The Best Family Hikes and Lake Days in Zermatt

You do not need to be a serious walker to enjoy hiking in Zermatt with children. The village sits at the heart of a huge network of trails, many of them gentle, well-signed and dotted with playgrounds, lakes and cafes to keep little legs motivated. Here are some of the best easy hikes and lake days for families.

Leisee lake at Sunnegga

Take the funicular up to Sunnegga and you reach Leisee, a shallow mountain lake with a kid-friendly shore, a water playground and a play raft. There are picnic and barbecue spots, and the famous five-lakes walk starts nearby. It is one of the easiest and most rewarding half-days you can plan with young children.

The Wonderland Trail

This gentle themed trail is designed with families in mind, with playful stops along the way that turn a walk into an adventure. It is a great choice for keeping younger children engaged.

Hanging-bridge walks

For a little thrill, several routes near Zermatt cross long suspension bridges high above forested gorges. Crossing one is a real highlight for kids, exciting but completely safe, and the views are superb.

The Gorner Gorge

An easy, shady walk on wooden walkways above rushing turquoise water, the Gorner Gorge is a fun, cooling option on a hot day and suits all ages.

Tips for hiking with kids in Zermatt

• Use the lifts. Funiculars and gondolas save little legs and turn a long climb into a short, scenic walk.

• Pack layers, sun cream, hats and plenty of water and snacks.

• Plan a playground or lake stop as a halfway reward.

• Sturdy trainers are fine for most family trails.

Let us do the planning

For the full picture, see our guide to things to do in Zermatt with kids. Hikes, lake days and bridge walks are a staple of our camp weeks, especially for the Discoverers (3-5) and on our family camps. If you would like the days planned and supervised for you, take a look at our Zermatt day camps.