5-Lake Hike from Fluhalp to Zermatt

Matterhorn at sunrise
Matterhorn at sunrise

DAY 1:

Total distance: 2.5km

Elevation gain: 100m

Total time: 40mins

DAY 2:

Total distance: 11km

Elevation gain: -1100m

Total time: 4hs

This hike with some of the most iconic views of Switzerland, follows a popular trail between Zermatt (1608m) and Fuhalp (2606m). It passes by five beautiful lakes, all having the Matterhorn as a backdrop.

Bergrestaurant Fluhalp
Bergrestaurant Fluhalp

It is possible to do this hike as hard or as easy as you want. It can be done in one day or as a multi-day trip either camping by Stellisee Lake or staying at Bergrestaurant Fluhalp, a comfortable hut at the highest point of this track.

The suggested version here is a 2-day trip, starting from Zermatt, taking mountain transport up and staying in Bergrestaurant Fluhalp. The way down is a half day hike passing all of the five lakes.

Starting point: Blauherd via Sunnegga from Zermatt (~4hs by train or ~3.40hs driving to Täsch + a train to Zermatt since Zermatt is traffic free).

Finish: Zermatt.

Detailed description

It is also possible to hike all the way up to Blauherd which would take about 3-4 hours with 1000mts of elevation gain but for an easier version of this hike, you can take a mountain train + a funicular from Zermatt ZBAG-zsb to Blauherd via Zunnegga. This will take ~30 minutes.

From Blauherd (2571mts) to Fluhalp (Fluealp) it’s ~2.5km and 30-40mins easy walk but where you can start enjoying the scenery. Near the hut there is a ridge walk that overlooks Findel Glacier which is a good additional short walk for the first day.

Findel Glacier (Findelgletscher)
Findel Glacier (Findelgletscher)
Glacier river
Glacier river
Bergrestaurant Fluhalp
Bergrestaurant Fluhalp at dawn

The following morning, a great place to watch the sunrise and Matterhorn receiving the first sunlight is from Stellisee which is only 10mins walk from the hut.

Matterhorn at dawn
Matterhorn at dawn

There were a few tents by the lake so camping is a good option if you don’t mind the cold nights.

Matterhorn at sunrise
Matterhorn at sunrise

The hike down to Zermatt follows the 5-Lake way signs (5-Seenweg). The trail passes by Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grüensee, Mosjesee and Leisee. Each of the lakes have different colors and look great with the Matterhorn in the background.

5 lake hike from Fluhalp to Zermatt
5-lake hike from Fluhalp to Zermatt

After passing all the lakes the descend into Zermatt is through a beautiful pine forest.

5 lake hike from Fluhalp to Zermatt
5-lake hike from Fluhalp to Zermatt
Grünsee
Grünsee, the green lake.
Cloud covered mountains
Cloud covered mountains. The funicular goes from Sunnegga to Blauherd.