By Gemma Tedaldi | Published: 17th September 2024 | Updated: 30th November 2024
The Five Lakes Hike in Zermatt is possibly one of the most well-known hikes in Switzerland, if not for the hike itself, but for the incredible views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers as well as the mountain reflections you can see in the lakes. If you are lucky you may even come across some of the local wildlife such as marmots and the incredibly cute, (and friendly), Valais Blacknose sheep! So here is our guide to the Five Lakes Hike in Zermatt:
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Region: Valais
Address: 3920 Zermatt
Five Lakes Hike Zermatt Stats:
🥾 Distance – 9.8km
🥾 Elevation – with 165m ascent and 455m descent
🥾 Time – 3 hours
🥾 Difficulty – Medium difficulty (not suitable for small children/strollers)
🥾 Condition – Mix of dirt road, gravel path, rocky path and forested trails.
When To Visit – Season Opening Times: June through to October (snow level depending)
Costs / Tickets: From CHF 33 one way from Zermatt to Blauherd and from CHF 18 one way from Sunnegga to Zermatt. If you are doing the hike without stopping overnight at the mountain hut, then you can get a Kombi Ticket which is the same route as above but costs from CHF 47.
Where is the Five Lakes Hike in Zermatt
The Five Lakes Hike is located to the east of Zermatt up the nearby Rothorn.
Five Lakes Hike Zermatt Map
Five Lakes Hike Zermatt Itinerary
Zermatt – Blauherd (2571m) – Stellisee (2537m) – Optional stay at Fluhalp Mountain Hut (2620m) – Grindjisee (2324m) – Grünsee (2300m) – Moosjisee (2140m) – Leisee (2332m) – Sunnegga Mountain Station (2288m) – Zermatt
The hike is easy to follow, with signposts along the route highlighting the ‘5-Seenweg’. If there are sections that are shut off due to renovation work or (as was in our case), due to landslides in the area, then the amended trail is also well signposted.
You can do this hike in a day, (assuming you start early, which will leave you plenty of time to hike, enjoy the views and stop for a bite to eat, but we would highly recommend staying at Fluhalp Mountain Hut for the night after visiting the first lake, Stellisee, then hiking the rest of the trail the next day. That way not only do you get to stay in one of the most picturesque locations in Switzerland, with incredible views of the Matterhorn, but you can get up early and beat anyone else onto the trail the next day too. If you choose to hike the whole trail in one day then you can stop at Fluhalp just for food and a refreshing drink instead!
Zermatt to Sunnegga > Sunnegga to Blauherd
Start the hike off by taking the funicular railway from Sunnegga valley station in Zermatt up to the Sunnegga mountain station and then the cable car from Sunnegga up to Blauherd. This gets you to the start of the hike, where you can fill up water, use the facilities and maybe grab a bite to eat, before heading out on the Five Lake Hike, towards the first lake, Stellisee.
Blauherd to Stellisee
The hike from Blauherd to Stellisee is very easy with a signposted path, which starts out as a fairly wide gravel track and then goes down to a smaller path. The path actually splits into two different paths, but they both end up at the lake, so you can take the higher or lower path, neither is difficult. Once at Stellisee, you will be met with the beautiful lake surrounded by cotton grass in the summer, with one of the most impressive views of the Matterhorn and a rather good reflection of the Matterhorn as well if the wind is calm.
From here you can either hike further up to the Fluhalp Mountain Hut, whether for food or for overnight accommodation or continue on the Five Lake hike.
Stellisee to Grindjisee
The Stellisee to Grinjisee section of the Five Lakes Hike is all downhill, with again, incredible views of the Matterhorn directly in front, as well as waterfalls coming down the cliffs from the Rothorn above. This path is a smaller track to begin with following alongside a stream, which then opens out to a much wider gravel path. Here is where there currently is a diversion in place due to the original path needing renovation works due to landslides in the area. I think diversion is arguably better though!
You walk along a ridge with views down to lakes further along the trail, as well as up to the Matterhorn, Ober Gablehorn and the Zinal Glacier. It is especially beautiful first thing in the morning when the marmots are out enjoying the sun and the clouds are just lifting from the valleys below.
About halfway down into the valley Grindjisee is located behind a clump of larches and alpine rose, (which grows in abundance in this valley). It is very different in comparison to Stellisee, with clear green waters, and reflections of the surrounding snowy peaks. Again you can see the Matterhorn reflected here on a clear day.
Grindjisee to Grünsee
The Five Lake hike between Grindjisee and Grünsee is one of the most changeable along the length of the hike, starting along wide gravel paths with steep cliffs above, to almost sandy pathways whilst passing over the Findelbach, before changing again to well-trodden paths through woodland, then a rocky path up a stream before arriving at Grünsee. This lake is another ridiculously beautiful one, with views of the Matterhorn and surrounding mountains, and offers the chance to take a dip in an alpine lake, as one of the first of the lakes along the Five Lake trail that you can actually swim in if you can brave the cold waters!
Grünsee to Moosjisee
The path from Grünsee to Moosjisee starts off very easy, just following a wide gravel path towards the Zu Seewjinu Mountain Lodge, before dropping steeply through the surrounding forest along rocky paths. Here you then cross over the Findelbach again, (although it looks a little different and much bigger here!), before continuing along the flat gravel pathway to Moosjisee. Here is where we met the wonderful Black-nosed Valais sheep, and I honestly can’t explain to you how friendly and utterly adorable these sheep are! They are often up on the neighbouring mountain, Riffelalp, but we were lucky enough to see them on the Five Lakes hike instead.
Moosjisee to Leisee
This is the toughest leg of the hike as it’s one of the only sections that you will be going uphill, and even though it might not seem like much, the elevation that you are in does make it a little more hard work than you will potentially be used to. From Moosjisee follow the pathways up through the fields above the lake and you will soon end up at Leisee. Luckily this is one of the shortest sections between lakes along the whole hike, so the hiking upwards is only short-lived.
Leisee is the lake closest to Sunnegga so has lots for families to do, as well as barbeque areas, and is the only other lake on the Five Lakes hike that you can actually swim in. It also has another beautiful reflection of the Matterhorn, assuming there are no clouds, (which has started to come in as we were hiking down!).
Leisee to Sunnegga
From Leisee it is just a short uphill walk to Sunnegga, or you can choose to take the Leisee shuttle, but after walking the rest of the route you may as well finish with a walk too! Here you can stop for a bite to eat at Restaurant Sunnegga, which is a self-serve mountain hut type restaurant, or simply head back down into Zermatt.
We did this trail in July and although the trail to the first lake was a little busy, it was not as busy as some of the neighbouring mountains get. Also as we had stayed at the mountain hut overnight when we set out on the rest of the Five Lakes hike the next morning, we didn’t see another person until near the very last lake, which was just perfect!
Five Lakes Hike Zermatt in summer
We visited the Five Lakes Hike during July and although it did get warm nearer the end of the hike on the second day, the weather was actually perfect, and the alpine wildflowers were out in full force. Summer is also one of the only times of year you get the chance to see the world-famous Matterhorn reflections as during the other seasons there is quite often snow. During the summer you can also hire kick bikes or mountain karts from Sunnegga or Blauherd if the weather is good.
Five Lakes Hike Zermatt in winter
The Five Lakes hike in Zermatt is also possible during winter, (there are no overnight stays in the Fluhalp Mountain Hut though so bear that in mind), but you will need to be prepared for hiking in snow / icy conditions, which is especially important in the last section of the hike. Snowshoe trails, winter hiking trails and of course ski and snowboarding pistes, are also numerous across this mountain in winter.
What to bring on the Five Lakes Hike Zermatt
🥾 Plenty of water – there are water filling stations at the Blauherd station but none along the rest of the trail.
🥾 Hiking snacks/food for along the route – there are food options at Sunnegga, Blauherd or Fluhalp but these will be right at the beginning/end of the hike.
🥾 Swimming clothes if you fancy a dip in Leisee or Grünsee.
🥾 Sensible footwear and clothing – be prepared in case of the weather turning!
Where to eat along the Five Lakes Hike Zermatt
The only places to eat along the Five Lakes Hike are at the Blauherd and Sunnegga cable car / funicular stations at the beginning/end of the hike, or at Fluhalp Mountain Hut, which is a slight detour off the route after the first lake, Stellisee. If you choose to hike the whole trail in one day then we would recommend bringing a picnic.
Facilities along the Five Lake Hike Zermatt
The only facilities across the whole hike are at the Sunnegga Mountain station, the Blauherd station or at the Fluhalp Mountain Hut.
How to get to the Five Lakes Hike Zermatt
To get to the official start of the Five Lakes Trail you need to take the funicular railway from the Sunnegga-Rothorn valley station, then the cable car from Zermatt up to Blauherd. You can of course walk up to Blauherd if you would rather, but we would highly recommend taking public transport to the start so you can spend longer on the hike itself, and not feel quite so worn out before you have even started! From Blauherd it is a case of simply following the hiking trail signs!
How often are cable cars to Blauherd?
The opening and timings of the various cable cars, gondolas and ski lifts throughout the Matterhorn Paradise area depend on the season as well as the weather. Zermatt to Blauherd is closed for most of November and April into May. You can check what is open here:
Public transport costs for the Five Lakes Hike:
📍 Zermatt to Blauherd: From CHF 33 one way (this is the ticket you need to the start of the hike)
📍 Sunnegga to Zermatt: From CHF 18 one way (this is the ticket you need from the end of the hike)
📍 Children up to 9 are free, then aged 9 to 16, 50% off. GA, half fare and Swiss Travel Pass 50% off. Dogs are free.
Where to stay along the Five Lakes Hike
The best place to stay along the Five Lake Hike in Zermatt is Fluhalp Mountain Hut, which is what we would recommend you do! We had the best time staying there, with friendly owners, lovely food and quite frankly the best views of the Matterhorn that you will ever get.
Whilst staying at Fluhalp there are various room times you can pick from, (we were in a 4-person Matterhorn view room to get the view below), and you get the option to have dinner and breakfast as well, which is the perfect way to end the day and set you up for finishing the hike the next.
There aren’t many accommodation options on the hike, but it is only a short trip from the centre of Zermatt so it can easily be done as a day trip instead. Check out the best accommodation deals on the map below:
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Five Lakes Hike Zermatt FAQs
How long is the 5 lakes hike in Zermatt?
The Five Lakes Hike in Zermatt takes on average jut over 3 hours to complete, which doesn’t include any time for stopping to take photos, have a swim or meet the sheep! It also doesn’t take into account how long you will stop just to stare in awe at the view!
Is the 5 lakes walk worth it?
The Five Lakes hike in Zermatt is 100% worth it! I would do it every month if I lived close enough just for the views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers and for the chance to see the Valais Blacknose Sheep – you don’t understand quite how cute and friendly they are!
Can I swim in any of the 5 lakes in Zermatt?
Yes, you can swim in two of the five lakes, Leisee and Grünsee, as long as there are no signs saying you can’t. The others shouldn’t be swum in due to various dangers in the surrounding areas.
What is the best season to do the 5 lakes hike in Zermatt?
The best season to get the best views of the surrounding landscape as well as reflections in the lakes in the summer. During the winter there is often too much snow on the ground so the lakes are covered, so no reflections. There can also be snow in the spring and autumn, so the summer is by far the most reliable season to do the hike with views.
Where do I get the best view of the Matterhorn on the 5 lakes hike?
Honestly, you get incredible views of the Matterhorn all along the hike, there is no one place that is better than another. That being said the first lake, (Stellisee), and the Fluhalp Mountain Hut both have some great views.
Is the Five Lakes Hike suitable for children?
The hike not be suitable for younger children, as it is quite long for little legs! Plus it is a little steeper at the end. It is definitely not suitable for pushchairs as the whole trail is on unstable rocky / gravel paths.
What is the most beautiful hike in Zermatt?
Now we haven’t done every hike there is to do in Zermatt, but the Five Lakes Hike is by far the most beautiful hike in Zermatt, if not in Switzerland. You really can’t beat the views of the Matterhorn.
Can I store luggage somewhere?
You can store luggage at the train station in Zermatt or at the Sunnegga mountain station.
Conclusion: Five Lakes Hike Zermatt Guide
So there you have our guide to the Five Lakes Hike Zermatt. This wonderful hike is one of the best hikes that you can do whilst in Switzerland, and one we will be doing over and over again as we simply can’t get enough of the views, the beautiful trails and of course the cute sheep!
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📍 Switzerland in Winter: Best Things To Do & Places To Go
Gemma Tedaldi
Gemma is the owner and author of The Travelling Tedaldi, a travel blog helping travellers to discover the best road trips and travel itineraries throughout the UK and Europe. When she isn’t writing about her favourite travel destinations, she can often be found out exploring local hikes or planning future trips.