Five Lakes Trail in Zermatt

How to Get to the Five Lakes Trail in Zermatt

Zermatt is a car-free town, which means that it is impossible to drive directly there. However, access is well-organized and relatively simple.

Step 1: Travel by Car or Train to Täsch

If you’re traveling by car, drive to Täsch, a town located 5 km from Zermatt. There, you will find the Matterhorn Terminal Täsch, a covered parking facility that serves as a transit hub for visitors.

Step 2: Take the Train from Täsch to Zermatt

From Täsch, take the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn train, which departs every 20 minutes and takes just 12 minutes to reach the center of Zermatt.

The Five Lakes Trail in Zermatt is perfect with views of the Matterhorn

Today, I’m taking you to the canton of Valais, Switzerland, to explore one of the most breathtaking hiking trails in the country. With crystal-clear lakes, stunning alpine landscapes, and several spectacular viewpoints of the Matterhorn, the Five Lakes Trail (5-Seenweg) is an unmissable experience for nature and adventure lovers.

If you’re looking for a hiking route in Switzerland with postcard-worthy scenery and accessible to different experience levels, this is an excellent choice.

Step 3: Ascend to Blauherd (Starting Point of the Trail)

To start the hike, you need to reach Blauherd using the following transportation:

• Sunnegga Funicular – 3-minute ride
• Cable car to Blauherd – 10-minute ride

Once you arrive at Blauherd (2,571 m altitude), the hike begins, and the view is already spectacular from the very first steps.

Zermatt: A Charming Alpine Town

Before diving into the hike itself, it’s worth highlighting the unique charm of Zermatt, the town that serves as the gateway to this adventure.

Zermatt is entirely car-free, making its town center incredibly pleasant to explore—no traffic noise, just beautiful traditional alpine buildings. As you stroll through its streets, you’ll quickly notice the luxury and refinement of the area, with high-end hotels, designer boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and ski equipment shops blending harmoniously with traditional Swiss chalets.

Zermatt is a popular destination year-round:

• In winter, it attracts skiers from all over the world thanks to its exceptional ski resort.
• In summer, it becomes a hiker’s paradise, offering incredible mountain trails.

Additionally, the town boasts a breathtaking view of the Matterhorn, the iconic mountain that inspired the Toblerone logo, making Zermatt one of the most legendary places in Switzerland.

Now that you know why Zermatt is worth visiting, here’s a complete guide on how to reach the Five Lakes Trail.

The Five Lakes and Their Breathtaking Scenery

1. Stellisee – The Perfect Mirror of the Matterhorn

The Stellisee (2,537 m) is the most famous of the five lakes. Its main attraction? A perfect reflection of the Matterhorn, visible when the water is calm.

• Best time to visit: Morning, when the wind is minimal, ensuring a clear reflection.
• Highlights: Photography, sunrise, panoramic views.
• Fun fact: It is one of the most photographed lakes in the Swiss Alps.

After visiting Stellisee, the trail gently descends toward the second lake.

2. Grindjisee – A Lake Surrounded by Alpine Vegetation

Unlike Stellisee, Grindjisee (2,324 m) stands out for its rich vegetation. Framed by trees and alpine plants, it offers a unique and contrasting landscape.

• Highlights: Alpine flora, vibrant colors in summer, a stunning contrast between the vegetation and the Matterhorn in the background.
• Fun fact: This lake is highly appreciated by photographers for the color variations throughout the seasons.

The hike continues along a well-marked trail, leading toward the third lake.

3. Grünsee – The Emerald Green Lake

Grünsee (2,300 m), whose name means “Green Lake” in German, is known for its emerald-green waters and a more rocky, rugged landscape surrounding it.

• Highlights: Possibility to swim on warm summer days, a striking contrast between the rocky terrain and the green water.
• Fun fact: This is one of the few lakes on the trail where swimming is allowed.

From Grünsee, the trail continues toward the fourth lake, which stands out for its spectacular color.

4. Moosjisee – The Glacier-Fed Turquoise Blue Lake

Moosjisee (2,140 m) is an artificial lake, but its vibrant turquoise color is entirely natural, caused by glacial water rich in minerals and sediments.

• Highlights: The brilliant blue hue, which shifts depending on sunlight, and the stunning contrast with the surrounding mountains.
• Fun fact: Its unique color comes from fine suspended particles, known as “glacial flour”.

Finally, the last stretch of the hike leads to the fifth and final lake on the trail.

5. Leisee – The Perfect Lake to Relax After the Hike

Leisee (2,232 m) marks the end of the trail and is located near Sunnegga station, where the hike concludes.

• Highlights: Opportunity to swim, picnic, and relax while enjoying a stunning view of the Matterhorn.
• Fun fact: This lake is very popular among families in summer, thanks to its small beach and designated rest areas.

Is the Five Lakes Trail in Zermatt Worth It?

Absolutely! This hike offers a remarkable variety of landscapes, combining perfect reflections, lakes in different shades, and breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.

Beyond the trail itself, the experience of visiting Zermatt, with its chic alpine atmosphere, makes this adventure even more unforgettable.

So, are you ready to explore the alpine lakes of Zermatt?

If you’ve already done this Five Lakes Trail in Zermatt or are planning to, share your experience in the comments!

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