Hiking in Sept: Rigi and 5-lake trail Zermatt

Hello again from new Zealand. Thank so much to all those who administer this site- it's absolutely fantastic! Just wanting to check in re a couple of possible planned walks we are considering for our visit in September. We're both in our 60s- 63,68. Not super fit but fit enough for 10kms or so at an easy pace.

The first is the Rigi trip- we would like to walk back for some of it which we understand is easyish and beautiful. We will be staying in Luzern for a few days.

The second is the Five Lakes - do we have to do all of the hike or can we do perhaps the first three (which we have heard are stunning) Any advice for these would be much appreciated. We will be in Zermatt for two nights.

We have the Swiss Travel pass and keen to use as much as possible.

Thanks again for all advice.

Hi Kiwirose,

Rigi offers plenty of hiking opportunities. The panorama walk from Rigi Kulm to Rigi Kaltbad is an easy one, mostly downhill and there are lots of picnic spots along the route to have lunch or enjoy the views. If you prefer a short hike, you can start from Rigi Staffel instead of Rigi Kulm. The cogwheel train stops at several stations easily accessible from the hiking trail. You can find further hiking options and links here: www.myswissalps.com/rigi

If you don't have time to do the Five Lake hike in Zermatt, perhaps you might be interested to do the shorter version - the Three Lake hike. This one starts at Riffelalp and ends at Sunnegga. Along the trail you'll come across 3 lakes -Grünsee, Moosjisee and finally Leisee. You can find details about the trail here: www.myswissalps.com/hiking/riffelalp-sunnegga

You can find other hiking options in Zermatt here: www.myswissalps.com/zermatt/activities

Regards,

Anna

Honestly this is the best travel site ever! Thank you, Anna, for such a quick and detailed response. I appreciate it.

Hi Kiwirose

We are in our early 70s and have just returned from our wonderful trip in Switzerland. We did both the mostly downhill Rigi hike and the five lake hike.

I would have to say that the five lake hike was more challenging than we expected and to tell you the truth not all the lakes were fabulous. Good hiking boots are essential ( but you probably know all that) and hiking sticks very helpful.

Hi Jafras1,

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Regards,

Anna

Thank you , Jafras1. That information will help us to make an informed decision.

@Jafras1 - I have to agree with you 100% on your opinion of the lakes on the 5 Lakes hike. I was expecting something a bit more "spectacular". The hike itself was great but the lakes themselves were not quite what we were expecting. But I guess everything in Switzerland can't be over-the-top fantastic. ;-)

Attached is from the 5 Lakes hike.

Fab photo! Thanks, pkerr, for your advice. We may, weather dependent, think about getting off the cogwheel on the return trip and take one if the shorter walks to and from one of the lakes . We won’t do the five as it seems not the best use of our time. We really appreciate your advice.