5-Lake Hike

One of the most popular hikes in Switzerland. Five crystal clear mountain lakes and glimpses of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sardona characterize this route.

The 5-lakes-Hike is one of the most beautiful panoramic mountain hikes in Switzerland. High above the timberline, a mountain trail winds through the ever-changing alpine landscape, passing five mountain lakes - each with its own unique character. From the lovely Wangsersee on the Pizol plateau, the trail continues to the second lake, the striking turquoise Wildsee with the Pizol glacier and peak in the background. Followed by the dark Schwarzsee, the Schottensee as the third lake shines in a deep strong blue. Finally, the trail leads past the greenish, romantic Baschalva Lake.

On the hike it is worthwhile to look in all directions. Along the entire route, new fascinating views of the Glarus and Grisons mountains, the Rhine Valley and Lake Constance open up again and again.

Important notes

Please note the mountain summer report where you will find the latest information about the condition of the hike.

We strongly recommend to start the hike at 11:00 at the latest. Please note that you have to be at the Gaffia chairlift at 16:30 or at the Pizolhütte at 16:00, otherwise you will miss the last descent. The last descent with the gondola from Furt is at 17.30. After that there is no more transport by the Pizolbahnen AG.

The 5-lakes-Hike is a high alpine hike with three strenuous ascents and descents. In the upper part it leads through scree and rock sections, which require hiking boots with a good profile.

Protection dogs are expected to be in use on Alp Gaffara during the first two weeks of August 2021. The dogs will be leashed in the morning and only allowed back to the sheeps in the evening. This means that there is no risk to hikers during the day. If someone is near the alp early in the morning, late in the evening or at night, caution is advised (e.g. when bivouacking).

TIP 5-LAKE PICNIC BACKPACK

Imagine you're out on one of Switzerland's most beautiful hikes, see a secluded spot by a romantic lake, spread out your picnic blanket, breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy a delicious picnic with breathtaking views. With our picnic backpack you can have just that, with no hassle. You reserve a picnic backpack in advance for yourself or for you and your companion, we put together a delicious picnic with regional products and pack all the goodies together with a picnic blanket, cutting board, glasses and cutlery in a backpack. In the morning, pick up your backpack at the ticket office at our valley station in Wangs and off you go on the famous 5-lake hike. Contents picnic backpack for 2 persons:

1 pair of Salsiz (butchery Kalberer, Wangs)
approx. 200 gr pasteurized organic Heidiland cheese (Milchzentrale Bad Ragaz)
1 Ruchbrot (250 gr. / sliced)
2 apples
2 muesli
2 Biberli
1 trail mix (250g)
1 red wine 50cl
2 Shorley 0.5l
2 mineral water 0.5l

The picnic backpack incl. mountain railway ticket to the 5-lakes hike back costs: CHF 140.00 for 2 persons and CHF 90.00 for 1 person.The picnic backpack can be booked from July 1, 2023 to October 22, 2023 (during the operating hours of the facilities Wangs - Pizolhütte).Reservations please by e-mail up to 24 hours in advance.The backpack, the picnic blanket, the cutting board, Tupperware and glasses and cutlery we provide you against a deposit of CHF 50.00, on loan.The picnic backpack will be cleaned and disinfected by us after each use. Of course you can also bring your own backpack. We will prepare the contents for you and you can pick up the goodies at the valley station.

Hiking bus

In summer, when the weather is fine and the chairlifts are in operation, a free shuttle bus runs between the valley stations in Wangs and Bad Ragaz from 2:00 p.m. to bring you comfortably back to your starting point if you return to the valley on the other side. There is no fixed timetable, just register at the ticket office.