Zermatt, Switzerland is one of the most stunning places in the Swiss Alps. Home to the iconic Matterhorn, it is undoubtedly a top destination for hiking enthusiasts. We cherished every moment hiking the five lakes trail in Zermatt, starting with an unforgettable sunrise at Stellisee. If you’re considering embarking on the 5 Lakes Hike, this guide will provide all the essential information for exploring the Matterhorn valley.

What is the 5 Lakes Hike?

The 5 Lakes Trail (5-Seenweg) is a relatively easy hike that meanders past five beautiful alpine lakes, each offering unique views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding Swiss Alps. The five lakes include Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee. This mostly downhill trail features a few inclines and takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete. One of the highlights of this hike is that the Matterhorn towers above you for the duration, with three of the five lakes reflecting its majestic silhouette in their calm waters as you traverse from one breathtaking vista to another.

5 Lake Trail Details

• The complete trail spans 9.8 km (6 miles).
• Elevation is 2585 meters (8480 feet).
• Elevation gain is 289 meters (948 feet).
• Trail conditions: Easy to moderate – Follow signs indicating 5-Seenweg.
• Purchase your lift and train tickets here.
• If you’re holding a Swiss Travel Pass, you qualify for a 50% discount on Sunnegga and Blauherd lifts. For lift tickets, find details at Matterhorn Paradise here.
• Discover our strategies for saving money in Switzerland – 10 Simple Ways to Travel Switzerland on a Budget

How to Get to the 5 Lakes Trail

The hike begins at Sunnegga Valley Station in Zermatt. Start your journey with a funicular ride to Sunnegga, then transfer to a gondola heading to the Blauherd Mountain Station. The gondola ride offers fantastic views, allowing you to catch your first glimpses of the Matterhorn from Sunnegga to Blauherd—so make sure to look out the window!

We stayed at The Hotel Aristella Swissflair Hotel & Apartment in Zermatt, conveniently located near the river and just a 10-minute walk to Blauherd Mountain Station. Its prime location served as an excellent base for exploring Zermatt.

The hike from Blauherd to Lake Stellisee, the first of the five lakes, takes approximately 30 minutes. This lake features the iconic view of the Matterhorn depicted in numerous brochures, making it worth arriving early to beat the crowds. During the summer, early bird tickets are available for a sunrise experience at Stellisee, offering a limited number of tickets for a remarkable reflection experience devoid of crowds.

What to Expect – Stellisee at Sunrise

Sunrise tickets for Stellisee can be reserved up until 3 PM the day prior. It’s advisable to book in advance since this excursion is quite popular in Zermatt. Departure times vary according to the season, so double-check the funicular schedule. Departures can range from 04:45 AM to 06:15 AM. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes early to secure your spot on the funicular and be among the first on the gondola. Breakfast at the Matterhorn can be booked here for 72 CHF.

Being first ensures you get ahead of the crowd, especially if you aim to snap some stunning photographs. For the perfect reflection, settle between the two large boulders. Check out our Our Best Switzerland Pictures.

Upon reaching the station, follow the trail to Stellisee, find your perfect spot, and savor the view at your leisure. Following the sunrise, your tickets grant breakfast at Fluhalp Mountain Restaurant, requiring an additional 20-minute hike. Prices start at 53.00 CHF one way. You can purchase sunrise tickets here.

• Note: We opted to forgo breakfast and hiked to the next lake instead, using the early gondola ride to stay ahead of the crowds. Instead, we brought snacks to enjoy along the trail, which allowed us to have Lake #2 all to ourselves.

Camping at Stellisee

If you prefer to skip the 53 CHF breakfast, consider hiking to Stellisee or camping overnight. If given a second chance, we would choose to camp. Campers told us about incredible star trails and night skies reflected in the lake. While drones are allowed, we found them quite disruptive during our visit, leading us to keep ours tucked away.

Lake #1 – Stellisee

Regardless of how you begin your hike to Stellisee—be it for sunrise, camping, or taking the first gondola—aim to arrive as early as possible. The Matterhorn tends to get obscured as the day progresses, so early mornings are optimal for a clear view.

From Blauherd, follow the Seenweg Trail signs to Stellisee, conveniently located to the right of the gondola. It’s an easy 20 to 30-minute walk at a comfortable pace. Once you reach the lake, head to the far end for the best views of the Matterhorn. The large boulders in the lake create various outlooks, offering perfect frame shots. To capture the classic reflection, position yourself to the right of the boulders or settle between them for a unique variation of the scene. Regardless of your choice, the views will be stunning.

Lake #2 Grindjisee

The stroll to Grindjisee is a gentle downhill trek along a wide gravel trail. Having previously biked this route, be prepared to share the path with cyclists. This leisurely walk provides a series of spectacular vistas and only takes about 30 minutes to traverse from Stellisee to Grindjisee.

Choosing to skip breakfast at Fluhalp Mountain Restaurant granted us solo access to the trail and lake. We originally missed Grindjisee during our biking tour but stayed alert for it this time. It’s a more secluded lake, encircled by trees, and the narrow trail goes through a small forest before leading to Grindjisee. Be sure to explore the other side for additional breathtaking reflections of the Matterhorn.

Lake #3 Grünsee

Reluctantly leaving the serenity of Grindjisee, we proceeded to Lake Grünsee. This segment of the 5 Lake Walk remains predominantly downhill, making for a delightful and easy stroll. We began to encounter other hikers along the route, but with our early start, we encountered only a few fellow adventurers.

Grünsee features sandy banks and is popular for swimming. Upon arrival, we found a couple relaxing on the shores who had camped overnight. We took a moment to enjoy our snacks, eager to proceed and absorb all the spectacular views of the Matterhorn.

While you won’t catch reflections of the Matterhorn here, the surrounding peaks create a captivating backdrop that enhances its beauty. We snapped photos just before our new friends jumped into the water, momentarily disturbing the tranquility.

Mountain Hut

The hike to Moosijee involves a slightly more rugged path, diverging from the wide gravel road onto trails that feel more like true hiking routes. Along the way, we stopped at Mountain Lodge Ze Seewjinu for a cappuccino. If you order any food or beverages, restroom access is granted—a considerable perk!

Lake #4 Moosijee

Moosijee, the next lake on the 5 Lakes Hike, is reached via a series of switchbacks. Its milky turquoise color is reminiscent of some lakes found in the Rocky Mountains. Though there are no mountain reflections here, it’s still a lovely spot to pause and relax on its grassy banks.

Leisee

Leisee is the final lake among the 5 Lakes Hike and is the only one that features a noticeable incline. This popular destination offers a playground, beach, swimming facilities, picnic spots, and a barbecue area, making it ideal for families. Located just 10 minutes from Sunnega Summit Station, many choose this as their sole stop, easily accessible by funicular.

The 5 Lakes Hike can be completed within a morning, allowing ample time to explore the Matterhorn area in the afternoon. Visiting Zermatt is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we encourage you to linger as long as possible.

What to Pack for the 5 Lake Walk

Given that the 5 Lakes Hike reaches an altitude of 2585 meters, it can be quite chilly, even in the summer months. Dressing in layers with a windproof and waterproof outer layer is essential. Here are our recommended items to bring:

• Good hiking boots
• Two water bottles
• A reliable backpack
• Sunscreen
• Zip-off pants (cool in the afternoon, cold in the morning)
• Waterproof outer shell jacket
• Warm mid-layer
• Snacks for a picnic lunch
• Chapstick

How to Get to the 5 Lakes Hike

To access the 5 Lakes Hike, it is necessary to purchase lift tickets for Sunnegga and Blauherd. There are multiple lift ticket combinations based on the duration of your stay in Zermatt. You can view ticket prices and options on the Matterhorn Paradise website. If you plan to explore a variety of hikes from Gornergrat to Glacier Paradise, we suggest obtaining the Peak Pass for unlimited access. More details can be found here. Additional reductions may apply if you possess a Swiss Travel Pass.

• A Swiss Travel Pass includes:
  • Unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats
  • Public transport access in over 90 towns and cities
  • Includes mountain excursions: Rigi, Schilthorn, Stanserhorn, and Stoos
  • Free entry to more than 500 museums across Switzerland
  • Discover your Swiss Travel Pass here.
  • Two helpful apps for planning your Switzerland journey: Grand Train Tour of Switzerland app and Swiss Travel Guide app

The best method for navigating the mountains and exploring Zermatt’s attractions is through the purchase of an all-inclusive lift package, which can be found on the Zermatt tourism website.

Conclusion

The 5 Lakes Hike in Zermatt offers an easy yet mesmerizing experience with remarkable panoramic views. With minimal effort, you’ll witness breathtaking scenery that will remain etched in your memory. We wholeheartedly recommend this hike, particularly for the enchanting experience of Stellisee at sunrise, which boasts one of the most iconic vistas in Switzerland. If you find yourself in Zermatt, do not miss the opportunity to witness this stunning reflection in the peaceful lake. Aim to reach it for sunrise to fully enjoy its beauty without the crowding, as capturing the sunrise view made our visit to the 5 Lakes more memorable.

How to Get to Zermatt

Zermatt is situated in the Canton of Valais in southwestern Switzerland. Since motorized vehicles are prohibited in Zermatt, drivers must park at the Matterhorn Terminal Täsch. For those taking the train, tickets to the Matterhorn Terminal Täsch must be obtained. The journey from Täsch to Zermatt is included in your Swiss Travel Pass (which offers your Train Pass for Swiss Railways). More information is available here.

For drivers, the Matterhorn Terminal Täsch has a large covered parking facility where you can leave your vehicle and catch a train to Zermatt. The Zermatt shuttle operates every 20 minutes, taking just 12 minutes to travel from Matterhorn Terminal Täsch to Bahnhofstrasse, Zermatt’s primary pedestrian thoroughfare.

Experiencing the Matterhorn in Switzerland is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you do visit Zermatt, plan to spend at least three days exploring the breathtaking landscapes and if possible, hike the 5 Lakes Trail, as it features some of the most incredible scenery we have ever encountered.