The Route at a Glance
The Five Lakes Walk (5-Seenweg) is one of the most popular summer walks in Zermatt. It starts at the Blauherd lift station, passes Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee and Leisee, and finishes at Sunnegga, where the funicular takes you back down to the village. The Matterhorn is reflected in three of the lakes on calm days, which is the main reason so many people walk it.
Published figures vary a little by source. Zermatt Tourism lists the route (walk number 11) at about 9.8 km with roughly 2 hours 30 minutes of walking, 165 m of ascent and 454 m of descent. SwitzerlandMobility gives a slightly longer version of around 11 km and just over three hours. In practice, plan on three to four hours including photo stops and a lunch break. The paths are well marked and mostly wide gravel or earth tracks, with a few narrower stony sections and some switchbacks.
Getting to the Start
From Zermatt village, walk to the Sunnegga Express, an underground funicular that climbs to Sunnegga at about 2,288 m in a few minutes. From Sunnegga, take the small gondola up to Blauherd at about 2,571 m. Combined return tickets to Blauherd are sold at the valley station; prices change each season and are listed on the Zermatt Bergbahnen website. Since you finish at Sunnegga, a ticket that covers the ride up to Blauherd and the funicular down from Sunnegga is all you need.
The lifts usually run from early morning until late afternoon. Check the last descent time from Sunnegga before you set off, and check the timetable at the start of the season, when some lines may run only as far as Sunnegga.
Lake by Lake
Stellisee is the first and most photographed lake, a short, almost flat walk from Blauherd. On a still morning it gives the classic mirror image of the Matterhorn. Arrive early: wind tends to pick up later in the day and breaks the reflection.
Grindjisee sits lower down among larch and stone pine. It is smaller and quieter, and the Matterhorn also appears in its surface on calm days.
Grünsee is a larger lake set below the Findel Glacier's moraines. The surrounding terrain is rockier, and a mountain restaurant nearby makes this a natural lunch stop.
Moosjisee is different in character: a reservoir with milky turquoise water fed by glacial meltwater, with no Matterhorn reflection.
Leisee is the last lake and the most family-friendly, just below Sunnegga. It has a small swimming area, a playground and barbecue spots, and in summer it is a popular place for children to paddle. From Leisee, a short climb (or the small Leisee Shuttle, when operating) brings you back up to Sunnegga.
When to Go
The walk is generally open from late June to early October, once the snow has melted at around 2,500 m. Exact dates depend on the year and on the lift schedule. July and August bring wildflowers and the warmest weather, but also the most walkers. September is often clear and settled, and the larches around Grindjisee turn gold in early to mid-October. Mornings are best for reflections and for avoiding afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in high summer.
Tips for Families
The route is mostly downhill, which makes it manageable for children who are used to walking, though there is still some climbing between Grünsee and Moosjisee. Families with young children can shorten it by walking only from Blauherd to Stellisee and back, or by spending time at Leisee, which is a short walk from Sunnegga. Strollers are not practical on the main route, but the path between Sunnegga and Leisee is easier.
Look out for marmots on the slopes near Blauherd and Stellisee; you will often hear their whistles before you see them.
What to Bring
Even on a sunny day, temperatures at 2,500 m are much lower than in the village and the wind can be strong. Pack a warm layer and a rain jacket, sun cream and sunglasses, water, and snacks. Sturdy walking shoes with a good grip are better than trainers on the stony sections. There are restaurants along the way, but carrying your own lunch gives you more freedom to stop at the lake you like best. Swimming is possible at Leisee, but the other lakes are cold and in some cases protected, so check signage first.
