Turquoise alpine lakes, postcard views of the Matterhorn, and that crisp mountain air that makes you feel alive … The 5-lakes trail has it all! But, before you lace up your boots, here’s what I really wish I knew.
About the lakes
This hike takes you through five stunning lakes — Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee — all scattered across what used to be a glacier area.
Leisee is the most family-friendly, with warmer water and a small beach area. Swimming is allowed.
Moosjisee, sitting at 2,140 meters, has milky turquoise glacier water and is used to generate electricity — swimming here isn’t allowed.
Grünsee (literally “Green Lake”) lives up to its name with its deep green hues and a wilder setting.
Grindjisee is surrounded by larch trees and has a darker green-blue tint.
Stellisee is the most iconic, with crystal-clear water and breathtaking Matterhorn reflections, especially in the early morning.
The views? Breathtaking. You’ll catch the Matterhorn mirrored in three of them!
How to get there
You can’t drive to the starting point. The starting point is only accessible by gondola or mountain railway — and Google Maps may lead you astray. Don’t rely on it for directions.
Tip: Book your gondola tickets to Sunnegga or Blauherd online in advance — it’s cheaper and saves you time in the morning queues. More info on lift hours here
About the trail
We took the gondola to Sunnegga and hiked the trail counterclockwise — even though the AllTrails app suggests going clockwise (which most people do).
This way, we passed 4 lakes and reached our overnight stay near the 5th lake just in time for dinner. It’s a bit more effort — especially with a backpack — but so worth it.
If you prefer an easier route, take the gondola further up to Blauherd. That direction goes downhill and still lets you see all five lakes — no overnight stay needed unless you want to.
Tip: Zermatt trails sometimes close due to snow or rockfall, even in summer. Always check the latest updates here
Where to eat
Breakfast/ Brunch
If you’re staying in Zermatt, I highly recommend breakfast or brunch at Hotel Mama Bistro — it’s open daily from 7:00 AM to midnight, with breakfast served until 11:30 AM. Bonus: it’s right near the Sunnegga cable car departure point.
Lunch
For lunch, head up to Paradise! It’s an alpine-boho restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating and unbeatable Matterhorn views. (Best to reserve ahead if you’re a big group.)
dinner
We had a home-cooked dinner included in our stay at Fluhalp (2,620 m) — a Swiss-style mountain restaurant with dreamiest views of the Matterhorn and lake Stellisee. You can sit inside or enjoy the terrace if it’s not too chilly.
What to wear & bring
- Proper hiking shoes are a must — the path is mostly gravel.
- Layers, layers, layers — the higher altitude means cool breezes even on sunny days.
- Blister plasters – even the best socks aren’t magic.
- Snacks – some lakes have no food facilities.
- Swimsuit (optional) – if you’re brave enough for glacial water!
Tip for the ladies: If you have shellac/gel on your toes, consider removing it before going. After hours in hiking shoes, your nails will thank you.
Keep an eye out...
This trail is rich in alpine flora and fauna. We spotted rare alpine flowers like edelweiss and wild orchids. You might even hear marmots whistling nearby — those little guys are the cutest!
Where to stay
We spent a night at Fluhalp (2,620 m) — a cozy mountain hut with the front-row view of the Matterhorn and lake Stellisee. More about this spot in my post: “Fluhalp — The mountain hut you’ll want to move into..”
The verdict
Whether you do the full loop or just a part of it, this trail is worth every step. Just pack smart, plan ahead, and don’t forget to pause and reconnect with nature.
