Lakeside Bliss – Hiking Zermatt’s Scenic 5-Lake Trail

by Sara Werren, September 24, 2024

The 5-Lake Trail in Zermatt is one of the region’s most picturesque hikes, offering breathtaking views of the Matterhorn mirrored in crystal-clear alpine lakes. Winding through meadows, forests, and mountain landscapes, the 9.8 km trail takes you past five stunning impressive lakes.

I started my journey from Berne, where I took the 7:30am train in direction to Zermatt. Once reached, I made my way to the “Matterhorn Zermatt Bergbahn” where I started the Five Lakes Hike by taking the funicular up to Sunnegga.

There I spontaneously chose to hike for about an hour uphill to Blauherd, though there’s also an option to take the gondola for those who prefer not to walk. Once at Blauherd, I followed the well-marked signs for the “Fünf-Seenwanderung” and began the trek.

The landscape was absolutely stunning, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, especially the Matterhorn. One of the highlights of the hike was reaching Stellisee, where the crystal-clear water offered a perfect reflection of the Matterhorn. This lake is perfect to take a small Picknick and have a refreshing swim, but keep in mind that it is fresh, cold mountain water 🙂

The full 5-Lake trail is approximately 9.3 km (5.8 miles) long, with a moderate difficulty level, making it suitable for hikers of varying experience levels. The entire hike takes around 2-3 hours, depending on pace and stops. The trail signs are labeled as “5-Seenweg” and the path will take you through five picturesque lakes: Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee – each one offering unique perspectives of the Matterhorn!

Highlights of the hike include:

– Stellisee: Iconic views of the Matterhorn’s reflection.
– Grindjisee: Surrounded by lush flora, a beautiful contrast to the rugged mountain landscape.
– Grünsee: Offering views of an alpine landscape with less tree cover.
– Moosjisee: Fed by glacier water, it has a striking turquoise color.
– Leisee: Great for swimming and family activities, with a grassy shore.

If you prefer not to take to much with you, I also passed a few charming mountain restaurants offering a cozy place to rest and to enjoy local Swiss cuisine. Along the way, I was lucky to spot some mountain goats grazing on the steep hillsides, which made the experience even more special.

After the hike I treated myself at the cute coffee Petit Royal, just 5 minutes from the main train station. All their cakes and pastries are homemade and it is really the spot to relax and enjoy a hot chocolate.