The Sunnegga funicular takes just 4 minutes to get from Zermatt to the Sunnegga station at 2,288 m, followed by a 6-seater gondola ride to Blauherd. The trail down to Stellisee, the first of the five lakes, is mostly flat. With the two boulders in the middle and the clear reflection of the Matterhorn it is a popular place to take pictures. The Fluhalp mountain restaurant is close by.

The 5-Lakes Trail now continues gently downhill to Grindjisee, a highlight especially for botany buffs. The small lake offers a surprisingly rich moorland flora and rare flowers. The path then crosses over to the other side of the valley to Grünsee and leads through a former glacial area. With some luck, there will be some of the typical black-nosed sheep of the Valais around. Benches with a view of the Matterhorn are a temptation to linger and the views from the “Ze Seewjinu” mountain lodge ranging from Matterhorn to Weisshorn are unparalleled.

Next up is Moosjisee, a classic reservoir fed by glaciers and the reason why its colour is milky-white. The water is used to generate power and make man-made snow. The hiking trail then continues in the direction of the hamlet of Findeln, the dining hotspot of the Zermatt mountains, before the ascent to Leisee, the last of the lakes. Those who prefer to skip it can walk down to Zermatt in about 40 minutes. The Leisee is fun mostly for the kids who love to splash around in it. The Sunnegga station is just a short stroll from here, but there is always the Leisee-Shuttle to ride up to the station.