Pilatus: Photo Workshop with Overnight Stay

During the day, the viewing terrace on Pilatus is shared with many people and numerous selfie sticks. However, the best light only arrives once the last cable car has descended. That’s why we stay up top: a maximum of two photographers, one summit, one night.

Day 1: Evening Light, Blue Hour, Night
We meet at 3 p.m. at the valley station, briefly discuss your gear and the images you’d like to capture. After check-in, we explore the vantage points Oberhaupt, Esel and, if conditions allow, Tomlishorn, deciding where to shoot as evening approaches. First, the telephoto lens takes centre stage: Titlis, the Urner and Bernese Alps, the Rigi rising above the lake and, with luck, a sea of clouds. Then, we switch between wide-angle and telephoto during the golden hour, followed by the blue hour as Lucerne begins to glow. After a four-course dinner, we spend around 90 minutes editing the images you took two hours earlier. If you’re still up for it and the sky is clear, we head out once more to photograph the stars.

Day 2: Sunrise and Wrap-Up
We set off before sunrise—often the most powerful moment of the workshop, thanks to the crisp morning air. After breakfast, there’s a brief wrap-up discussion, including image selection and an editing plan. By around 11 a.m., we descend by cable car, or, if you prefer, on foot with a guide.

What You’ll Take Away You’ll consciously choose between wide-angle and telephoto lenses instead of using whatever’s handy. You’ll plan photo sessions around the light rather than the clock. You’ll nail the right settings in twilight without fumbling through menus in the dark. And you’ll take home an image processed from RAW to final result. No prior editing experience is needed: we start where you are, whether it’s your very first RAW file or advanced techniques like luminosity masks.

Optional: Panorama Photography Unobstructed 360° views and crisp horizons in every direction—the Pilatus is almost unfairly perfect for panoramas. On request, we can make this the focus of the workshop, covering everything from nodal point alignment to stitching your final image in the evening. No extra charge; just mention it when booking.

Prices and Extras The price is an all-inclusive package. Hotel, half-board, mountain railway and guide’s expenses are covered—no surprise bills later. Private solo: CHF 1990 with single room Private duo: CHF 2250 in a double room, i.e. CHF 1125 per person Companion without photography program: CHF 390, including accommodation, half-board and mountain railway Guided descent on Day 2: CHF 290 Your best image as a framed fine-art print (120 x 80 cm): CHF 590 By the way, it also makes a great gift: the workshop can be booked as a voucher without a fixed date.

Your Guide Falko Burghausen of beAnywhere is an internationally awarded landscape photographer and aspiring mountain guide. His fine-art prints and other photography workshops are available at beanywhere.ch.