The 5 Lakes Walk is one of the most popular hiking trails in Zermatt, and for good reason. This scenic route links five very different alpine lakes — Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee and Leisee — while keeping the Matterhorn in view for much of the day. The trail is an extraordinary and accessible hiking path where the Matterhorn is reflected in three of the mountain lakes.
Also known as the Five Lakes Trail Zermatt or 5-Seenweg, the route usually starts at Blauherd and finishes at Sunnegga, making it a mostly downhill mountain walk if you use the lifts. The official Zermatt route lists the trail at 11.3km, with 265m ascent, 542m descent, and an estimated duration of 3h30. Whereas this hiking guide starts at Sunnegga after the Funicular and hikes uphill to Fluhalp Hut and onto Obererthorn before getting the cable car down from Rothorn.
This guide covers everything you need to know before hiking the 5 Lakes Walk Zermatt, including how to reach the trailhead, which lakes are best for Matterhorn reflections, route difficulty, lift logistics, timing, gear and whether this famous Zermatt hike is worth the hype.
5 Lakes Walk
The 5 Lakes Walk is one of the most popular hiking routes in Zermatt, linking a chain of alpine lakes with classic Matterhorn views along the way. Also known as the Five Lakes Trail or 5-Seenweg, the standard route connects Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee and Leisee, with the Matterhorn reflected in several of the lakes in calm conditions.
Most hikers start from Blauherd and finish at Sunnegga, using the lift system to make the walk mostly downhill. This route, however, is a much tougher version, recording 16.00 km, 1,448 m of elevation gain and 4h12m of hiking time. This demanding variation takes an easier lake walk into a full mountain day hiking whilst still ticking off the 5 lakes viewpoints.
The route is especially good if you want a scenic but flexible Zermatt hike. You can keep things simple with the classic Blauherd-to-Sunnegga version, or add extra elevation and ambition by linking in higher trails around Rothorn / Oberrothorn. The Oberrothorn is a demanding extension above the Sunnegga–Blauherd area which reaches serious altitude on exposed steep scree and offers broad summit views over the Zermatt mountain skyline (on a clear day).
5 Lakes Walk Hiking Overview
Recorded route data for a tougher 5 Lakes Walk variation in Zermatt, with extra elevation gain and the option to extend higher towards the Oberrothorn area.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Route Name | 5 Lakes Walk / Five Lakes Trail / 5-Seenweg |
| Classic Lakes | Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee and Leisee |
| Recorded Distance | 16.00 km / 9.9 miles |
| Recorded Elevation Gain | 1,448 m / 4,751 ft |
| Recorded Time | 4h 12m |
| Standard Route | Usually Blauherd to Sunnegga when following the classic lift-assisted 5 Lakes route |
| Optional Extension | Oberrothorn / Rothorn area for a harder high-level mountain route |
| Difficulty | Moderate to hard — this recorded route is much tougher than the classic downhill version |
| Main Highlights | Matterhorn views, alpine lakes, reflection photography, high meadows and varied Zermatt scenery |
| Strava Rating | 3 / 5 |
| Best Season | Summer to early autumn, once the higher trails and lake paths are snow-free |
| Best For | First-time Zermatt hikers, lake photography, Matterhorn views and flexible route planning |
Leisee, Mosjesee & Grunsee
The 5 Lakes Walk (5-Seenweg) in Zermatt is very popular and the No.1 out of all the Zermatt Hiking trails on AllTrails. Most people ride the underground funicular to Sunnegga, then up the gondola to Blauherd Station to start the walk. However, we chose to ride up to Sunnegga, then hike to Leisee first. Once again, the weather was not ideal, with low clouds settled upon the Zermatt Valley.
Our hopes of seeing the Matterhorn or other mountaintops were low. We followed the easy, soggy hiking path to Mosjesee, which was very moody with the clouds in the pine forest. The trail climbed up to Mountain Lodge Ze Seewjinu; this was maybe the most interesting part. Not many people were on the lower half of the 5 Lakes route as we reached Grunsee. Grunsee would offer good views across the valley.
Grindjisee & Stellisee
Next up was Grindjisee after a steep gravel road section. The reflections of the trees in the water were nice, but nothing too exciting. On the hike up to Stellisee, we finally got a view of some mountains peeking through the clouds. This hope was cancelled when we joined the crowded trail from Blauherd with people eager to see their first lake. We had climbed up the long, hard way and didn’t bother stopping at Stellisee with the large groups of non-hikers.
Instead, we powered up to Fluhalp Mountain Hut and Restaurant. We took in the views of the Findelglescher and the mountains on the Italian border. We had a decision to make about either returning to Blauherd or heading up towards Rothorn Station and onto Oberrothorn (AllTrails).
Oberrothorn
Of course, we picked the challenging option and started the steep climb up the track. The altitude at Rothorn Bergstation is 3103m, so we had some serious elevation to deal with. I was poorly fuelled, so I was running low on energy as we hit the trailhead to Rothorn Station. However, I was determined to climb to Oberrothorn with Roisin, another 300m climb to 3414m at the summit.
We took our time climbing the loose and narrow path, seeing more serious hikers up here compared to the 5 Lakes. We summited at nearly 2 pm; therefore, enjoyed a late lunch on the summit with minimal views and only some blue sky above. The descent was fast but careful, with a final kicker to reach the Rothorn Station to catch the cable car down.
Rothorn Station
Finally, at Rothorn Station, we were rewarded with spectacular views around Unterrothorn. The Matterhorn had shown its beauty with blue skies, white clouds and an imposing presence over the valley. It was so special that we skipped a cable car to soak up the views and enjoy a much-earned chocolate bar. The cable car down to Blauherd had great forward-facing views of the Matterhorn.
Then we continued down the gondola and funicular to reach the town in the valley. Honestly, I didn’t rate the 5 Lakes Walk too much. This Zermatt hiking route was saved by the fact that we still managed more than 1400m of climbing at over 3000m of elevation, with some great views of the Matterhorn from Unterrothorn.
5 Lakes Walk Planning
The 5 Lakes Walk is easy to underestimate. The classic version from Blauherd to Sunnegga is often described as moderate and mostly downhill, but your recorded route was significantly tougher at 16km with 1,448m of elevation gain. That makes route choice the most important planning decision.
If you want the easier experience, use the lift system and start from Blauherd. This gives you the classic lake sequence with less climbing. If you want a bigger mountain day, extend the route, start lower, or link in trails towards the Oberrothorn / Rothorn area. Hiking routes to the Oberrothorn are much more strenuous, with large elevation gain and a summit at roughly 3,400m / 11,190ft depending on the route variation.
Start Early for Reflections
The main reason many people hike the 5 Lakes Walk is for Matterhorn reflections. Stellisee is the classic photo stop, but calm conditions matter more than anything else. Early morning usually gives the best chance of still water, fewer people and clearer skies.
Check Lift Times Before You Start
The 5 Lakes Walk depends heavily on Zermatt’s lift network if you want the classic version. Missing the last lift can turn a simple hike into a long descent back to Zermatt. Always check the latest operating times before committing to the route.
Do Not Expect a Remote Wilderness Trail
This is one of the most famous hikes in Zermatt, so expect crowds in peak summer, especially around Stellisee, Leisee and the lift stations. The trail is still scenic, but it is not as wild or quiet as routes like the Edelweiss / Höhbalmen Trail.
Bring Sun Protection
Much of the route is exposed, and the altitude makes the sun feel stronger. Pack sunglasses, sunscreen, a cap and enough water. Even if the day starts cloudy, conditions can change quickly.
Choose the Right Version for Your Fitness
For most people, the classic Blauherd-to-Sunnegga trail is the best option. If you are a stronger hiker, adding extra elevation or continuing higher towards Oberrothorn makes the day more rewarding, but it also changes the difficulty completely.
Best Direction
The classic route is usually best done from Blauherd down to Sunnegga. Doing it in reverse adds more climbing and makes the hike harder, which may be useful if you want a training day but less ideal if you mainly want relaxed lake views.
Food and Water
There are mountain restaurants and facilities in the Sunnegga / Blauherd area, but you should still carry water and snacks. If you are extending the route towards Oberrothorn or starting lower, treat the day as a proper mountain hike rather than a casual tourist walk.
Zermatt Hiking Essentials
My Recommendation
If this is your first time in Zermatt, hike the classic 5 Lakes Walk early in the morning and focus on Stellisee, Grindjisee and Leisee. If you have already done the easier viewpoints and want a bigger objective, then use the 5 Lakes route as part of a longer day towards Rothorn or Oberrothorn.
5 Lakes Walk Summary
The 5 Lakes Walk is one of the easiest Zermatt hikes to recommend for first-time visitors. It gives you classic Matterhorn scenery, alpine lakes, varied terrain and a manageable route that can be completed as a half-day hike if you use the lifts.
The biggest highlight is the variety between the lakes. Stellisee is the classic Matterhorn reflection spot, Grindjisee feels more rugged and botanical, Grünsee has a drier alpine character, Moosjisee stands out with its milky turquoise water, and Leisee is the most family-friendly lake near Sunnegga. The official Zermatt page also notes swimming opportunities at Leisee and Grünsee, plus picnic facilities and a children’s playground at Leisee.
This is not the quietest hike in Zermatt, and it can feel busy around the lift stations and reflection viewpoints. But it is popular for a reason. If you want a scenic, accessible and rewarding route with multiple photo stops, the Five Lakes Trail Zermatt is a brilliant choice.
For stronger hikers, the 5 Lakes Walk can also be extended or combined with other trails around Sunnegga, Findeln or Zermatt. But as a standalone route, it works perfectly as a Matterhorn-focused day hike that does not demand the same effort as longer routes like the Edelweiss / Höhbalmen Trail or a full hike up to Gornergrat.
FAQs
Is the 5 Lakes Walk worth it?
Yes, the 5 Lakes Walk is worth it if you want an accessible Zermatt hike with Matterhorn views, alpine lakes and photo stops. The route connects Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee and Leisee, and Switzerland Tourism notes that the Matterhorn is reflected in three of these lakes.
How long is the 5 Lakes Walk in Zermatt?
The official Zermatt route lists the 5 Lakes Walk at 11.3km, with an estimated duration of 3h30.
Where does the 5 Lakes Walk start and finish?
The official Zermatt route starts at Blauherd and ends at Sunnegga.
Which lakes are on the Five Lakes Trail Zermatt?
The Five Lakes Trail connects Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee and Leisee.
Is the 5 Lakes Walk difficult?
The official Zermatt route rates the 5 Lakes Walk as moderate, with 265m ascent and 542m descent.
