Grindjesee

Grindjesee (Grindjisee) near Zermatt is a small mountain lake in the Swiss canton of Valais, set on the slope above the village of Zermatt. It is one of the five stops on the 5-Seenweg, the Five Lakes Trail linking Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee and Leisee. The lake sits at the edge of the lateral moraine left by the Findel glacier, and the surrounding vegetation draws botany enthusiasts.

Where is Grindjesee?

The lake lies above Zermatt at roughly 46.011 N, 7.791 E. Across the valley you can see Grünsee, another lake on the same route. Do not confuse it with its neighbours: Stellisee is the famous one with the Matterhorn reflection, while Grindjisee is the smaller, quieter stop along the way.

How do you get to Grindjesee from Zermatt?

Take the Sunnegga underground funicular from Zermatt. It runs every few minutes and the ride takes about 5 minutes. Sunnegga station stands at 2,288 m and is the usual start of the Five Lakes Trail. From there you can walk, or ride the gondola on to Blauherd and begin at Stellisee. Zermatt itself is car-free, so drivers leave their vehicle in Täsch and continue by train.

What will you see at Grindjesee?

The lake is small, but the setting is peaceful. The path descends gently from Stellisee to Grindjisee, crossing a former glacial landscape on the way. The area is known as a highlight for plant lovers, with less common alpine species growing around the shore. The peaks above Zermatt frame the walk, and the Matterhorn is visible from many points on the route.

Which route should you walk?

The classic option is the whole 5-Seenweg loop: from Sunnegga or Blauherd past Stellisee to Grindjisee, on to Grünsee, then towards the hamlet of Findeln and Leisee. The loop covers about 9 km and usually takes 2 to 3 hours. To shorten it, skip Leisee and walk down to Zermatt in around 40 minutes. Longer variants lead from Sunnegga via Grindjisee and Grünsee towards Riffelalp, or via Fluhalp back to Zermatt, about 13 km and 6 hours.

When is the best time to visit?

The trail is a snow-free route, so plan it for summer and early autumn, when the lifts run and the paths are dry. Mornings tend to be quieter, and the Matterhorn shows best in settled weather. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring sun protection and a windproof layer: at more than 2,000 m the weather changes fast.

Practical tips

• The trail is easy and needs no climbing gear, though some stretches are stony.
• The hamlet of Findeln has restaurants and works well for a break in the second half.
• These are cold alpine lakes, meant for viewing and photography rather than swimming.

Frequently asked questions

Are Grindjesee and Grindjisee the same lake? Yes, they are two spellings of the same name. Maps and tourism material use Grindjisee more often.

How long does the Five Lakes Trail take? The full loop is about 9 km and takes roughly 2 to 3 hours of walking without long stops.

How do you reach the start of the trail? Ride the Sunnegga funicular from Zermatt, about 5 minutes. You can also continue by gondola from Sunnegga to Blauherd.

Is the route suitable for families? Yes. The trail is moderate and mostly downhill, but children need proper footwear because of the altitude and stony sections.