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🥾 Trail Info 🔽
- 🚗 Arrival: Accessible by car. You need to park in Täsch and take a train for one station, as Zermatt is car-free. The parking garage in Täsch costs 16 CHF (Swiss Francs) per day. Alternatively, you can easily travel by train via Visp and Brig.
- 💰 Costs: The train ride from Täsch to Zermatt costs approximately 10 CHF (Swiss Francs) per way. Overnight stay at the Fluhalp Hut costs around 80-100 CHF (Swiss Francs) per night. Costs for mountain railways can be found here.
- 🥾 Equipment: Good hiking boots, trekking poles, sunscreen, snacks, and always pack rain protection!
- 🥵 Difficulty: Easy if you start from Blauherd, as it’s mostly downhill. Suitable for families. It’s significantly more challenging in the opposite direction.
- 📍 Start and End: The hike starts at the Blauherd mountain station and ends at the Sunnegga mid-station.
- ⏱️ Time: The pure hiking time is approximately 2:45 hours. Plan around 4 hours including photo breaks and a picnic.
- 📊 Ascent and Descent: Ascent: 260 m (853 feet) | Descent: 540 m (1,772 feet)
- 🌿 Terrain: 4 km (2.5 miles) wide mountain road, 4 km (2.5 miles) mountain path, 2 km (1.2 miles) nature trail
- 🦌 Wildlife: You can spot goats, marmots, and the popular Black-nosed sheep, which are friendly and perfect for photos!
- 🧑🧑🧒 Family Check: The 5-Lakes Hike Zermatt is suitable for children aged around 8 years and is perfect for families. If you’re looking for more family-friendly hikes in Switzerland, you should also try the Aareschlucht and Reichenbach Falls Hike – ideal for the whole family!
- 📌 Signposts & Markings: The trail is well-signposted. The path is equipped with clear and visible markers and signs, making navigation easy.
- 🐕 Hiking with Dogs: Dogs are welcome on the 5-Lakes Hike Zermatt. Make sure your dog is well-controlled, as some sections of the trail are rocky.
- 💡 Tips: The golden autumn period offers the most beautiful light. The Fluhalp is especially recommended for sunrise or sunset.
- 🏡 Accommodation & Restaurants: You can stay at the Fluhalp Hut at 2,600 m (8,530 feet) directly by the Stellisee with views of the Matterhorn. Along the way, you’ll also find restaurants or can enjoy a picnic by the lake.
- 🌄 Highlights: Sunrise at the Stellisee and the friendly Black-nosed sheep. An unforgettable experience!
The 5-Lakes Hike starts at Zermatt train station. After a leisurely 10-minute walk through the village, you will reach the Sunnegga valley station. A round-trip ticket from Zermatt to Blauherd costs 31.00 CHF for adults, with children paying half. First, take the cogwheel train to Sunnegga, then continue by cable car to Blauherd. This is where the 5-Lakes Hike begins, and the destination is at the Sunnegga station. Therefore, a return ticket is the most practical option.
Upon reaching the summit, we arrived at a wooden platform with a perfect view of the Matterhorn – ideal for a memorable photo. The trail was clearly marked as the 5-Lakes Hike. Our goal for the evening was the Fluhalp Hut, so we continued hiking for about 30 minutes until we reached the first lake. From there, we could already spot the Stelliseeand the tranquil hut in the distance, surrounded only by nature and dominated by the impressive Findel Glacier.
During the ascent from the Stellisee to the mountain hut, we were quickly out of breath. No wonder, as we were hiking at over 2,500 meters (8,200 feet), where the air becomes noticeably thinner. The moment we were welcomed by the warm team at Fluhalp and shown to our rooms was even more special. Finally arriving, taking a deep breath, and enjoying the peace of the mountains.
After dinner and a short break, we knew we couldn’t miss this sunset. So, we made our way back to the Stellisee, and what awaited us there was simply magical. The colors, the silence, the reflection of the Matterhorn. A moment we will never forget.
After an unforgettable sunset, we returned to the mountain hut, where we spent the night. Before going to bed, we packed our things because we didn’t want to miss the sunrise at the Stellisee. At exactly 6:00 AM, we set off, and the moment that awaited us by the lake was simply overwhelming. With our headlamps in hand, we experienced the magic of the new day.
The Stellisee marked the start of our hike. We enjoyed a peaceful breakfast right by the shore before continuing our tour along the 5-Lakes Trail. About 15 minutes later, we were surprised to see a herd of long-haired goats galloping straight toward us, likely hoping for some treats. At this point, we were the first hikers on the trail, and the curious animals seemed hungry and quite friendly.
After our special encounter with the goats, we reached Grindjisee about 1 hour (2.3 km / 1.43 miles) later. For me, it was one of the most beautiful spots of the entire tour, with a breathtaking view of the Matterhorn reflecting in the calm waters. In autumn, the surrounding larches turn golden yellow, transforming the landscape into a golden fairytale.
The Grindjisee is fed by the meltwater from the Findel Glacier and collected rainwater. After a short break, we continued to the third lake, Grünsee. This lake shimmers in a special green hue and is the only one where the Matterhorn is reflected only with its distinctive peak. However, other majestic summits are reflected even more impressively. After about 1.5 hours of hiking and a total of 5.7 km (3.5 miles), we reached the small, idyllic Grünsee, where the panoramic view of the surrounding 4,000-meter peaks was simply breathtaking.
The Grünsee is also fed by the meltwater from the Findel Glacier. By noon, we were already feeling quite hungry, so we had a picnic right by the shore, enjoying the breathtaking view. After we ate, we carefully packed up our trash and continued the hike towards the fourth lake, Moosjisee.
The path was steep and descended in winding switchbacks. From a distance, we could already spot the milky turquoise waters of Moosjisee. After about 2 hours of hiking and a total of 7.7 km (4.8 miles), we finally reached the impressive shimmering glacier lake.
As we circled the lake, we noticed that the entire path was populated by Black-nosed sheep. Most of them were peacefully dozing in the sun, so we moved carefully around them. A few animals were awake, and one even kept coming back to us, almost as if it wanted to be petted. This unexpected encounter felt almost magical—a moment I will never forget.
After spending some time with the friendly sheep, we continued our hike. The sky slowly began to cloud over, and the clouds thickened. At a fork in the path, we had a choice: a shorter, but significantly steeper ascent, or the regular trail. We opted for the more relaxed route. Along the way, the path took us through the picturesque mountain village of Findeln, with its traditional wooden chalets and stone-covered roofs, exuding a unique charm. A place like from another time—quiet, authentic, and beautifully situated.
After a break at the Paradise restaurant, we made our way to the last lake on the hike, Lake Leisee. This lake is one of the most famous stops on the trail as it has a playground and is a great place to swim. It is located directly in front of our final destination, the Sunnegga middle station. After a total of 2 hours and 35 minutes of hiking and 9.8 kilometers covered, we finally reached the last lake.
Leisee is known as the “beach” of Zermatt and is especially popular with families. However, since the weather wasn’t ideal for swimming, we only dipped our feet in the water—a refreshing break after the long hike. For the final stretch, we had the choice: either take the mini cogwheel train to the station or continue on foot. We opted for the more comfortable option. Once we reached the top, our hike was officially over—our legs certainly felt it. 😅
The 5 Lakes Trail in Zermatt impressed us with its breathtaking panoramas – a backdrop that almost resembles the wide views at the Aletsch Glacier. 🌄
If you’re in the mood for even more spectacular glacier landscapes, also check out my hikes at the Aletsch Glacier.
Details and Elevation Profile
Frequently Asked Questions about the 5-Lakes Hike Zermatt
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Zermatt is car-free, so you cannot drive directly to the starting point of the hike. Park your car in Täsch and take the train to Zermatt. Trains run regularly, and the journey takes about 12 minutes. From Zermatt, take the gondola or cable car to Blauherd, the starting point of the hike. Alternatively, you can start the hike from Sunnegga if you're willing to take on a bit more ascent.
The pure hiking time is about 2 hours and 45 minutes. However, if you plan to take photos, rest, and enjoy a picnic, you should allow around 4 hours in total. The hike takes you at a moderate pace through breathtaking landscapes, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the stunning views of the Matterhorn and the five mountain lakes.
Autumn is especially beautiful, as the golden light and the autumn colors of the larch forests create a magical atmosphere. Additionally, autumn offers clearer views of the Matterhorn, and there are fewer hikers. However, the hike is also a dream in summer, with mild temperatures and lush green meadows. The trail is not ideal for spring or winter hikes, as the route is at higher altitudes, and snow and ice can make the trail more difficult in winter.
Yes, the 5-Lakes Zermatt Hike is generally suitable for families. If you're hiking with children, it's recommended to start the hike from the Blauherd mountain station, as this section is mostly downhill, making it easier for kids to manage. The trail is well-marked and offers plenty of spots to take breaks. However, there are steeper sections that present more of a challenge, especially if you hike in the opposite direction (from Sunnegga to Blauherd).
Good hiking boots are essential, as the trail includes both rocky and natural sections. Trekking poles are also helpful, especially on the mountainous sections, to maintain your balance. Be sure to pack sunscreen, as you will be exposed to more intense sunlight at higher altitudes. Snacks and plenty of water are also important, especially if you’re hiking during the warmer months. Since the weather in the mountains can change quickly, it’s a good idea to bring rain gear as well.
Yes, along the 5-Lakes Trail, you'll find several restaurants where you can take a break and enjoy the views. One of the most recommended spots is the Fluhalp Hut, located directly by the Stellisee, offering breathtaking views of the Matterhorn. There are also several picnic areas along the way where you can stop and relax by the idyllic mountain lakes. It's a good idea to bring some snacks in case you plan to spend a longer time at one of the lakes.
