Location: Zermatt, Switzerland
Distance: 9km (5.5mi)
Time: 2.5+ Hours
Elevation Gain: 280m (920ft)
Elevation Loss: 575m (1885ft)
Info: http://www.zermatt.ch/en/Media/Planning-hikes-tours/5-Seenweg

The 5-Seenweg is a must do hike while in Zermatt! It is a great leisurely hike just with some picturesque views of the Matterhorn. Starting in Blauherd, the journey begins with a cog car ride through the mountain from Zermatt to Sunnegga. Next, is a cable car ride up the mountain to the beginning in Blauherd. Other options available are a 2hr hike from Zermatt to Sunnegga (all uphill) and 1hr 15min hike from Sunnegga to Blauhard.

Once in Blauherd the walk begins heading down and across to the first lake, Stellisee. Here you can catch some reflections off of the lake of the surrounding mountains and if it is a very clear day, in the right spot the Matterhorn can be seen reflected in the lake.

Hiking on down, the next lake is Grindjisee. There are some good shaded spots here to sit and relax while soaking in the scenery of the beautiful surrounding Alps Mountains. The view of the Matterhorn is outstanding and is always changing throughout the duration of the walk.

My personal favorite, Grunsee, the next lake on the list. This is the spot to go for a swim! What a treat it was to swim in a nice, refreshing, and cool alps lake while looking at the Matterhorn. There are also several places to lay out on a rock here or find some shade under the trees.

Coming to the fourth lake, Moosjisee, I was not impressed. It was dirty, small, and quite frankly just damed up stream water. We didn’t even stop here at this spot let alone capture a picture and carried on to the final lake.

Leisee Lake located right below Sunnegga is a very family friendly lake. There are activities for children including a floating raft with a rope pull and a playground. Swimming in this lake is also nice but it is more crowded with people and families being so close to the Sunnegga lift.

The 5-Seenweg hike takes about 2.5 hours but stopping to enjoy the scenery and views, I would expect 4.5-6 hours. My family and I did it in 5 hours enjoying a nice lunch and swimming in Grunsee. It is a hike that you don’t want to rush.

Begin Matterhorn Pictures…

Sometimes you just have to drop everything and enjoy the view.

Photo Credits: Briena Barclay