Hiking the Pizol 5-Lakes

From Zurich to Summit & Lakes

If you like alpine lakes + panoramic mountain views + a bit of challenge, the Pizol 5-Lakes hike is one of Switzerland’s classics. Here’s everything you need to know: route, lakes, how to get there, timing, what to expect.

Finally at the summit

What & Where is Pizol

• Pizol is a mountain in the Glarus Alps, in the canton of St. Gallen, northeastern Switzerland. Its summit reaches 2,844 metres above sea level.

• The “5-Lakes” (5 Seen / Pizolseen) hike goes through five mountain lakes on its way between Pizolhütte and Gaffia. It’s high alpine terrain above the tree line for much of the route, with rocky sections and scree.

The stunning views of lake two, its incredible blue

The Lakes (in Order)

Here are the lakes you pass (or detour to) on this hike, roughly in order:

#	Name	Elevation / Notes
Lake 1: Wangsersee (Wangersee)	~ 2,206-2,227 m. It’s near Pizolhütte. If you detour a little at the start, you can visit this lake. It’s scenic though not as dramatic as the others.
Lake 2: Wildsee	~ 2,438 m. One of the more striking lakes, especially with views of the Pizol glacier and Wildseeluggen. (“Wild­seeluggen” refers to the ridge/saddle from which you see Wildsee)
Lake 3: Schottensee	~ 2,335 m. After some descent from Wildsee, this lake offers good spots to rest. Some brave souls swim here—very cold.
Lake 4: Schwarzsee	~ 2,368 m. Another beautiful lake, though perhaps less “wow” than Wildsee to some. Good place for scenery, including views toward the Alps and maybe wildlife (ibex, chamois).
Lake 5: Baschalvasee	~ 2,174 m. The final lake. After this there’s mostly descent toward Gaffia. Greenish water, lovely surroundings.

Route & Trail Details

• Trailhead / Start: You reach the hike by taking lifts (gondolas + chair lifts) up to Pizolhütte (≈ 2,227 m) from Wangs. From there the trail leads across the high alpine terrain.

• End Point: The hike finishes at Gaffia station, where you can catch lifts/cable cars/chairlifts back down.

• Distance: ~ 10-11 km (some sources say 10 km, others 11.4 km) depending on minor detours.

• Elevation Gain & Loss: Ascent of ~ 640 m and descent ~ 1,000 m on the main route. The highest points on the trail reach ~ 2,500 m (e.g. Wildseeluggen etc.).

• Time / Duration: Usually about 4-5 hours walking, not counting breaks, photo stops, swimming etc. If you linger, take many photos or swim, allow more time.

Getting There From Zurich

Here are the logistics from Zurich, whether by public transport or by car:

• By Public Transport:

  • Train from Zürich HB (main station) to Sargans. Then bus to Wangs, Pizolbahn station.

  
  

  • The journey takes about 1h10 by train + bus.

  
  
  
  

• Lifts / Access:

  • From Wangs, you take a gondola + chair lifts to reach Pizolhütte (~2,227 m). These lifts are essential unless you want a much longer hike from the valley.

  • Lift schedules are seasonal (summer months, generally July through October) and there are fixed times for last lift down. You must plan so that you’re not stuck because the lifts have closed.

On the cable cars

What to Expect (Highlight Moments + Challenges)

• Weather & Season:

  • Trail is generally open July through mid-October, depending on snow. Early summer (July) may still have snow patches.

  • Even in summer, weather can shift quickly. Mountain breezes, cold mornings, possible storms later in day. Layers are essential.

• Difficulty & Terrain:

  • Medium / moderate difficulty. There are several steep ascents & descents. Rocky sections, scree, sometimes exposed ridges.

  • Good hiking boots + maybe hiking poles help especially on descents (knees will feel it).

• Views & Scenery:

  • Stunning lakes with contrasting colors (turquoise, deep blue, greenish). Views of the glacier (though shrinking), peaks, surrounding Alps.

  • Wildlife: possible sightings of chamois, ibex, birds of prey. Alpine flora, wildflowers.

• Swim in Lake 3: If you plan to jump in, it will be cold. Alpine lakes at these elevations are icy even in warm days. But lots of hikers do quick dips, especially in Schottensee (Lake 3). Lets just say it was a quick dip it was freezing

Swimming in lake 3

Practical Tips & Timing

• Start early! To allow time for lifts up & down, breaks, lake stops, photos. If you start too late you might have to rush to catch the last lift down. Several sources warn that 16:30 is often a hard stop at Gaffia for the last chairlift.

• Bring enough water. There are no (or very few) water fountains on the trail itself.

• Good gear: sturdy boots, warm layers, windbreaker, sun protection (hat / sunscreen), swimwear if you want to swim.

• Snacks / lunch: likely you’ll want to carry food. There are restaurants at the start (Pizolhütte), end (Gaffia, etc.), but along the trail there is no service.

• Do a “detour” if you want to see all 5 lakes: the first lake (Wangsersee) is a small detour from the main path at the start. If time or energy is limited, you could skip it and still get 4 lakes.

  
  

Why It’s Worth It

• Gorgeous & varied scenery: lakes, ridges, glaciers, panoramic vistas.

• You get an alpine experience without technical mountaineering.

• It’s close enough to Zurich to do as a day-trip if you’re organised.

• The payoff: that moment at the summit / between lakes when you turn and see mountain after mountain, untouched vistas, reflections in crystal water, the feeling of being high up.