How To Hike the 5 Seenweg Trail in Zermatt (Map & Instructions)

This spectacular hike takes you past five pristine alpine lakes with the iconic Matterhorn reflecting in crystal-clear waters. It’s one of the most photogenic and rewarding day hikes in the Swiss Alps.

The 5 Seenweg (Five Lakes Trail) is a stunning high-altitude route that winds past five mountain lakes, each offering postcard-perfect reflections of the Matterhorn. The trail sits between 2,200 and 2,800 meters, providing breathtaking panoramic views throughout.

This there-and-back hike meanders through alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers, skirts rocky ridges, and passes tranquil mountain lakes that mirror the surrounding peaks.

The views are simply extraordinary. The Matterhorn dominates the landscape, but you’ll also see the Weisshorn, Dent Blanche, and the glaciers of the Monte Rosa massif. On clear days, the reflections in the lakes create photography opportunities that are hard to match anywhere in the Alps.

Several mountain restaurants along the route serve traditional Swiss cuisine, making this an ideal hike for those who want to combine stunning scenery with excellent food.

The walk is graded medium. You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness to handle the altitude and some rocky sections, though the trail is well-maintained throughout.

In this blog post, I’ve covered everything you need to know about the 5 Seenweg hike in Zermatt, including how to get to the trailhead, a detailed map, and complete hiking instructions.

5 SEENWEG HIKE OVERVIEW

• Start / Finish: Blauherd Cable Car Station
• Distance: 9.5 km / 5.9 miles
• Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Elevation gain: 450 meters
• Difficulty: Medium

I usually prefer loop hikes, but the 5 Seenweg is spectacular enough to make the return journey just as enjoyable as the outbound leg. The changing light throughout the day creates completely different views on the way back.

The hike begins at Blauherd, which you reach via cable car from Zermatt. From here, the trail heads southeast past Stellisee, arguably the most photographed lake in Switzerland thanks to its perfect Matterhorn reflection.

The route continues to Grindjisee, Grünsee, and Moosjisee before reaching the highest point at Fluhalp. Here, you’ll find a charming mountain restaurant with panoramic views.

The final lake, Leisee, sits on a small detour but is worth visiting, especially if you’re hiking with children as it has a designated swimming area in summer.

I’ve rated this hike as medium difficulty for two reasons.

Firstly, the altitude ranges from 2,200m to 2,800m, which can affect your breathing and energy levels if you’re not acclimatized. Take it slow and listen to your body.

Secondly, while the trail is generally well-maintained, there are some rocky and uneven sections that require good footwear and concentration, particularly around Grünsee.

It took me 3 hours 30 minutes of hiking, but I spent nearly 6 hours in total, stopping frequently for photos, lunch at Fluhalp, and simply soaking in the incredible views.

5 SEENWEG HIKE MAP

Below is a map of the 5 Seenweg hike with the five lakes and mountain restaurants marked along the route.

The walk begins at Blauherd, which you reach via cable car from Zermatt (marked on the map).

The main cable car stations and alternative starting points are also indicated.

If you prefer a physical map, I recommend: Kompass 88 – Matterhorn Zermatt.

For digital maps, download the Zermatt region on Maps.me or use the SwitzerlandMobility app, which has all the official Swiss hiking trails with excellent GPS tracking.

USING DIGITAL MAPS: Download offline maps before your hike, as mobile signal can be patchy at altitude. Always carry a backup power bank for your phone.

GETTING TO THE TRAILHEAD

The 5 Seenweg hike starts at Blauherd, which you reach via the Sunnegga-Blauherd cable car system. The cable cars run daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM during the summer season (late June to mid-October). A return ticket to Blauherd costs approximately CHF 48.

BY TRAIN

Zermatt is car-free, so you must arrive by train. The town is accessible from major Swiss cities via Visp. From Visp, the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn runs regular services to Zermatt (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes).

The Sunnegga funicular station is about 10 minutes’ walk from Zermatt railway station, clearly signposted through the village.

CABLE CAR OPTIONS

Sunnegga-Blauherd Cable Car: This is the recommended starting point. Take the underground funicular from Zermatt to Sunnegga (3 minutes), then the cable car to Blauherd (7 minutes).

Alternative Start – Rothorn: For a longer hike with even more spectacular views, take the cable car up to Rothorn (3,103m) and hike down, joining the 5 Seenweg at Fluhalp.

HIKING INSTRUCTIONS

BLAUHERD TO STELLISEE (20 minutes)

From the Blauherd cable car station (2,571m), follow the well-marked signs for the 5 Seenweg trail heading southeast.

The trail begins with a gentle descent across alpine meadows dotted with marmots. In July and August, the meadows explode with wildflowers including gentians, alpine roses, and edelweiss.

After about 20 minutes, you’ll reach Stellisee (2,537m), the first and most famous lake on the trail. This is the spot for the classic Matterhorn reflection photo. The lake is at its most photogenic in the early morning when the water is calm.

I suggest spending at least 15 minutes here. Walk around to the far side of the lake for different perspectives, and if you’re lucky with the weather, you’ll capture that perfect mirror reflection.

STELLISEE TO GRINDJISEE (25 minutes)

From Stellisee, continue southeast on the well-marked trail. The path climbs gently through rocky terrain with spectacular views across the valley to the Weisshorn.

You’ll pass through a small boulder field where you might spot marmots sunbathing on the rocks. Their distinctive whistle is a common sound on Swiss mountain trails.

Grindjisee (2,334m) is the second lake, smaller than Stellisee but equally beautiful. The turquoise-blue water contrasts beautifully with the surrounding rocks and meadows.

GRINDJISEE TO GRÜNSEE (30 minutes)

This section involves a bit more climbing as you head toward Grünsee. The trail becomes rockier, so watch your footing.

As you climb, look back for increasingly impressive views of the Matterhorn and Stellisee below. This is one of my favorite perspectives on the entire trail.

Grünsee (2,300m), or “Green Lake,” lives up to its name with an emerald tint to its waters. There’s a pleasant grassy area beside the lake, perfect for a snack break.

GRÜNSEE TO MOOSJISEE AND FLUHALP (45 minutes)

The trail now climbs more steadily toward Moosjisee, the smallest of the five lakes. While less dramatic than the others, it has a quiet charm and is often less crowded.

From Moosjisee, it’s another 15 minutes uphill to Fluhalp (2,616m), the highest point of the hike. The climb is worth it for the views alone.

Fluhalp is also home to Bergrestaurant Fluhalp, where I stopped for lunch. They serve traditional Swiss dishes including rösti, fondue, and delicious homemade apple strudel. The sun terrace has stunning panoramic views.

From Fluhalp, you can see across to the glaciers and peaks of the Monte Rosa massif, as well as back down the valley to Zermatt.

OPTIONAL DETOUR: LEISEE (30 minutes return)

If you have time and energy, take the 15-minute detour down to Leisee (2,232m), the fifth lake. This lake sits just above Sunnegga and is popular with families as it has a designated swimming area.

While Leisee doesn’t offer the dramatic Matterhorn reflections of Stellisee, it’s a pleasant spot and the swimming area is refreshing on a hot day.

RETURN JOURNEY (2 hours)

After soaking in the views at Fluhalp, retrace your steps back to Blauherd. The return journey takes about 2 hours at a comfortable pace.

The beauty of this trail is that the views change completely depending on the time of day and direction you’re walking. The afternoon light creates different photographic opportunities, and you’ll notice details you missed on the way up.

MOUNTAIN RESTAURANTS ON THE ROUTE

One of the joys of hiking in Switzerland is the excellent mountain restaurants. Here are my top picks on the 5 Seenweg trail.

BERGRESTAURANT FLUHALP

Perched at 2,616m with panoramic views, this family-run restaurant is the perfect lunch stop. They serve hearty Swiss mountain food including homemade soups, rösti with various toppings, and excellent desserts.

The sun terrace is spectacular, offering views across to Monte Rosa and down the valley. Expect to pay CHF 20-30 for a main course.

Open daily from late June to mid-October, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

BERGRESTAURANT BLAUHERD

Located at the cable car station where the hike begins, this is an excellent spot for a post-hike drink or meal. The terrace has direct views of the Matterhorn.

They serve a wide menu ranging from light snacks to full meals. I particularly enjoyed their homemade cake selection.

RESTAURANT SUNNEGGA

If you’re taking the detour to Leisee, Sunnegga has a large self-service restaurant and a more upscale dining area. The self-service is perfect for a quick bite, while the restaurant offers table service with a varied menu.

There’s also a lakeside bar at Leisee during summer where you can grab drinks and snacks.

BEST TIME TO HIKE THE 5 SEENWEG

The best time to hike the 5 Seenweg is from early July to late September. The cable cars are running, snow has melted from the trail, wildflowers are blooming (July-August), and weather conditions are most stable.

I hiked in late July during perfect conditions. The trail was busy, particularly around Stellisee and Blauherd, but I found relative solitude between Grünsee and Fluhalp.

Early Morning Tips: Take the first cable car (8:30 AM) to reach Stellisee by 9:00 AM. The water is calmest in the morning, creating perfect reflections, and you’ll avoid the crowds. The light is also better for photography.

September Hiking: If you can, visit in September. The crowds have thinned, the weather is often stable, and the autumn colors are spectacular. The only downside is shorter days and some mountain restaurants may have reduced hours.

WHAT TO TAKE ON THE HIKE

Hiking Boots: The trail has rocky sections and some uneven terrain, so proper hiking boots with ankle support are essential. I wear mid-height boots similar to these for Alpine hikes.

Layers: Mountain weather is unpredictable. Start with a base layer, bring a fleece or light jacket, and pack a waterproof shell. I was in a t-shirt most of the day but needed my jacket at Fluhalp.

Sunscreen and Sunglasses: At altitude, UV radiation is intense. I use SPF 50 and reapply regularly. A hat with a brim is also essential.

Water and Snacks: Carry at least 1.5 liters of water per person. While there are restaurants on route, they can be busy, and it’s good to have your own supplies. Energy bars and nuts make great trail snacks.

Camera/Phone: This is one of the most photogenic hikes in the Alps. Ensure your camera or phone is fully charged, and bring a power bank. The Matterhorn reflections in Stellisee are iconic photography opportunities.

Cash: Most mountain restaurants accept cards, but it’s wise to carry some Swiss Francs for drinks or snacks at smaller outlets.

Hiking Poles: While not essential, hiking poles help on the uphills and take pressure off your knees during descents. I use adjustable poles that collapse for the cable car journey.

First Aid Kit: Basic supplies including plasters, pain relief, and blister treatment.

Drones: Check current regulations before flying drones. Rules can change, and some areas have restrictions. Always maintain line of sight and respect other hikers.

PRACTICAL TIPS

Altitude Acclimatization: If you’ve just arrived in Zermatt, consider spending a day at lower altitude before tackling the 5 Seenweg. The highest point (Fluhalp) is at 2,616m, which can affect some people.

Photography: For the best Matterhorn reflection shots at Stellisee, arrive early before wind disturbs the water. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare. Wait for other hikers to move out of frame rather than rushing your shots.

Children and Dogs: This trail is suitable for older children (8+) with good hiking experience. Dogs are permitted on leads. Be aware that some sections are rocky and require concentration.

Weather Checking: Always check the weather forecast before setting out. Mountain weather can change rapidly. If storms are forecast, postpone your hike. The webcams at Blauherd and Rothorn show current conditions.

Crowds: This is one of Zermatt’s most popular hikes. To avoid crowds, start early or hike on weekdays. The section between Stellisee and Grindjisee sees the most traffic.

The 5 Seenweg trail is truly one of Switzerland’s classic hikes, combining accessible hiking with world-class mountain scenery. The combination of pristine alpine lakes, the iconic Matterhorn, and excellent mountain restaurants makes this an unforgettable day in the Alps.