The Five Lakes Walk is the most popular hiking route near Zermatt — a circular trail of about 9 kilometres that passes five alpine lakes at different altitudes, each offering a different view of the Matterhorn. The walk is accessible from the Sunnegga Paradise cable car (take it up, walk back to Zermatt) and takes three to four hours at a moderate pace.
The five lakes — Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee — each have distinct colours and characters: some deep blue, one almost turquoise, one ringed by larch forest that turns gold in October. The Stellisee is the highest and most dramatic for Matterhorn reflections. The walk is signed throughout and the path is well maintained. Do it on a clear day; the views are the point.