Zermatt Five Lakes Trail

High in the Swiss Alps, the Zermatt Five Lakes Trail (5-Seenweg) is a bucket-list hike that delivers jaw-dropping reflections of the Matterhorn in a series of alpine tarns. This moderately easy 9.3 km loop is pure eye candy, threading through wildflower meadows, larch forests, and past five distinct lakes, each with its own personality and killer view of the iconic pyramid peak. Whether you’re a keen photographer, a nature lover, or just someone who wants to earn a postcard-perfect moment, this trail is a must-do when visiting Zermatt.

Highlights & What to See

• Leisee – The first lake you reach, and arguably the most famous thanks to its mirror-like surface that perfectly doubles the Matterhorn on calm days. There’s a family-friendly beach and a short nature trail here.
• Grindjisee – A deep emerald-green lake surrounded by dense forest; the reflection of the Matterhorn is especially vivid in the morning light.
• Grünsee – Translating to ‘green lake’, this one lives up to its name with stunning turquoise waters set against a backdrop of rugged peaks.
• Moosjisee – A smaller, more intimate lake with a wooden viewing platform that offers a unique low-angle perspective of the Matterhorn.
• Stellisee – The highest lake on the trail (2537 m), often with icy patches even in summer, and a classic spot for sunset reflections.
• Panoramic views – The entire trail is a parade of ever-changing views of the Matterhorn, the Monte Rosa massif, and the Gorner Glacier.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow around 2.5 to 3.5 hours for the full loop, depending on how many photos you stop for (and you will stop a lot). Start early from Zermatt to catch the cable car up to Sunnegga or Blauherd – the trail can be done in either direction. The best time is late June to October when the snow has cleared and the larches are green. If you’re short on time, you can hike just the section from Sunnegga to Leisee and back (about 1 hour), but the full loop is well worth the effort.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Zermatt village – A car-free resort with charming chalets, excellent restaurants, and the Gornergrat Railway for another Matterhorn view.
• Gornergrat – Europe’s highest open-air railway takes you to a 3089 m viewpoint with a 360° panorama of 29 peaks.
• Sunnegga Paradise – A sunny terrace with a lake (Leisee), kids’ play area, and easy hiking trails – great for families.
• Rothorn – A higher cable car station from Sunnegga, offering more challenging hikes and a restaurant with epic views.
• Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – The highest cable car station in Europe (3883 m) with a glacier palace and year-round snow.
• Schwarzsee – A small lake at the base of the Matterhorn, accessible by cable car from Zermatt, with a chapel and hiking trails.

Please check official sources for current details.