Sunnegga (2,288m) is located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, 700m above glamorous Zermatt. The Sunnegga Express underground funicular railway takes less than 5 minutes to reach this idyllic spot. Sunnegga is an excellent option to see the Matterhorn from its viewpoints, a good option is to take the funicular one way and walk back comfortably as the way to Zermatt is downhill.
Sunnegga is ideal for hiking with children or for people who are not very keen on mountaineering, as there is no need for long ascents or hikes to contemplate this wonderful natural scenery. So people with a minimum of physical condition can enjoy a real alpine landscape without a great physical effort.
Just outside the resort there is a path that leads down to the Leisee (2,232 m.), a small lake with panoramic views of the proudest mountain in the Alps and where you can swim in summer. An idyllic spot perfect for a picnic, as there are barbecues for this purpose. If you are travelling with children, a visit to this lake is a must, as just below is the playground of Wolli, the Zermatt sheep-pet. Your little ones will have a great time in his wooden castle and on the other swings.
This is also where you will find the 5 lakes route, a circular circuit that can be done in about three hours. Each lake has its own particularities, but all of them are profoundly beautiful.
In addition to the Leisee, you should not miss the Stellisee (2,537 m.), a beautiful blue lagoon surrounded by green pastures and with large rocks on its banks. On one side the Matterhorn reflecting in its waters, on the other Fluealp from which you can also get a wonderful view of the Matterhorn.
Breakfast here is fantastic, you can walk along the path by the lake and turn around in 10 minutes. This is the highest lake in the Matterhorn, so if you want to save your way, you can take the cable car to Blauherd and from here it is a 15-minute ride down to the lake.
From Stellisee you only have to go down to Grindjisee (2,334 m). The special feature of this small green water lake is the barrier of fir trees between the lake and the Matterhorn. The view is fairytale-like, making it one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland, as well as one of the classic postcards of the Swiss Alps. It is an ideal place to lie on the grass and enjoy the grandeur of nature.
You can also visit the Grünsee (2,300 m) and the Mosjsee (2,140 m). The paths are well signposted and are not particularly difficult.
In Sunnegga, it is also possible to follow the marmot trail, a simple itinerary where the observation of these friendly animals is guaranteed.
Findeln, a stop before returning to Zermatt
Before leaving the Sunnegga Paradise area, it would be interesting to go down to the alpine hamlet of Findeln (2,030 m).
Alpine hamlets are small settlements of huts and chalets in high altitude meadows. They usually have a few terraces and restaurants and Findeln is no exception.
The road down to Findeln is beautiful. The Matterhorn pyramid rises up to the left as the first rooftops and the Swiss flag burst into view. Here there are already some terraces that invite you to enjoy a simple plate of sausage with potatoes or the typical Valais sausages.
The road continues descending and crosses the lowest part of Findeln, where the restaurant Chez Vrony awaits us, a former shepherd’s hut that is now a cosy mountain restaurant with interiors worthy of the best interior designer and a terrace designed for savouring delicious dishes while contemplating a landscape that is unique in the world.
Meanwhile, the day progresses, and to return we can take the Sunnegga Express which is a little further up, although you can save yourself the climb and go down to Zermatt by a simple path that descends to the famous village through the Winkelmatten district and after crossing the Gornegrat railway line.
This is Sunnegga, a place where beauty is nothing extraordinary, a place where the lakes capture the reflections of the snow-capped Matterhorn. A place that invites you to stroll and enjoy the majesty of the Zermatt Alps. Do you dare to check it out?