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Switzerland
Eastern Switzerland
St. Gallen
Sarganserland
Vilters-Wangs

5-lake hike on the Pizol

Hard

4.8

(779)

5,471

hikers

5-lake hike on the Pizol

04:47

11.2km

480m

Hiking

No less than five fantastic mountain lakes characterize this hike between Pizolhütte and Gaffia. Each of them impresses with a different color, unreal reflections and clear water. In addition, you can enjoy insights into the UNESCO World Heritage Tektonikarena Sardona.

The starting point is the Pizol hut, which you can reach with the Pizol cable cars in three sections from Wangs. The first highlight is the idyllic Wangsersee, to which you can make a detour from the Pizolhütte.

Following the winding path, you will climb up to the Wildsee. The intense light blue of the water stands in a stunning contrast to the rocky peaks of the surrounding mountains. The view of the Pizol glacier and the gray horns is fascinating.

Only a few meters from the Wildsee, Lake Number Three is waiting for you. Also the Schottensee seems to have sprung from a picture book. On one side, the waters are bordered by high cliffs, on the other hand, the terrain drops steeply and offers a fantastic panorama.

On the safe crossing of the ridge of the Black Plangge you can let your gaze wander into the UNESCO World Heritage Tectonic Arena Sardona. Pizol glacier, Ringelspitz and Piz Sardona are imposingly in front of you. From Schwarzplangg you descend down to the dark Schwarzsee. With a little luck, you can see chamois and even eagles here.

At the Rossstall you come to an unreal-looking plateau with countless Steinmännli. Over time, the stony family grows larger and you can pause and add another male.

Via the eastern flank of the Gamidaur you reach the fifth and last lake of this walk. In the small Baschalvasee reflects the lush green of the surrounding slopes. From the shore, the view extends to the Rhine Valley.

Then you walk down to the charming mountain inn Gaffia, where you can strengthen yourself after this great tour. The station of the Gaffia cable car is just a few steps away. From there the cable cars lead back to the valley to Wangs.

by

Last updated: August 5, 2024

Tips

Includes a segment that may be dangerous

A part of this route comprises technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.

After 3.48 km for 3 m

Waypoints

A

Start point

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1

626 m

Wangsersee

Highlight • Lake

Wangsersee, Pizol at 2205 meters above sea level
The Wangsersee is located in the St. Gallen communities of Bad Ragaz and Vilters-Wangs. The small mountain lake is not far from the mountain station of the Pizolbahnen or the Pizolhütte at an altitude of 2205 meters above sea level. The Valaisbach flows down the valley from the Wangsersee.
On the shores of the lake you have a magnificent view of the mountains in the Pizol area. The Wangsersee is also the start or end point of the five-lake hike, which also passes the Wildsee, the Schottensee, the Schwarzsee and the Baschalvasee.
Text / Source: Schweizersee.ch
schweizersee.ch/wangsersee

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Tip by

2

3.45 km

Wildseeluggen

Highlight • Lake

Great lake with beautiful mountain scenery

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Tip by

3

4.43 km

Schottensee

Highlight • Lake

If you start early and walk the tour the other way around, you will probably only find a few other hikers at the Schottensee, before the Wildsee is teeming with people.

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Tip by

4

6.65 km

Schwarzsee (Pizol)

Highlight • Lake

One lake more beautiful than the other, but each one is unique. The Schwarzsee lives up to its name and shimmers darkly in the sunlight.

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Tip by

5

7.46 km

Stone Cairns at Rossstall

Highlight • Structure

Ascent from Schwarzsee to a plateau with many cairns. From there you have a wonderful view in all directions.

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Tip by

6

9.29 km

Lake Baschalva

Highlight • Lake

From Lake Baschalva you can see all the way into the Rhine Valley, although that becomes irrelevant when you look at this beautiful mountain lake. Depending on which direction you do the 5 Lakes hike, this is the first or the last of the five lakes on the hike.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

7

11.0 km

Gaffia Mountain Inn

Highlight • Mountain Hut

Quaint inn with delicious food. After the strenuous ascent or descent, it is worth stopping here.

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Tip by

B

11.2 km

End point

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

9.89 km

872 m

436 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

9.97 km

1.12 km

110 m

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (2,480 m)

Lowest point (1,860 m)

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Weather

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Tuesday 5 May

6°C

-1°C

87 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 4.0 km/h

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Comments

September 7, 2019

No less than five fantastic mountain lakes characterize this hike between Pizolhütte and Gaffia. Each of them impresses with a different color, unreal reflections and clear water. In addition, you can enjoy insights into the UNESCO World Heritage Tektonikarena Sardona.



The starting point is the Pizol

Translated by Google •

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Nearby routes

Hard

4.8

5,471

5-lake hike on the Pizol

04:47h

11.2km

480m

Trail Reviews

🅰️ndrea
August 15, 2021, 🇨🇭 5 Seen Wanderung Pizol

🙈 A very nice tour despite the great migration Start: Wangs with the gondola and 2x chairlift to the Pizolhütte first a little bit to the left to the "Wangersee" the small mountain lake is located above Wangs northeast of the Pizol summit at 2206 m the way back and follow the 5 lakes circular route 😲 Oh dear, this is a popular destination almost like being stuck in a traffic jam on the motorway, but all hikers were very nice and considerate 👍 the first Hm in serpentines up to the saddle the view opens up to the "Wildsee" It is located in the summit region of the Pizol at 2438 m, a little north of the summit it is not far down the path "Schottensee" It is located north of the Pizol summit at 2335 m above sea level. M. the next Hm in serpentines up to the saddle, many cairns are here, back down to the "Schwarzsee" It lies at 2372m, invites you to take a bath. the last bigger Hm, and back down to the "Baschalvasee" It is located at 2174m A large herd of cattle awaits us here, romping around with relish in the lake Another small hill up and it goes down with the chairlift and the gondola back to the valley Fees: Parking lot SF 5.- Mountain + valley rides for train + lifts SF 46.-

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Done in the opposite direction💪🏼 If you're not afraid of a few more meters of elevation, then definitely without too many people. Tight but fantastic!

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Yesterday, I kept my wife's promise and went on this hike with her and her best friend. Unfortunately, I didn't make it to the 5-Lakes Hike because the cold beer at the Pizol Hut tasted too good. Choosing this direction was the right decision; otherwise, it would have turned into a 🦆-march.

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Wonderful hike, also great for beginners. Breathtaking lakes and landscapes. Belongs on the hike-to-do list. Chic alpine restaurants. Have fun

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I even found something to climb 😉 The Gamidaurspitz over the side with the rope is fun ☺️

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Great tour on the Pizol on the 5 lakes hike. Parked at the train for 5 francs, or possible via easypark.

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Thomas
September 6, 2025, 5 Seen Wanderung

Fantastic hiking conditions today, better than expected. After what feels like 50 years, I once again tackled the 5 Lakes Hike from the Pizol Hut. I shared some fantastic mountain impressions with many hiking enthusiasts from all over the world. The tour is easily manageable with appropriate gear. For another time, I'd prefer a weekday. Bottom line: it was great 👍🏻👍🏻😁

Translated by Google

Wonderful but crowded hike in the Pizol. It's worth going early and walking from bottom to top. At times, the hikers came towards us in single columns...

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