The 5 Lakes Walk in Zermatt combines a moderate mountain hike with some of the best Matterhorn photography locations in the Swiss Alps. The route passes Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee, with each lake offering a different mix of reflections, alpine plants, rock formations, glacial color, and wide mountain views.
Quick Answer
The 5 Lakes Walk usually runs from Blauherd to Sunnegga and passes five mountain lakes. Current official listings describe a moderate route of roughly 9.8 to 11.3 kilometers. Allow 3 to 4 hours for the hike, plus extra time for photos, weather changes, and lakeside stops.
Key Takeaways
- Official route listings vary from 9.8 to 11.3 kilometers, so budget at least 3 to 4 hours of walking.
- The usual downhill route begins at Blauherd and ends at Sunnegga.
- Stellisee, Grindjisee, and Leisee are the main Matterhorn reflection locations highlighted by official Zermatt information.
- Grünsee is known for its green water and alpine setting, while Moosjisee is a milky turquoise storage reservoir.
- Check the weather, trail status, and lift schedule before leaving Zermatt.
At a Glance
| Distance | Approximately 9.8 to 11.3 km, depending on the official map and measured alignment |
| Time Required | About 3 to 4 hours of walking; allow 4 to 5 hours with photography stops |
| Difficulty | Moderate mountain hike with uneven paths, climbs, and descents |
| Start and Finish | Blauherd to Sunnegga |
| Equipment Needed | Sturdy shoes, water, food, warm layer, rain shell, sun protection, charged phone, and optional camera gear |
| Best Season | Usually June through September, subject to snow, trail conditions, and lift operations |
| Cost | The trail is free; mountain transport tickets cost extra and vary by date and discount |
Warning: Mountain weather can change quickly. Check the current trail status, lift operations, and forecast before starting. Swimming is strictly forbidden in Moosjisee. Enter Grünsee or Leisee only when local signs clearly allow swimming.
How to Plan the 5 Lakes Walk in Zermatt
The standard route follows Blauherd, Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, Leisee, and Sunnegga. The current Zermatt Tourism route listing describes an 11.3-kilometer moderate hike with 265 meters of ascent and 542 meters of descent. The Zermatt Bergbahnen trail page lists a shorter mapped distance of 9.8 kilometers.
The difference is likely caused by the alignment, map version, or points used to measure the route. Instead of planning around the shortest estimate, allow enough time for breaks, navigation, changing weather, and photography. A steady hiker may finish in about three hours, while a photographer can easily spend four or five hours on the mountain.
Best Direction and Lift Access
Most visitors take the underground funicular from Zermatt to Sunnegga and continue by gondola to Blauherd. Starting at Blauherd places you close to Stellisee and creates a mostly descending route toward Sunnegga, although the trail still includes uphill sections.
At the end of the walk, you can return from Sunnegga to Zermatt by funicular. Check the live lift and operating-status page before setting out. A trail may appear open even when part of the mountain transport system is closed or running on a reduced schedule.
Best Season and Time of Day
June through September is the usual hiking season. Early summer can bring flowers and lingering snow patches, while late summer often offers clearer paths. In early autumn, larches and other vegetation begin to add warmer colors. Conditions vary each year, so the calendar alone cannot confirm that the whole route is safe and open.
Morning usually gives you the best chance of calm water and clean reflections. Later in the day, wind, clouds, and afternoon storms may become more likely. Sunset can produce warm light, but you must leave enough time to reach safe transport or accommodation before dark.
Pro Tip: A true sunrise photograph at Stellisee may require a special early lift departure, a nearby overnight stay, or a pre-dawn hike. Do not assume normal lifts will reach Blauherd before sunrise. Check official operations and attempt a dark hike only when you have suitable experience, lighting, clothing, and navigation.
Lake Stellisee: The Classic Matterhorn Reflection
Lake Stellisee sits at 2,537 meters and is the best-known photography stop on the route. It is about a 20-minute walk from the Blauherd station. When the water is calm, the Matterhorn can appear clearly on the surface, creating the reflection that has made the lake one of Zermatt’s most recognized viewpoints.
Early morning often gives you the softest light and the best chance of smooth water. Instead of photographing only the lake and mountain, move carefully around the marked path to look for cotton grass, stones, and the lake’s small rocky islands. These foreground elements can help frame the reflection and make the image feel more balanced.
A wide-angle lens or a smartphone’s standard camera works well for the complete scene. A longer lens can isolate the Matterhorn, the reflection, or small patterns in the water. Avoid walking onto wet or fragile shoreline plants simply to improve your angle.
Stellisee usually provides the strongest classic Matterhorn composition, but calm water, clear visibility, and careful positioning matter more than expensive camera equipment.
Lake Grindjisee: Reflections, Larches, and Alpine Plants
Grindjisee lies at 2,324 meters. Its small size, larches, moorland plants, and mountain backdrop give it a more intimate appearance than Stellisee. In calm conditions, the water can reflect the Matterhorn together with the nearby trees.
The lake is especially useful when you want more than a simple mountain-and-water composition. Try using larch branches, flowers, grass, or stones to create layers from the foreground to the distant peak. The result can feel deeper and more natural than a centered postcard image.
The area is also known for rare alpine flora. Stay on the established trail and avoid stepping into damp vegetation or moving plants for a photograph. A close-focusing lens can capture flowers from the path without damaging their habitat.
Lake Grünsee: Green Water and Wide Mountain Views
| Aspect | Verified Details |
| Location | On the 5 Lakes Walk above Zermatt, Switzerland |
| Elevation | 2,300 meters |
| Water | Green and cold, fed by surrounding mountain springs |
| Swimming | Possible only when local signs allow it; there are no dedicated swimming facilities |
| Best Photo Features | Green water, rocks, alpine plants, and views of several 4,000-meter peaks |
| Activities | Hiking, photography, picnicking, and nature observation |
Grünsee offers a different visual experience from the classic reflection lakes. Its green water, pale rocks, small areas of moorland, and rugged glacial landscape create strong color and texture contrasts.
Use the shoreline as a curved leading line, or place rocks in the foreground to guide the viewer toward the surrounding peaks. A wide composition can show the scale of the landscape, while a tighter frame can focus on the meeting point between green water, stone, and alpine vegetation.
The water is cold, and the site has no dedicated swimming facilities. Follow all signs at the lake and do not enter the water when swimming is restricted.
Lake Moosjisee: A Turquoise Glacial Reservoir
Moosjisee lies at 2,140 meters and is an artificial storage reservoir. Water from the Findel Glacier contributes fine sediment that gives the reservoir its milky turquoise appearance. This color, rather than a dependable Matterhorn reflection, is its main photographic feature.
Moosjisee works best as a study in color and shape: turquoise glacial water, engineered reservoir edges, mountain slopes, and changing light.
Look for contrast between the pale water and darker grass, trees, or rock. A polarizing filter can deepen some colors, but it may also remove useful surface glare. Rotate it carefully and compare the result before taking the final photograph.
The surrounding slopes may provide opportunities to observe alpine plants or wildlife, but sightings are never guaranteed. Keep a respectful distance from animals, avoid feeding them, and do not leave the marked trail to pursue a photograph.
Warning: Swimming in Moosjisee is strictly forbidden. It is a working storage reservoir, not a recreational swimming lake.
Lake Leisee: Family-Friendly Views and Reflections
Leisee sits at 2,232 meters near Sunnegga. It is one of the most accessible lakes on the route and has picnic areas, a playground, barbecue facilities, and a play raft. Its open shoreline also provides Matterhorn views and reflection opportunities when the water is calm.
During summer, green meadows and flowers can create a colorful foreground. The lake is busier than the more remote stops, so patient framing is useful. You can include people to show scale and family activity, or move to a quieter marked position for a simpler landscape image.
Sunset can add warm color to the Matterhorn and sky, but confirm the last transport from Sunnegga before waiting for evening light. Leisee is shallow enough for swimming in suitable conditions, but local signs and weather should always guide your decision.
What to Carry on the 5 Lakes Walk
Even on a clear morning, carry clothing for a sudden change in temperature, wind, or rain. Conditions above 2,000 meters can feel very different from those in Zermatt village.
- Sturdy footwear: Wear hiking shoes with reliable grip for loose, wet, or uneven sections.
- Warm and waterproof layers: Pack a light insulating layer and rain protection.
- Water and food: Carry enough for the full route, even when mountain restaurants are expected to be open.
- Sun protection: Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat because ultraviolet exposure is stronger at altitude.
- Navigation: Carry a charged phone with an offline map or official route information.
- Camera equipment: Bring spare power, a lens cloth, and a protective cover. A lightweight tripod is optional.
- Hiking poles: Poles can improve balance on descents and reduce strain on the knees.
Note: Children who are comfortable on mountain paths may enjoy the route, and Zermatt Tourism recommends it for children from about age six. The full walk is not a flat lakeside stroll and is not suitable for standard strollers.
Tips for Capturing the Best Photos on the 5 Lakes Walk
Use Calm Morning Water
Reflections are strongest when the water is smooth. Start early when possible and photograph the reflection lakes before wind creates ripples. Take several frames because a brief calm period may last only a few seconds.
Build Depth into the Composition
Use paths, shorelines, rocks, flowers, or tree branches to lead the viewer into the image. A photograph with a clear foreground, middle distance, and mountain background often feels deeper than a frame containing only water and sky.
Control Bright Snow and Dark Foregrounds
The Matterhorn and bright clouds can be much lighter than shaded grass or rocks. Check the brightest parts of the photograph and reduce exposure when needed. Cameras and phones that support RAW files can preserve more detail for later editing. Exposure bracketing can also help when the contrast is extreme.
Use a Tripod Selectively
A tripod can help in low light, during long exposures, or when you want several carefully aligned frames. During daylight, a tripod may slow you down without improving the result. Keep it off narrow paths and make sure it does not block other hikers.
Be Careful with Polarizing Filters
A polarizer can reduce glare and strengthen colors, but it can also weaken the reflection you came to photograph. Rotate the filter while viewing the screen or viewfinder, then stop at the point that gives the best balance between reflection and water color.
Improve Smartphone Photos
Clean the lens before shooting. Tap the Matterhorn or bright sky to set focus and exposure, then lower the brightness slightly when the snow or clouds appear washed out. Avoid heavy digital zoom. Move closer when it is safe, or crop the photograph later.
Protect the Landscape
Stay on marked paths, especially near moorland, flowers, and soft shorelines. Do not pick plants, move rocks, feed wildlife, or approach animals for a close shot. Zermatt asks visitors to prepare properly, remain on marked trails, respect wildlife, and leave the mountain environment as they found it.
Know When to Turn Back
Do not continue toward an exposed lake when thunder is approaching. MeteoSwiss advises people to avoid bodies of water, ridges, isolated trees, towers, and open terrain during thunderstorms. Turn back early enough to reach shelter or mountain transport safely.
Exploring Zermatt’s Best Photo Spots
The 5 Lakes Walk is more than a sequence of similar lake photographs. Stellisee gives you the classic Matterhorn reflection. Grindjisee combines reflections with larches and rare alpine plants. Grünsee adds green water, rocks, and broad mountain scenery. Moosjisee provides milky turquoise glacial color, while Leisee combines reflections with an active, family-friendly setting.
The most successful visit begins with realistic planning. Check the forecast, route status, and mountain transport. Carry suitable hiking equipment, allow more time than the shortest published estimate, and avoid depending on perfect reflections at every lake. Wind, cloud, light, and seasonal conditions will make each visit different.
Whether you use a professional camera or a smartphone, thoughtful timing and careful composition matter more than carrying a large amount of equipment. Take your time, respect the fragile alpine setting, and photograph each lake for the qualities that make it different.
Optional separate reading: After your hiking research, you may also read this unrelated food article about the uses and flavors of Asian melon. It is not part of the Zermatt route guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 5 Lakes Walk in Zermatt?
It is a moderate mountain route connecting Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee. The usual route starts at Blauherd and finishes at Sunnegga.
How long is the 5 Lakes Walk?
Official sources use different measurements. Zermatt Bergbahnen lists about 9.8 kilometers, while Zermatt Tourism lists 11.3 kilometers. The difference can depend on the mapped alignment and measurement points.
How much time should I allow?
Allow about 3 to 4 hours for the hike. Photographers should consider 4 to 5 hours so they can wait for calm water, explore safe viewpoints, and take breaks.
Is the 5 Lakes Walk easy?
The route is officially rated moderate. It follows maintained mountain paths but includes uneven surfaces, climbing, descending, and exposure to changing weather. It should not be treated as a flat walk suitable for every visitor.
Which lakes have the best Matterhorn reflections?
Stellisee is the classic reflection location. Official Zermatt information also highlights reflections at Grindjisee and Leisee. Calm water and clear visibility are required, so reflections are never guaranteed.
Can I reach Stellisee for sunrise?
Sometimes, but standard lift operations may begin after sunrise. Check for special early departures, consider nearby accommodation, or plan a pre-dawn approach only when you have the experience and equipment to hike safely in darkness.
Can you swim in the lakes?
Swimming may be permitted at Leisee and Grünsee when local signs allow it. Grünsee has no dedicated swimming facilities. Swimming in Moosjisee is strictly forbidden because it is a storage reservoir.
When is the best time to hike the route?
June through September is usually best. In 2026, the official Five Lakes Walk combination ticket is scheduled from June 13 through October 4, but weather, snow, maintenance, and lift operations can change access.
Is the route suitable for children?
Zermatt Tourism recommends the route for children from about age six. Suitability still depends on the child’s hiking experience, stamina, footwear, weather, and ability to walk safely on uneven mountain paths.
Sources
- Zermatt Tourism: 5-Lake Route No. 11 — official distance, duration, difficulty, elevation change, route order, and child guidance
- Zermatt Bergbahnen: Five Lakes Trail — operator route estimate, season, lake characteristics, and swimming conditions
- Zermatt Bergbahnen: Live Lifts and Pistes — current mountain transport and operating status
- Zermatt Tourism: Mountain Lakes Around Zermatt — official lake elevations and lake highlights
- Zermatt Tourism: Moosjisee — reservoir use, glacial water color, elevation, and swimming prohibition
- MeteoSwiss: Thunderstorm Safety Recommendations — official lightning and outdoor hazard guidance
