Hike to Stellisee and Fluhalp Hut in Zermatt

If you’ve ever dreamed of hiking to Stellisee Lake and spending the night high in the Swiss Alps at the famous Fluhalp Hut, you’re in for a treat.

We finally made it happen — a night at Fluhalp Hut, in the legendary Room Number 10 with its window framing one of the best views in Switzerland. Honestly? It was even better than we imagined. Now I can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself.

Zermatt is one of those places that pulls us back again and again — at least twice a year. And it’s easy to see why. Between the breathtaking Matterhorn views, perfectly maintained hiking trails, thrilling mountain bike routes, and that pure alpine air, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this place.

In this guide to Stellisee and Fluhalp Hut in zermatt, I’ll walk you through exactly how to get to Stellisee Lake to capture that iconic reflection of the Matterhorn, and how to continue your adventure up to Fluhalp Hut — whether you’re hiking or biking your way there.

Also read How to Spend one Day in Zermatt with Kids and Meet the Blacknose Sheep at the Gornergrat. Or if you’re heading on the Gornergrat Train, find out when and how best to travel on it.

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Quick Overview of Zermatt

If this is your first time visiting Zermatt, here’s what you need to know before you lace up your hiking boots or strap on your bike helmet.

A Car-Free Alpine Village

Zermatt is special — it’s completely car-free, which means fresh mountain air, peaceful streets, and no traffic noise. The only vehicles you’ll see are small electric taxis (and yes, there are plenty of them zipping around). Therefore, you still have to be careful especially when travelling to Zermatt with kids.

Parking in Täsch

As cars are not allowed in Zermatt, you’ll need to park in Täsch, the last village before Zermatt, and take the train up. The Matterhorn Terminal Täsch has plenty of parking spaces. We paid CHF 60 for three days — not cheap, but it’s the going rate.

From Täsch, trains to Zermatt run every 20 minutes, and the scenic ride takes just 12 minutes. You can buy your ticket online or at the station. The Half Fare Card, Swiss Travel Pass, and GA are all valid here.

Arriving in Zermatt

If you need to store luggage before heading up to the mountains, the train station has lockers.

Alternatively, you can make your trip extra special by staying a night or two in Zermatt before or after your hike. One of our top recommendations is Hotel National Zermatt — perfectly located right next to the Sunnegga funicular (which you’ll take to start your hike), with a fantastic spa and absolutely divine food. Plus, they’ll happily store your luggage while you’re out adventuring.

If they’re fully booked, there are plenty of other great hotels in Zermatt — you can check our recommendations or browse the map to find the perfect fit.

Or read our recommendations about Where to Stay in Zermatt 

Zermatt Village

Before you head up to the mountains, plan to spend at least an hour exploring Zermatt itself. The village is charming and full of history, so it’s worth slowing down for a little wander.

Start with a stroll along the main street, then make your way up to the church.

One stop I always recommend is the Mountaineers’ Cemetery — also called the climbers’ graveyard. Normally I wouldn’t suggest visiting a cemetery, but this one is different. It’s a quiet, beautiful place that tells the stories of mountaineers who lost their lives on the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. It’s moving, and it’s part of Zermatt’s history.

From there, wander towards the Old Village with its cluster of traditional wooden chalets, some of which are over 500 years old.

If you follow a loop similar to the one on the map below, you’ll get a lovely introduction to the village — and, if the weather’s on your side, you’ll catch views of the Matterhorn as you walk.

Tickets – Sunnegga to Blauherd for Hikers

Ask at the Sunnegga valley station about different ticket options. You can often buy a return ticket the day before and use the return portion the next day – ideal for multi-day hikers.

If you already know your return route, get the right ticket in advance. Tickets are also available at Blauherd and Sunnegga summit stations, but note that single journeys are more expensive than return tickets.

Hike or Bike to Lake Stellisee & Fluhalp Hut

Trip Overview:

• Duration: 1.5 days
• Distance: 1.9 km hiking from Blauherd
• Elevation Gain: 100 m
• Costs: Chf 39 per adult for the funicular & gondola one way, Chf 17.20 for the train from Täsch (Half Fare Card, Swiss Travel Pass, or GA valid for reduced fares)

There are plenty of ways to adjust this route — you can hike more and take fewer gondolas, or save your legs with more gondola rides and shorter hikes. I’ll share all the options along the way.

Whether you’re hiking or mountain biking, this Zermatt trail to Stellisee Lake and Fluhalp Hut works for both. If you’re on foot, follow the yellow hiking trail signs. If you’re on two wheels, follow the red mountain bike signs. The trails split in places but both lead to the same two highlights: the iconic Stellisee Lake and the unforgettable Fluhalp Hut.

Day One – Blauherd → Stellisee Lake → Fluhalp Hut

• Distance: 1.9 km from Blauherd
• Elevation Gain: 100 m

The quickest and easiest way to start your hike to Fluhalp Hut is to take the Sunnegga funicular from Zermatt. From Sunnegga, hop on the gondola up to Blauherd — the starting point of the famous 5-Seenweg (5 Lakes Trail).

Stellisee is the very first of the five lakes on this route, and it’s also the most famous thanks to its picture-perfect reflection of the Matterhorn.

The 5 Lakes Trail is extremely popular, so expect to see plenty of fellow hikers.

Travel Tip: since you’ll be staying overnight at Fluhalp Hut, there’s no need to rush.

Instead, you could enjoy a leisurely start — maybe have lunch on the Sunnegga terrace followed by a play at Leisee (Lake No. 5), a fantastic playground for kids of all ages and unbeatable Matterhorn views await. Then set off towards Stellisee in the afternoon. (Don’t miss the last Blauherd gondola though, otherwise your hike will extend with a nice uphill section)

Along the Trail

At Blauherd, and before you even set foot on the trail, don’t miss the Zermatt photo spot – the iconic wooden heart. It’s the perfect “we’re here!” shot before the real adventure begins.

Once you’re on the trail, the Matterhorn will be your constant companion. We experienced it in every mood — a few clouds, completely clear skies, and even fully hidden. If you can, try to avoid a very cloudy day, as this route is all about those epic Matterhorn views… and, of course, the famous alpine lakes.

If you’re a keen photographer, make sure your camera battery is fully charged — and maybe add an extra hour to your hiking time. Every time we hike in Zermatt, (or bike) I come home with hundreds of new photos. It’s simply that photogenic.

Keep an eye out for marmots, which you’ll often spot along the way, and the delicate Edelweiss flower. Ibex tend to stay higher up the mountains, so sightings at this altitude are rare but magical if they happen.

Longer Hiking Option

If you’re up for a bigger challenge, you can skip the gondolas entirely and hike from Zermatt via Findeln to Sunnegga and then on to Blauherd. This hike to Stellisee & Fluhalp Hut is about 10.5 km with roughly 1,100 m of elevation gain — a solid day’s workout with plenty of alpine scenery along the way.

Arriving at Stellisee Lake

It doesn’t take long to understand why Stellisee Lake is such a sought-after hiking destination. Just beautiful.

Because we started in the late afternoon, most of the day hikers had already passed through, leaving just a handful of people enjoying the peaceful scene. With a bit of luck (and no wind) you’ll see the Matterhorn reflected perfectly in the lake’s shimmering surface.

If you’re hiking with children and you want that reflection photo, now’s the time to remind them that this is not a stone-skimming moment! The best vantage point is on the far side of the lake, nearer to the hut. From there, you’ll also catch your first glimpse of Fluhalp Hut.

Arriving at Fluhalp Hut

From Stellisee, it’s just 800 metres further to one of Switzerland’s most beautiful alpine huts. Hello, Fluhalp Hütte. Perched at 2,606 metres, the hut offers uninterrupted views down the valley and straight across to the Matterhorn. It’s breathtaking.

The welcome is just as warm as the view is grand. Reini and Michi, who run the hut, pour their heart and soul into the place — and it shows. Inside, you’ll find a well-equipped, modernised hut that has kept all the charm of a traditional Swiss mountain retreat.

Good to know: Fluhalp Hut only accommodates overnight travellers during the summer season, from mid-June to early October. However the restaurant is open pretty much all year. So if you ski in Zermatt, make sure you stop by and say hello to Reini & Michi.

Check-In & Check-Out

Check-in is wonderfully relaxed from 2pm, and check-out is at 11am. Have you ever heard of that in a mountain hut? Usually, you’re sent packing by 8am — this was such a treat!

Food

Breakfast is served from 7am to 10am — another big thumbs-up from me. The set four-course dinner is served in the cosy dining area at 6:30pm. The pumpkin soup? Hands down one of the best I’ve ever tasted. Even the kids cleared their bowls, which says it all.

Rooms

Fluhalp offers double, triple, and dormitory rooms, some with breathtaking Matterhorn views. The star of the show is the famous Room No. 10 — that’s the one we booked, and we still think it’s the best in the house. The price in 2025 was Chf 350.- for the room (2 pax) and half-board.
But honestly, any front-facing room with their uninterrupted Matterhorn views will make your jaw drop.

Every time I woke up, I couldn’t resist peeking out of the window. I even took photos at midnight and again at 3am — and yes, it was totally worth losing a little sleep.

Overnight Stay Includes:

• Bed linen — no sleeping bag required
• Electricity
• Shared bathroom
• Hot water showers (small fee)
• Breakfast and an incredible 3–4 course evening meal

Not Included

• Towels
• Toiletries

Bringing Your Four-Legged Friend

Dogs are welcome at Fluhalp Hut, so if you fancy bringing your furry companion along for the adventure, they’ll be right at home here.

Photography at Stellisee – Sunset & Sunrise Magic

One of the main reasons we made this trip was to photograph lake Stellisee at both sunset and sunrise. On calm, windless days, the reflection of the Matterhorn is absolutely magical.

After dinner, while the rest of the family stayed in the hut playing Uno, I debated whether to walk back down to the lake. From the hut, it didn’t look that promising, and I wasn’t sure if the wind had dropped enough for that perfect mirror reflection.

Well, let’s just say — I’m so glad I didn’t listen to my doubts. OMG, when I arrived at Stellisee, it was jaw-dropping. I nearly missed the best light, but it was still magical. Only five other people were there, and the peacefulness was unreal. Every angle revealed another postcard-perfect shot.

Sunrise at Stellisee

After my late-night photo session, I skipped the sunrise. Luckily, Dave took one for the team, got up early, and headed down to the lake. When I opened my eyes, he had already captured the morning glow over the Matterhorn — not quite the full sunrise, but still spectacular.

Excursion from Zermatt: Sunrise at Stellisee with Breakfast at Fluhalp

If you’re not staying overnight at Fluhalp Hut Zermatt, you can still enjoy the magic of sunrise at Stellisee with a special excursion from Zermatt.
Every Saturday during the Swiss summer hiking season, tickets are available for a trip from Zermatt to Stellisee, including breakfast at Fluhalp Hut. The price is CHF 82.50 per person for a return ticket.

Check the Matterhorn Paradise Lift Company for up-to-date times and prices:

Day 2 – Hiking Around Fluhalp Hut – Zermatt Mountain Trails

From Fluhalp Hut (2,606 m) the next morning, you can explore the Zermatt alpine hiking trails nearby. These include routes leading closer to the glacier for an unforgettable high-altitude adventure.

Blauherd to Zermatt – Quick Return Route

The fastest way back to Zermatt after your hike is to walk to Blauherd and take the gondola to Sunnegga, followed by the funicular down to Zermatt village.

Ticket: If this is your option make sure to buy a return ticket Chf 62.-/adult.

5-Seen Wanderung – Five Lakes Hike from Fluhalp to Zermatt

Since you’re already at the first lake (Stellisee), why not complete the 5-Seen Wanderung? This is what we did but by bike.

After a relaxed late breakfast at Fluhalp Hut, we packed up and headed down to Leisee Sunnegga along the 5-Seen Wanderung (Five Lakes Hike) with our bikes. With a camera full of Matterhorn reflections and hearts full of memories, we waved goodbye to Zermatt and made our way home.

Here is the bike map

The 5-Seen hike from Fluhalp to Sunnegga is 7.6 km, mostly downhill with a few short climbs. At Sunnegga (2,269 m), the funicular takes you straight down to Zermatt – a perfect end to your Zermatt hiking itinerary.

This scenic route is one of the most famous Zermatt hikes thanks to its uninterrupted views of the Matterhorn and the beautiful mountain lakes along the way.

Ticket: If this is your option, you need a return ticket for the  Sunnegga funicular and a one way ticket with the Blauherd gondola.

Blauherd to Sunnegga – Scenic Hike via Findeln

If you’d like a shorter Zermatt hiking route but want to avoid the full Five Lakes Trail, hike to Blauherd and take the gondola back down to Sunnegga. From there follow the alpine path down to Findeln. This charming hamlet is famous for its Swiss mountain restaurants and traditional huts scattered across the meadows.

From here, follow the trail to Winkelmatten, arriving at the far side of Zermatt, and finish your journey by strolling through the village back to the station.

Ticket: Purchase a single Sunnegga funicular ticket and a return ticket for the Blauherd gondola.

 We did exactly this hike from Sunnegga to Zermatt with the kids when they were just 4 years of age. See hiking map here

Conclusion

Fluhalp Hut is more than just a place to sleep – it’s a front-row seat to one of Switzerland’s most iconic landscapes. From the peaceful dawn light over Stellisee to the rewarding trails of the Five Lakes Walk, every moment here feels like a postcard come to life. Whether you’re a hiker, photographer, or simply someone who loves the mountains, Fluhalp promises experiences – and views – you’ll treasure for years to come.

We experienced some memorable family time at Stellisee and Fluhalp Hut, slowed down and enjoyed our little paradise.

Swiss Travel Guides

On our website you find plenty of things to do in Zermatt. We hope to make it easy for you to travel Switzerland with the family. Furthermore, you will find honest hotel reviews to ensure your good night’s sleep. And plenty of great Swiss Travel Itineraries, Swiss Travel Inspirations, and Swiss Travel Advice.

I hope that the information provided here will prove useful when planning to Hike to Stellisee and overnight at Fluhalp Hut.

If I have left anything out, please ask your questions in the comments below and share your experience. So that other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries and stories as well.

Note: This trip was in cooperation with Fluhalp Hut. However, you can always be assured that the recommendations are our honest tips and reviews as always. I mean, just look at this place. The pictures speak for themselves. We absolutely loved it.

Thank you & Never Forget to Explore

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