my last hike, it was a dog.

Now, it was just me and this tiny feathered companion, like the mountain had sent a quiet guardian for the journey.

There was something magical in that moment — like nature wanted to remind me I wasn’t alone. I felt small, but in a peaceful way. The silence, the cold, the stories in the air… it all stayed with me.

Pilatus didn’t show me the dragon that day. But it gave me something else: space to feel, to wonder, to listen.

And maybe that’s what legends are really about.

🧭 4. Planning Your Own Pilatus Hike: Tips from the Trail

🗓️ Most official trails are closed in early spring. I hiked in April, when snow still covered much of the mountain. Before you go, check the current trail status on Pilatus.ch.

🗺️ I created my own route. It was about 21 km long with 1,293 m of elevation gain. It took me to a peak near Pilatus — not the summit, but close.

This was my custom route — it’s not official, so take extra care if you try something similar.

🌦️ Expect changing weather. Even if the day starts clear, fog and wind can move in quickly. Dress in layers and bring waterproof gear.

📢 Let someone know your plan. I hiked alone, but I made sure someone knew my route and estimated time. Safety first.

⛰️ Don’t focus only on the summit. The trail itself — the silence, the views, even the unexpected bird on a rock — can be just as powerful.

🌄 5. Trail Highlights: Moments That Stuck with Me

This hike gave me quiet moments I’ll never forget. The silence of the snowy trail made me feel like I had stepped into a legend. At one point, a small black bird appeared beside me — calm, still, almost guiding me forward. Later, I reached a  mailbox standing alone at nearly 2000 meters, like a message left for the mountain itself.  I didn’t find the dragon, but I found something else: space, silence, and stories in the snow.

🔚 Final Thoughts

I went to Pilatus chasing a dragon, but came back with something quieter — a story I’ll keep unfolding step by step. Some trails are not meant to be finished the first time. And maybe that’s the beauty of them.

You can also find more trail stories, photos, and behind-the-scenes moments on Instagram:
📷 @swissmythhikes

Have you ever felt like a place was telling you something — even without words?
I’d love to hear about your own trail moments, legends you’ve followed, or mountains that made you stop and listen.

👇 Share your thoughts in the comments — or tell me:
If you could hike into any legend, which one would it be?