Hiking in Zermatt – Three Lakes and the Matterhorn

Inspired by the so-called Zermatt Lake Trail, we had planned a family hike on the first beautiful autumn Sunday. After we had already inspected the Gornergrat side with the fantastic Riffelsee the day before, we made our way to the Sunnegga with my parents. The meeting point was in the early morning in front of the Sunnegga funicular, which was newly opened this summer. Thanks to some research, we had put together our own version of the Lake Trail, as not all lakes are equally “worth seeing”.

The Sunnegga mountain station is the starting point of our tour. We wanted to complete the ascent to the Blauherd on foot and not by cable car. After all, a small sporting challenge is part of a Sunday hike. This section of the trail also forms part of the Marmot Trail, a themed trail around the cute marmot. We hear the animals whistling on the way, but unfortunately we didn’t spot any.

After about an hour’s ascent, we reach the Stellisee, the classic of the lake trail, so to speak. It’s worth taking a walk around the lake. From the eastern shore you can marvel at fantastic reflections of the Matterhorn. The best time to do this would actually be early morning. We reach the lake at about 11 a.m. and are a bit disappointed at first, because you don’t really see a great reflection due to the water surface rippled by the wind. After a few minutes, however, it becomes clear that patience is also worthwhile in the mountains. The wind decreases and the surface of the lake slowly becomes as smooth as glass again.

It is not easy to say goodbye to such a panorama. But more highlights await us and so we hike further down to the Grindjisee. This mountain lake is hidden in a secluded fir forest and offers the only opportunity to combine the Matterhorn, water and fir trees in one picture. Also a great photo spot. Do you know “Where’s Walter?”? If so, in the next pictures you can change the game to “Where’s Travelita?”. If you find me, you get karma points ;).

From here we hike back towards Sunnegga. With the Matterhorn in front of your eyes, overcoming the altitude difference up to the Leisee is really fun. In contrast to the Stellisee and Grindjisee, the Leisee is an artificial reservoir. Nevertheless, a short detour is worthwhile, as great reflections can also be seen here.

Afterwards we make our way back towards Zermatt. In Findeln, about 15 minutes below Sunnegga, we treat ourselves to a Sunday gourmet stop. Chez Vrony is hard to miss and anyone who has eaten here on the terrace will probably never forget it. Culinary delights are served here. The view of the Matterhorn is free of charge. The three of us treated ourselves to the dessert tasting plate and felt like we were in seventh heaven. Sun, mountain lakes, views and good food – that’s how Sundays should always be.

The map shows our route. The route is about 10 km long, includes an ascent of 300 meters and a descent of about 800 meters in altitude. We needed just under 3 hours (without a longer stop).