5 Lake Hike In Pizol - The Swiss Journey

The 5 lake hike in Pizol is often described as the most beautiful panoramic hike in Switzerland. I originally became aware of the hike through Instagram, when I saw a fantastic photo of the Wildsee. The picture made an impression and ever since we’ve been living in Switzerland, we’ve been dying to do the hike. In August 2021, the time had finally come – 4 years after I discovered the photo!

Facts about the 5 Lake Hike in Pizol

Hiking distance: 10.89 km
Hiking time: 4:30 h, with photos and breaks we needed 6:30 h
Ascent altitude: 586 m
Altitude difference descent: 925 m
Difficulty level: Medium
Requirements: Good hiking boots, sure-footedness, good physical condition

Hiking the 5 Lake Trail in Pizol, Switzerland

Arrival and Costs of the 5 Lake Hike in Pizol

The hike is easily accessible by public transport and by car. There are plenty of parking spaces and a day pass for the car costs CHF 5.
There is a bus from Sargans to the gondola station called “Pizol Seilbahnen”.
The SBB offers a 5-lake hiking ticket with a 20% discount on the gondola ride. We took advantage of this and bought our train tickets in combination with the gondola tickets and saved another 20%. You can find the offer here, but please note that this is a special ticket and is not always available.
The cost of the gondola is CHF 46.00 per person, with half-fare/GA or for children it is CHF 23.00. The price includes the gondola and chairlift rides to the Pizolhütte and back.
One gondola ride and two chairlift rides later, we arrive at the Pizolhütte at 2227 m. The rides up here take a good three-quarters of an hour, which is why we were only able to start the hike at 09:00. Be sure to allow enough time for your hike so you don’t miss the last chairlift or gondola ride!
We would not start the hike after 10:00 am.
The first gondola leaves at 08:15.
At the Pizol hut we will go to the toilet again, as there will be no opportunity to use the sanitary facilities along the whole route.

Lake #1: Wangsersee

Wangsersee is the first of the five lakes. From the Pizolhütte (Pizol hut) you have to turn left and walk up the hill for about ten minutes. It is hidden there. Most people skip the lake or miss it because it is on the opposite side of the trail.
However, since it is (honestly) not worth seeing, this is not a tragedy. You can also go straight to the second lake and make it a 4-lake hike.

Lake #2: Wildsee

The first part of the hike is a steep climb. This was the hardest part for me. Later it’s steeper again, but by then you’re used to it. Sudden climbs right at the beginning always take a bit more energy for me! The Pizol glacier is also in sight. But it has shrunk a lot in the last years. Through the stony Wildseelücke we reach the second lake: the Wildsee.
And yes, it really has that color! We couldn’t stop marveling and took our first break here.

Wildsee, part of the 5 Lake Trail in Pizol, Switzerland

Lake #3: Schottensee

After the ascent to the Wildsee, it goes downhill to the Schottensee. The descent doesn’t take long and the third lake is quickly visible. It is a much darker blue than the second lake, but also a beautiful color! It’s hard to say which one is more beautiful. Personally I like the Wildsee a little bit better. Alex thinks the Schottensee is a bit better because it’s easier to get into the water to cool off (which some people did).

Hiking to the Schottensee, part of the 5 Lake Trail in Pizol, Switzerland

Lake #4: Schwarzsee

After another break at the Schottensee, we have to hurry because we don’t want to miss the last chairlift ride. First it goes uphill again, only to send you back down a long way. After about an hour you reach the very dark Schwarzsee.

We did the hike on a beautiful summer day at the weekend. That’s why the trail was very crowded. In this picture you can see how many people were on the trail with us.

Schwarzsee, part of the 5 Lake Hike in Pizol, Switzerland.

Lake #5: Baschalvasee

We don’t admire the beautiful Schwarzsee for too long, because we want to go directly to our last lake. From here it’s just under two hours to the valley station. It’s another steep ascent. Once at the top, you will find a large number of Steinmannlis (stacked stones) and a view of the Rhine Valley. Originally there were 5 Steinmannli, but since the 1960s more and more have been added and now there are over 50.
From here it’s all downhill to the last lake: Lake Baschalva.
It is besieged by cows, but there were people who have settled there to rest.

View of the Baschalvasee, the last lake of the 5 like hike in Pizol, Switzerland.

Swiss Cows relaxing on the hiking trail.

End of the 5 lake Hike in Pizol

From the last lake the path descends to the Gaffia mountain station. It is steep in places and the scree requires surefootedness. Just before the mountain station there is a small hut, the Alte Alp Gaffia.
It is famous for its barley soup. Since we had a good meal, we didn’t stop there.
The chairlift takes us back to the gondola station. Here we finally took the opportunity to go to the toilets and have a rest before taking the last gondola ride to end our wonderful hike.
Our verdict on the hike: very crowded on weekends, but not without reason! The area and the lakes are really beautiful and we can recommend the hike to everyone.
So put the 5 Lake Hike in Pizol immediately on your bucket list right away!