Five Lakes Trail, from Blauherd to Sunnegga

What it is

The 5-Seenweg, Zermatt path number 11, links five mountain lakes on the Sunnegga slope, opposite the Matterhorn: Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee and Leisee. In three of them, the Stellisee, the Grindjisee and the Leisee, the mountain is reflected in the water when there is no wind, and it is the photo nearly everyone is after. It is Zermatt's best-known lake route and one of the most rewarding for families.

Route details

According to Zermatt Tourismus: 11.3 km, about 3 h 30 of walking, 265 m of ascent and 542 m of descent, medium difficulty (T2). It starts at Blauherd, at 2,571 m, and ends at Sunnegga, at 2,288 m; the highest point is at 2,617 m and the lowest at 2,130 m. In reverse it takes about 20 minutes longer. It is signposted as "5-Seenweg" with the number 11 on the yellow posts.

How to get there

From the centre of Zermatt you go up on the underground Sunnegga funicular and there change to the Blauherd gondola. At the end, at Sunnegga, you take the funicular down. Zermatt does not allow petrol cars: if you come by car, leave it in Täsch and take the shuttle train up.

In summer, Zermatt Bergbahnen sells a combined ticket for this route: ascent from Zermatt to Blauherd and descent from Sunnegga to Zermatt for CHF 52. Separately, Zermatt – Blauherd single costs CHF 34 and Sunnegga – Zermatt, CHF 18. With the Swiss Travel Pass, Half Fare Card or GA you pay half; children under 9 travel free and those aged 9 to 15, half price.

The route step by step

1. Blauherd – Stellisee. A short stretch to the first lake, the most photographed: with still water the Matterhorn appears whole on the surface.
2. Stellisee – Grindjisee. You descend to the second lake, another of those that reflect the mountain.
3. Grindjisee – Grünsee. You keep going down to the Grünsee, where swimming is allowed.
4. Grünsee – Moosjisee. A stretch along the slope to the fourth lake. From the lowest point, at 2,130 m, you have to climb to Sunnegga, at 2,288 m: it is the part you notice most.
5. Moosjisee – Leisee – Sunnegga. The final climb brings you to the Leisee, a step from Sunnegga, with a picnic area, a playground and swimming allowed.

When to go

From June to September, depending on the installations' season and the snow. In early summer there may be patches of snow: check that the path is open, because the official page marks it as closed out of season, and check the lift timetables, since sometimes they only run as far as Sunnegga. For the reflection, set off early: the afternoon wind ruffles the water.

Water, shade and food

You walk above 2,100 m, with a lot of sun and little protection from the wind. Zermatt Tourismus notes that there are restaurants along the way, and at Sunnegga and Blauherd you have the stations with services. Take water and sun cream anyway.

With children and with a dog

Zermatt Tourismus recommends it for children from 6 years old. If they are small, you can shorten it: the Leisee is very close to Sunnegga and is a good plan on its own, with a picnic area and playground. Dogs travel free on the Zermatt Bergbahnen installations.

If the weather changes

In summer afternoon storms are frequent. If the sky darkens, cut across from the Grünsee towards Sunnegga and do not stay in open areas. Without visibility, the Matterhorn cannot be seen and the route loses its point: better to swap it for the Matterhorn Museum and leave it for another day.