The Zermatt Five Lakes Hike is a breathtaking hiking route that delights hikers and nature lovers alike. In this article, you’ll learn more about the hike in Zermatt that takes visitors’ breath away with its breathtaking mountain scenery of the Swiss Alps and spectacular views.
Zermatt Five Lakes Trail: Overview & Good to Know
The Zermatt Five Lakes Trail is a popular hiking route in Zermatt that is suitable for both experienced hikers and nature enthusiasts. This scenic hike takes you through the breathtaking mountains of the Swiss Alps and offers spectacular views and unforgettable experiences.
What makes this trail so special is the opportunity to discover five beautiful mountain lakes. Each lake has its own charm and offers a unique setting. From the crystal clear waters of Lake Stelli, to Lake Grindji and Lake Grün, to the idyllic Lake Moosji and the picturesque Lake Lei, there is much to discover. The lakes reflect the majestic peaks and glaciers of the surrounding area and offer breathtaking photo motifs.
The Zermatt Five Lakes Trail is also known for its diverse alpine landscape. During the hike you can admire green alpine meadows, fragrant mountain flowers, impressive waterfalls and imposing glaciers. The view of the Matterhorn, the region’s landmark, is an absolute highlight and makes for unforgettable moments.
| Distance | 9.8 km (6 miles) |
| Duration | 2.5-3 hours |
| Altitude difference | 165 m ascent / 454 m descent |
| Difficulty | Easy / Medium |
| Official name | 5 Lakes Trail, Zermatt Hike No. 11 |
| Start andEnd of the hike | Blauherd cable car station (2,571 m) Sunnegga (2,288m) (easy route, mostly downhill) |
| Season | June – September |
| Minimum age | about 6 years |
5-lakes trail map
(follows)
How to get there
The Zermatt Five Lakes Trail offers an unparalleled hiking experience in one of the most beautiful regions of the Swiss Alps. The hike takes you through a spectacular mountain landscape with majestic peaks, picturesque valleys and five beautiful mountain lakes.
Zermatt is easily accessible by train from the major cities in Switzerland, but also from other European countries. From the train station you can get to the starting point of the Five Lakes Hike on foot or by bus. Arrival by car is also possible.
The trail is well signposted and suitable for hikers with different levels of experience. What makes hiking in this place special are the breathtaking views of the Matterhorn, which rises majestically above the surrounding peaks.
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Zermatt Five Lakes Hike description
Blauherd (cable car station) to Lake Stelli
The hike starts at the Blauherd cable car station, which can be reached comfortably by gondola. From there, the trail leads to Stellisee, a beautiful mountain lake with clear, turquoise water. The trail is about one kilometer long and leads mostly downhill, which is especially pleasant at the beginning and allows for a relaxed start to the hike.
The path to Stellisee is particularly beautiful, leading across alpine meadows with fragrant mountain flowers and spectacular views of the surrounding panorama. Along the way, you can stop for refreshments at several mountain inns and mountain huts.
The trail is mostly well paved, there are some steeper sections that require surefootedness, but overall the trail is easy to walk and suitable for less experienced hikers. The hike is more suitable for older children who can already walk longer distances, in addition they should be well supervised, especially in steep places. This part of the hike is mainly downhill and should be doable for everyone.
Stellisee to Grindjisee
The hike continues at the picturesque Stellisee, from where the trail leads along rolling hills and through fragrant alpine meadows to Grindjsee.
The peculiarity of this section lies in the diversity of the landscape that can be experienced along the way. The majestic mountain peaks, glittering glaciers and lush alpine flowers provide an enchanting backdrop.
From Lake Stelli to Lake Grindj, the trail is also always downhill. The path to the next lake is now a little further: about 2.5 kilometers you hike leisurely through the Swiss mountains and finally arrive at Grindjsee.
Again, the path is well paved and marked, so it is easy to manage. The trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers, as there are some steeper sections. For children who are already used to hiking, this section is also well doable.
This section is also rated rather easy due to the lack of incline.
Grindjisee to Grünsee
The section begins at the idyllic Grindjisee, a crystal clear mountain lake surrounded by imposing peaks.
The next stage takes hikers to Grünsee. It is located about two kilometers from Lake Grindji, the trail becomes a bit flatter here with a few short steep sections, but all of which can be overcome.
During the ascent to the Green Lake you can enjoy the view of shimmering glaciers. The contrasting landscape with bright green meadows and imposing rocks is breathtakingly beautiful.
This part is also well marked and secured, nevertheless, some fitness and experience for the way to the Grünsee does not hurt. Children in particular should already be used to hiking, as the first inclines begin here.
The path to Grünsee is suitable for hikers with average fitness. Special mountain hiking experience is not required, but a certain level of fitness is an advantage. The difficulty level can be classified as medium. However, with the right equipment and adequate preparation, any hiking enthusiast can manage this tour.
The hike is moderately strenuous. It is recommended to take enough water and snacks with you to fortify yourself along the way.
Grünsee to Moosjisee
The trail from Grünsee to Moosjisee, offers many features and beauties, but one of the highlights is the beautiful turquoise water of Moosjisee, which makes an incredible contrast to the surrounding green trees and bare peaks.
This section is also only about two kilometers long and takes a little longer or shorter depending on your physical fitness and condition. Along the way, you will pass by a shelter located about halfway through the entire hike. At the Moosjisee you can take a short break and enjoy the beauty of the Swiss nature again.
This section is easy at first, later steeply downhill and requires sturdy shoes, as well as a sure footing. Children should be well supervised here to avoid injury and maintain safety. For older children with hiking experience, however, the route should be quite doable.
The hike to Lake Moosji is suitable for hikers of average fitness. No special mountain hiking experience is needed, but some surefootedness is an advantage.
Moosjisee to Leisee
From Moosjisee, the trail first leads slightly downhill before the climb begins. At the lowest point you are at 2130 m, after that it goes uphill. After about 1.5 kilometers, you arrive at the last stopover, where you can take a leisurely last break.
The hike from Moosjisee to Leisee is an easy and well-marked route. The path is mostly easy and well walkable, without major rocky or narrow sections. Even the climb at the end should be manageable for both adult and young hikers.
The paths are wide enough and there are no dangerous passages. Children can discover nature, admire the clear mountain lake and enjoy the fresh air. Along the way there is also an alpine inn, where you can have a short snack.
Overall, the hike from Moosjisee to Leisee is a slightly more strenuous part of the hike, but is quite suitable for hikers of all experience levels. Even beginners and families can easily manage this section and then cool off in the clear waters of the Leisee.
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Leisee to Sunnegga (cable car station)
The last section of the Zermatt Five Lakes Hike starts at the Leisee and ends at the Sunnegga cable car station. This part of the hike is about one and a half kilometers long and is almost all uphill.
During the most strenuous part of the hike, you should make sure to take enough breaks here, as well as allocate provisions and water well until here, so that you can also enjoy the last stretch.
This part of the hike is also suitable for athletic children with some stamina and endurance. Adults should not underestimate this stretch either, especially since it is at the end of the hike and you have already expended a lot of energy.
The way back leads to the cable car station, where the Five Lakes Hike ends. Here you can also strengthen yourself once again in an alpine restaurant and reward yourself for the effort. From here, you can then ride down to the valley and leisurely make your way home.
Final Thoughts: Is the 5 lakes hike worthwhile?
The Five Lakes Hike in Zermatt is a breathtaking and absolutely worthwhile tour. With its picturesque mountain lakes, majestic peaks and impressive alpine landscape, it offers unforgettable and unique nature experiences. The circular route is easily doable for young and old and a must for all hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers.
