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🥾 Trail Info 🔽
- 📍 Start and End: The hike starts at the Blauherd mountain station and ends at the Sunnegga mid-station.
- 🚶♂️ Distance: The 5 Lakes Walk in Zermatt is around 9 km (5.6 miles) long and is ideal as a half-day hike.
- ⏱️ 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)
- 🥵 Difficulty: Easy if you start from Blauherd, as it’s mostly downhill. Suitable for families. It’s significantly more challenging in the opposite direction.
- 📆 Best Season: As this hike takes place above 2,000 meters (6,560 ft), there is often still snow in early summer.
The hike is especially beautiful in late summer and early autumn, when the larch trees turn golden. - 🥾 Equipment: Good hiking boots, trekking poles, sunscreen, snacks, and always pack rain protection!
- 🌿 Trail Surface: Varied. Around 4 km (2.5 miles) on a wide mountain road, 4 km (2.5 miles) on hiking trails, and about 2 km (1.2 miles) on natural paths.
- 🧑🧑🧒 Family-Friendly: The Five Lakes Walk in Zermatt is ideal for families with children from about 8 years old and offers an enjoyable hiking experience. Anyone looking for more family friendly hikes in Switzerland should also try the Aare Gorge and the Reichenbach Falls hike. Perfect for the entire family!
- 🐕 Hiking with Dogs: The Five Lakes Walk in Zermatt is dog friendly and suitable for hiking with your dog. Keep your dog well controlled on this hiking trail as several rocky sections require careful footing for both humans and dogs.
- 🚗 Getting There: 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 journey from Täsch to Zermatt costs about 10 CHF per trip and is the only way to reach car free Zermatt. An overnight stay at the Fluhalp Hut costs approximately 80 to 100 CHF per night and includes a unique mountain atmosphere. Costs for mountain railways can be found here.
- 📌 Signposts & Markings: The hiking trail is clearly marked and easy to follow. The path features well visible markings and signposts that help you stay oriented at all times.
- 🦌 Wildlife: You can spot goats, marmots, and the popular Black-nosed sheep, which are friendly and perfect for photos!
- 🌄 Highlights: Sunrise at the Stellisee and the friendly Black-nosed sheep. An unforgettable experience!
- 💡 Tips: The golden autumn period offers the most beautiful light. The Fluhalp is especially recommended for sunrise or sunset.
- 🏡 Accommodation & Restaurants: An overnight stay at 2600 m is possible at the Fluhalp Hut located directly at Stellisee offering stunning views of the Matterhorn. Along the route you can stop at restaurants or enjoy a relaxed picnic by one of the lakes.
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.
On the climb from Stellisee to the mountain hut, we were quite out of breath. No wonder, as you’re hiking at over 2,500 meters (8,200 ft), where the air becomes noticeably thinner. All the more rewarding was the moment when the welcoming team at Fluhalp greeted us and showed us to our rooms. 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 Stellisee, and what awaited us there was simply magical. The colors, the silence, and 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 sleep, we packed our things, as we didn’t want to miss the sunrise at Stellisee. At exactly 6:00 a.m., we set off, and the moment that awaited us at the lake was simply overwhelming. With our headlamps packed, we experienced the magic of a new day.
Stellisee marked the beginning of our hike. We enjoyed a peaceful breakfast right by the shore before continuing along the 5 Lakes Walk. About 15 minutes later, we were surprised as a herd of long-haired goats came galloping straight toward us, likely hoping for a few treats. At that moment, 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 / 1.4 miles) later. For me, one of the most beautiful spots of the entire hike, with a breathtaking view of the Matterhorn reflected in the calm water. In autumn, the surrounding larch trees turn golden yellow, transforming the landscape into a golden fairytale.
Grindjisee is fed by meltwater from the Findel Glacier and collected rainwater. After a short break, we continued on to the third lake, Grünsee. This lake shimmers in a unique green hue and is the only one where the Matterhorn is reflected only with its distinctive peak. In return, other majestic peaks are reflected even more impressively. After around 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 overwhelming.
Grünsee is also fed by meltwater from the Findel Glacier. Around midday, we were already quite hungry, so we had a picnic right by the shore and enjoyed the stunning view. After eating, we carefully packed up our trash and continued our hike toward the fourth lake, Moosjisee.
The path there was steep and led downhill in switchbacks. Even from a distance, we could already see the milky-turquoise water of Moosjisee. After around 2 hours and a total of 7.7 km (4.8 miles), we finally reached the impressive, shimmering glacial lake.
As we walked around the lake, we noticed that the entire path was filled with blacknose sheep. Most of them were peacefully resting in the sun, so we moved especially carefully. Some 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 started to cloud over, and the clouds became thicker. At a junction, we had to choose between a shorter but much steeper ascent or the regular trail, and we opted for the more relaxed route.
Along the way, the path led us through the picturesque alpine village of Findeln, which radiates a very special charm with its traditional wooden chalets and stone-covered roofs. A place that feels like it belongs to 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 Walk in Zermatt impressed us with its breathtaking panoramas, almost reminiscent of the vast views at the Aletsch Glacier. 🌄 If you’re looking for even more spectacular glacier landscapes, be sure to check out my hikes around 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.
