5-Seenweg (Five Lakes Walk)
5-Seenweg
A classic trail linking five alpine lakes: Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee and Leisee. Three of them offer reflections of the Matterhorn.
The Five Lakes Walk is about 9.3 km long, with a cumulative descent of about 500 meters. It takes 2.5 to 3 hours and is moderately easy. The standard route is to take the underground cable railway from Zermatt to Sunnegga, then transfer to the cable car to Blauherd (2,571 meters) to begin. From there, the route passes Stellisee (about 2,537 meters, famous for its reflections and a popular spot for photographing the Matterhorn under the stars), then Grindjisee, surrounded by pine forest, then Grünsee, with its emerald water where swimming is possible, then Moosjisee, an artificial lake with milky-green glacier meltwater, and finally Leisee. The walk ends with a ride back down from Sunnegga. You can stop for lunch at a mountain restaurant in the small village of Findeln along the way. Stellisee, Grindjisee and Leisee all offer Matterhorn reflections.
Cable car costs for Sunnegga and Blauherd round trip are about CHF 50 to 60, with a 50% discount for Swiss Travel Pass holders.
The trail is clearly marked with yellow signs. Reflections are best in the morning, so aim to leave Blauherd before 9 a.m. Bring plenty of water and sun protection, and be careful on the trail after rain, as it gets slippery.
Opening hours
Trails open all day; cable car approx. 08:00–17:00 (late June–October)
Nearby sights
- Rothorn (Unterrothorn)
- Sunnegga / Leisee
- Findeln
- Gornergrat
- Gorner Glacier
- Riffelsee
- Glacier Express
- Bahnhofstrasse Zermatt