Sunnegga and Rothorn at a glance
This is the gentlest of Zermatt's mountain areas. A funicular climbs in a little under four minutes from the village to Sunnegga at 2,288 metres. From there a six-person gondola goes up to Blauherd at 2,571 metres, and a cable car continues to the Rothorn at 3,103 metres.
Sunnegga is the starting point for the Leisee, a small lake with a playground, and for the walk through five lakes. In winter the same lifts serve the Sunnegga ski area, which is a good place for beginners. It is also much cheaper than the Gornergrat or the Glacier Paradise.
Closed from 12 October to 27 November 2026
This is the most important fact for autumn visitors.
Summer ended in October
The Sunnegga funicular ran until 11 October 2026. The lifts from Sunnegga to Blauherd and on to the Rothorn ran until 4 October 2026.
No lifts until 28 November
According to the winter timetable 2026/27, the Sunnegga lifts do not run between 12 October and 27 November 2026. Winter operation starts on 28 November and lasts until 11 April 2027.
Check live in between
One unofficial website showed the Sunnegga link as open on 13 October 2026. Do not rely on it. Look at the operator's live status before you travel in this period.
Spring 2027
The funicular is closed from 12 April 2027 for a rebuild of its control system. The reopening date for summer 2027 had not been published in October 2026.
If you visit in November, the 5 Lakes Walk is not reachable by lift. The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is open all year and is the alternative for a mountain day.
Zermatt tours and tickets
Gornergrat and Glacier Paradise tickets, day trips from Zurich and Geneva, and other ways to see the Matterhorn, with live prices.
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Prices for Sunnegga, Blauherd and Rothorn
Adult fares from Zermatt. Winter prices apply from 28 November 2026 to 11 April 2027, summer prices for the 2027 season.
| Destination | Winter 2026/27 single | Winter 2026/27 return | Summer 2027 single | Summer 2027 return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunnegga | CHF 17 | CHF 26 | CHF 18 | CHF 36 |
| Blauherd | CHF 30 | CHF 51 | CHF 34 | CHF 68 |
| Rothorn | CHF 44 | CHF 70 | CHF 48 | CHF 96 |
| Rothorn, afternoon return from 1:30 pm | – | CHF 57 | – | CHF 76 |
For the 5 Lakes Walk there is a combination ticket, Zermatt to Blauherd and Sunnegga back to Zermatt, at CHF 52 in summer 2027. A Half Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass gives 50 % off single lift tickets, but not on the afternoon ticket. The Peak Pass includes Sunnegga and the Rothorn, and in winter also the Findeln chairlift from Eja to Sunnegga.
Leisee: the easy lake
The Leisee lies at 2,232 metres and is often called Zermatt's beach. It has a playground for children, barbecue spots, a picnic area, a play raft and a view of the Matterhorn. Swimming is allowed in the Leisee and the Grünsee, unless a sign says otherwise.
From the Sunnegga top station it is a ten-minute walk, or three minutes with the Leisee shuttle, a short funicular. It is the right choice with small children or when you have only a few hours. A reflection of the peak needs still air, which is more likely early or late in the day.
The Findlerweg (no. 49) leads from Sunnegga past the Leisee to Findeln and on to Winkelmatten, 3.9 kilometres in about 1 hour 10 minutes. Findeln is known as a place to eat.
The 5 Lakes Walk in short
The 5 Lakes Walk (trail no. 11) starts at Blauherd and ends at Sunnegga. It passes the Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee and Leisee. The Matterhorn mirrors in three of them: the Stellisee, Grindjisee and Leisee.
Sources differ on the numbers: roughly 10 to 11 kilometres and 3 to 3.5 hours, mostly downhill, rated as an easy-to-medium mountain trail (T2). The season runs from June to September. Children from about six years can do it. Distances, a map and the other trails are in our hiking guide.
Rothorn and other things to do
The upper station has more to offer than the view.
Rothorn at 3,103 m
The operator advertises Europe's highest hiking path from the Rothorn to the Oberrothorn at 3,415 metres, named the Path to Freedom.
Peak Collection
18 sculptures at 2,350 metres, as listed by the operator.
Stellisee route
From the Rothorn via Fluhalp and the Stellisee to Blauherd: 5.3 kilometres, 1 hour 45 minutes, trail grade T2.
Skiing
The Sunnegga-Rothorn ski area opens on 28 November 2026 and closes on 11 April 2027. A one-day beginner pass for the area starts at CHF 60 in winter 2026/27. See our skiing guide.
Sunnegga and Rothorn: frequently asked questions
How much does the Sunnegga funicular cost?
A return ticket costs CHF 26 in winter 2026/27 (from 28 November 2026) and CHF 36 in summer 2027. Single tickets cost CHF 17 and CHF 18.
Is Sunnegga open in November 2026?
Not before 28 November. According to the winter timetable, the Sunnegga lifts do not run from 12 October to 27 November 2026. Check the live status if you travel in that period.
How long does the funicular take?
A little under four minutes from Zermatt to the Sunnegga top station at 2,288 metres.
Can I swim in the Leisee?
Yes. Swimming is allowed in the Leisee and in the Grünsee, unless a sign says otherwise.
How much is the Rothorn?
A return ticket costs CHF 70 in winter 2026/27 and CHF 96 in summer 2027. The afternoon return from 1:30 pm costs CHF 57 and CHF 76. It cannot be combined with discount cards.