Hike Report – ‘5-Seen-Wanderung’ (SM 931-M)

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Description

The “Hike of the 5 Lakes”, or “Fünfseenwanderung” connects the five lake around Pizol with a well maintained mountain trail, and is one of the most popular trails in Switzerland.

Our version of the trail ends in a descent back down to the cable car valley station, mainly because we were too late for the last ride of the day. A blessing in disguise, really, as it meant being almost alone on the trail despite this being a big tourist attraction. As for the reason why we planned so poorly, see the notes.

Notes

• If google maps tells you you can drive up to the starting/end point of “Chalchofen”, rest assured it’s lying to you. There is a road, but it’s prohibited without special permission (residents, businesses). As such:
• The cable cars are mandatory, unless you want to extend the vertical meters to 1818 in both directions.
• As this is one of the most popular and touristic hiking trails in Switzerland, going on a weekday would behoove you, if at all possible and provided you prefer relative solitude while hiking.
• There’s a bit of false advertising in the name: The actual route only visits four lakes. The first/fifth is about five minutes off the route near the top cable car station.

Impressions

There is a reason for the trail’s popularity, and that is the absolutely magnificent beauty of these mountain lakes and the views surrounding them.

Thanks to us being late, and as a consolation for missing the cable car on the way down, we go treated to an absolutely stunning view of the valley before sunset.

If/when you visit Switzerland (or if you life here) be sure to see for yourself. It’s worth it.

Route Gallery

Note that these images were shot on my old HTC 10 phone, before I finally bought a “real” camera. Nonetheless, full size images without watermarks are available for licensing to interested parties. Check romans.pictures, or contact me for details.