Five Lake Trail Private Hiking Tour in Zermatt

Five alpine lakes, one Matterhorn backdrop, lunch at a mountain restaurant

A private full-day hiking tour of Zermatt's Five Lake Trail, guided in English or French, with hotel pickup and a route that climbs via Sunnegga funicular then descends past four pristine alpine lakes. The hike runs 4 to 6 hours depending on pace and stops. You choose where to eat lunch among the mountain restaurants along the way, and the guide shares local knowledge of the alpine flora, fauna and history as you walk.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Matterhornpass by
2. Sunnegga3h

Hike Zermatt's Five Lake Trail

• Take Sunnegga funicular up
• Hike through alpine landscape
• Enjoy lunch at mountain restaurant
• Visit Stellisee lake and view Matterhorn
• Explore second alpine lake and flora
• See green-colored lake with stone pines
• Discover turquoise water alpine lake
• Relax and swim at Zermatt beach lake

The experience

The day starts at your hotel and moves straight to the Sunnegga funicular, which lifts you to higher altitude without the climb. From there, the trail opens into alpine landscape (Matterhorn visible for most of the day), and descends past the lakes one by one. Stellisee comes first, famous for mirroring the Matterhorn on calm water; then Grindjesee, ringed with rare alpine flowers; Grünsee, named for the green cast of its water and surrounded by stone pines; Blausee, turquoise and sudden; and finally Leisee, known locally as Zermatt beach, where mountain restaurants sit close by and a quick swim is possible if the weather holds.

Your guide walks the whole route with you, speaking English or French, and can adjust the pace to match your fitness and preferences. Lunch happens at one of the mountain restaurants along the trail. You pick which one and what to eat, so the day bends to your appetite and energy. The Sunnegga funicular and any lift tickets are separate from the tour price, and you'll want to bring or buy snacks and drinks as you go.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup.
• a live guide in English or French.
• the full-day hiking route with stops at all five lakes and access to mountain restaurants along the way.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayLast departure this season: 30 Oct

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 81

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Evolution Ski School Zermatt

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to hike the Five Lake Trail at your own pace with a guide who knows the route and the region, rather than moving with a group on a fixed schedule. The private format means the day adjusts to your fitness, your appetite and where you want to stop, and the guide can answer questions about what you're walking through instead of keeping time for others.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

How much climbing is actually involved on the Five Lake Trail?

The Sunnegga funicular handles the main elevation gain, so the hiking itself is a descent through alpine terrain with gentle ups and downs between the lakes. The route is suitable for all fitness levels, though the full day and the altitude mean a baseline of cardiovascular fitness helps.

Can I really see the Matterhorn reflected in Stellisee, or is that just the photos?

Stellisee does reflect the Matterhorn on calm, clear days. That's why it's world-famous for the shot. Weather and water conditions decide whether you'll get the mirror effect, but the lake and the mountain views are there regardless.

What's included in the price and what do I pay separately?

The tour includes hotel pickup, the guide, and the full-day route. You pay separately for the Sunnegga funicular ticket and any lift tickets, plus meals and drinks at the mountain restaurants. Budget roughly 10 CHF per snack or drink at the kiosks if you don't bring your own.

Do I need my own hiking boots and poles, or are those provided?

Hiking shoes and poles are optional depending on which option you choose at checkout: some include them, others don't. If you're bringing your own, make sure they're broken in before the day.

What time does the tour start and how long does it actually take?

The guide meets you at your hotel in the morning. The hike itself runs 4 to 6 hours depending on your pace and how long you linger at the lakes and restaurants. The full day is blocked out, so plan accordingly.