Five Lakes Walk Zermatt (5-Seenweg): Trail Guide + Spa Hotels (2026)
| Distance | 5.6 mi (9 km) one way, mostly downhill (~600 m descent) |
|---|---|
| Elevation gain | 790 ft (240 m) |
| Time | About 2.5 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Best months | Late June to early October |
| Start | Blauherd (2,571 m), via Sunnegga funicular + gondola |
| Cable car / train needed? | Yes — Sunnegga underground funicular from Zermatt, then the Blauherd gondola. |
| Getting there | Train to Zermatt (about 3.5 h from Zurich via Visp). Zermatt is car-free. |
Zermatt has dozens of trails, but if you only do one, make it this. The Five Lakes Walk (5-Seenweg) links five mountain lakes under the Matterhorn, and it's mostly downhill.
Route, lake by lake
- Stellisee — the postcard reflection, 20 minutes from Blauherd.
- Grindjisee — small, wild, wildflowers in July.
- Grünsee — greenish water, good picnic rocks.
- Moosjisee — a reservoir with surprisingly vivid turquoise color.
- Leisee — the family lake near Sunnegga, with a little raft and barbecue spots.
From Leisee, a short shuttle lift returns you to Sunnegga and the funicular down to Zermatt.
Timing
The trail usually opens late June once snow clears and stays good through early October. For reflections, start with the first lift.
Hike & soak in Zermatt
Zermatt is a spa town in disguise: many hotels have pools and saunas. Mont Cervin Palace has a large spa and pool in the center of the village; The Omnia sits on a rock above town with an indoor-outdoor pool. On the way in or out, Brigerbad has big open-air thermal pools near Brig. Compare all of them on the Valais spa map.
♨ Soak after: where to stay
The point of this site: finish the trail in warm water. These are the closest spa hotels and thermal baths to the Five Lakes Walk, Zermatt.
Mont Cervin Palace
Zermatt · Valais
Grand hotel in the center of car-free Zermatt with a large spa and indoor/outdoor pool.
Check rates & availability →The Omnia
Zermatt · Valais
Design hotel on a rock above the village, with an indoor-outdoor pool and Matterhorn views.
Check rates & availability →Brigerbad Thermal Baths
Brigerbad · Valais
Big open-air thermal pools near Brig — easy stop on the way to Zermatt or Saas-Fee.
FAQ
Which lakes have the Matterhorn reflection?
Stellisee, Grindjisee and Leisee are the classic reflection lakes. Stellisee is the most famous; go early in the morning before the wind ruffles the water.
Is the Five Lakes Walk hard?
No. It's mostly downhill on well-marked trails, with one short climb to Grindjisee. Fit beginners and older kids handle it fine.
Can you swim in the Five Lakes?
Leisee, the last lake near Sunnegga, is the most popular for paddling and has a small family area. The others are cold mountain lakes.
How do I get to Zermatt from Zurich airport?
Trains run to Visp, where you change for Zermatt. The total trip is about 3.5 hours. Drivers must leave their car in Täsch.