Four Swiss alpine lakes, spectacular mountain scenery, wildflower-filled meadows and cows grazing peacefully along the trail. The Four Lakes Hike Switzerland (Vier-Seen-Wanderung) from Melchsee-Frutt to Trübsee has all the ingredients for a perfect day hiking in Switzerland.
I’ve visited some of these lakes before, but experiencing all four in one day was something special. What I loved most was how much the scenery changed along the way. One moment I was walking through lush alpine meadows with cowbells ringing in the distance, and the next I was surrounded by rugged mountains and rocky slopes.
And then, of course, there were the lakes! Each one had its own character, and at Engstlensee, I simply couldn’t resist stopping for a picnic and a refreshing swim.
The hike takes you through three Swiss cantons — Obwalden, Bern and Nidwalden — and past four beautiful mountain lakes: Melchsee, Tannensee, Engstlensee and Trübsee.
One of the best things about this trail is that you don’t have to be a super-fit hiker to enjoy it. You can walk the entire route if you’re feeling energetic, or make life a little easier by taking a chairlift or two.
I certainly did! It was a hot summer’s day, and the thought of climbing all the way up to Jochpass in the afternoon sun wasn’t particularly appealing. So I happily let the chairlift do the hard work.
Depending on your route and whether you use the lifts, allow around four to six hours for the hike, plus extra time for photo stops, a leisurely picnic or even a swim.
And as always, you can do the whole trip by public transport. No car needed!
I’ll share what to expect along the route, where you can save yourself some climbing, and my tips for enjoying this beautiful hike.
How to Get to Melchsee-Frutt by Public Transport
One of the things I love about hiking in Switzerland is how easy it is to reach even fairly remote mountain destinations without a car. And the Four Lakes Hike is no exception!
I started my journey in Zurich, taking the train to Lucerne, where I changed onto the scenic Luzern–Interlaken Express. This train takes you past beautiful lakes and mountains, and I always enjoy this part of the journey. I got off at Sarnen, where I caught the PostBus to Stöckalp, the valley station of the Melchsee-Frutt cable car.
From Stöckalp, the cable car whisks you up to Melchsee-Frutt at around 1,920 metres above sea level. And just like that, you’re surrounded by mountains, with the first of the four lakes only a short walk away.
Allow approximately two hours to get from Zurich to Melchsee-Frutt, depending on your connections.
My tip: Check the cable car and PostBus timetables before setting off, especially if you’re planning to complete the entire hike in one day. You don’t want to miss the last connection! I recommend using the SBB app to plan your journey. If you’re not familiar with it, have a look at my guide on how to use the SBB app for step-by-step instructions.
Melchsee-Frutt itself is a small, car-free mountain resort, popular with families and hikers in summer and skiers in winter. You could easily spend a whole day here, enjoying the lake, walking some of the shorter trails or simply relaxing in the mountain sunshine.
But with four lakes on my itinerary, it was time to get moving!
Hiking the Four Lakes Trail: From Melchsee-Frutt to Trübsee
Lake 1: Melchsee – An Easy Start Through Alpine Meadows
The first lake of the day, Melchsee, is right beside the mountain village of Melchsee-Frutt. Not a bad way to start a hike!
This beautiful alpine reservoir is surrounded by green meadows and mountain peaks. It’s also a popular fishing spot, with trout and Arctic char living in its waters. At the northeastern shore, you’ll find the little Melchsee Chapel, a picturesque spot that’s even used for weddings.
From the cable car mountain station, I followed the yellow hiking signs towards Tannalp. The trail leads past the little Frutt shop and several restaurants before continuing along Melchsee.
If you have time, there’s a lovely little detour worth considering. Near the Frutt Lodge, you can reach the panoramic lift, which offers wonderful views across the lake, the high plateau and the surrounding mountains. The lift down towards the lake is free.
After reaching the far end of Melchsee, I took the hiking path uphill to the left, passing a picnic area before continuing along the slopes beneath Bonistock.
And this is where the hike really started to feel like my kind of day.
The trail winds gently through alpine meadows, with cows grazing peacefully and wildflowers growing along the path. Cowbells ringing, fresh mountain air and beautiful views in every direction. I was in my element!
This first stretch is wonderfully relaxed, with only about 60 meters of elevation gain between Melchsee-Frutt and Tannensee. It takes roughly an hour, depending, of course, on how often you stop for photos.
And if you’re anything like me, that might be quite often!
My tip: If you’d rather save your energy for the more demanding sections later in the day, you can take the Fruttli train between Melchsee-Frutt and Tannalp. This little tractor-pulled tourist train is a fun alternative, especially for families or anyone who prefers a shorter walk.
Lake 2: Tannensee – Peaceful Mountain Scenery and a Perfect Picnic Spot
Eventually, I reached Tannensee, the second lake on the Four Lakes Hike.
The scenery here is noticeably different from Melchsee. The landscape becomes more open and a little more rugged, with fewer buildings and a wonderful sense of space.
Tannensee sits in a broad, relatively flat alpine valley. On calm days, the surrounding mountains reflect beautifully in the water, making it a lovely place to stop and take photographs.
The lake was created by a dam completed in 1958, which collects water from the surrounding mountain streams.
When you reach the dam, you have two options: continue along the small road towards Tannalp or follow the marked hiking trail across the dam itself. I’d recommend the latter, as it’s the more scenic option.
There’s also a particularly lovely picnic and barbecue area near the lake, complete with covered seating and firewood.
Tannensee is also popular with anglers, although I was much more interested in the scenery than in catching fish!
Towards the far end of the lake, the trail joins the famous Via Alpina hiking route. From here, the path continues through an alpine moorland landscape towards Tannalp.
At Tannalp, you’ll find the traditional mountain inn, Berggasthaus Tannalp, opposite a pretty little chapel. It’s a lovely place to stop for a coffee or something to eat, and you can even stay overnight if you’d prefer to spread the hike over two days.
A little further along the trail, I came across Alpkäserei Tannalp, a traditional alpine cheese dairy. Naturally, I couldn’t resist stopping to buy some local cheese! It turned out to be the perfect addition to my picnic later that day at Engstlensee. I also bought an extra piece of their delicious “Sbrinz” cheese to take home. After all, those who stayed behind deserved a little taste of the Alps, too!
With my cheese safely tucked away in my backpack, I continued towards Engstlenalp, looking forward to the next stretch of the hike.
Lake 3: Engstlensee – My Favourite Spot for a Swim
The stretch from Tannalp down to Engstlenalp was one of my favourite parts of the entire hike.
The scenery changes again, and the trail becomes a little more adventurous. Gone are the broad, gentle paths of the Melchsee-Frutt plateau. Instead, you’re walking on a typical hiking trail through a more rugged mountain terrain.
At one point, the trail crosses a rocky section known as Spycherflüö, where the path has been carved into the mountainside. There’s a steep slope on one side and a thick rope attached to the rock on the other, which you can hold onto for extra security.
t might sound a little intimidating, but the path is reasonably wide and well-constructed. I didn’t find it particularly difficult, although I’d definitely recommend taking your time, especially if the rocks are wet or you’re uncomfortable with exposed sections.
After Spycherflüö, the trail descends along the mountainside towards Engstlenalp, which you can already see in the valley below.
Engstlenalp is a beautiful, traditional alpine farming area, surrounded by mountains and still used for summer grazing. The historic Berghotel Engstlenalp looks like something from another era, and I can easily imagine spending a night here, enjoying the peace and quiet after the day visitors have left.
And then, finally, you arrive at Engstlensee.
Engstlensee is a gorgeous natural mountain lake surrounded by a protected moorland and moraine landscape, with the dramatic peaks of the Titlis massif rising in the distance. On a calm day, the mountains reflect beautifully in the water.
It’s one of those places where I could happily spend hours.
And apparently, quite a few other people feel the same way! The lakeshore was fairly busy when I arrived, but I still found a lovely spot to spread out my picnic and enjoy the scenery.
And then it was time for a swim.
After several hours of hiking in the summer heat, slipping into the cool, clear water felt absolutely wonderful. Refreshing might be an understatement, but I loved every moment of it!
I stayed for a while, enjoying my picnic, the sunshine and the mountain views. No need to rush. These are exactly the moments I love most about exploring Switzerland.
Good to know: There are public toilets near the beginning of the lake, which is always useful on a long hiking day.
From Engstlensee to Jochpass: Time for a Chairlift!
After my lovely break at Engstlensee, it was time to make my way towards Jochpass, the mountain pass separating the Engstlenalp area from Trübsee.
And this is where I decided to give my legs a break.
The hiking trail up to Jochpass is steep and rocky, although well maintained, and takes approximately 1½ hours. On a cooler day, I might have been tempted to walk it.
But it was a particularly hot summer afternoon, and the idea of climbing uphill for another hour and a half wasn’t exactly appealing.
Luckily, there’s a chairlift!
The Engstlenalp–Jochpass chairlift takes you up to around 2,200 metres, saving you a substantial climb. It’s also popular with mountain bikers heading for the separate downhill bike trails.
When I arrived, the ticket counter wasn’t staffed, but I was able to take the lift and arrange payment at the top. I’d recommend checking the current ticketing arrangements before your visit rather than assuming this is always possible.
And I certainly didn’t regret my decision.
As the chairlift carried me higher, the views opened up across Engstlensee and the Bernese Alps. It was lovely to sit back, feel the breeze and enjoy the scenery without having to work for it!
If you do choose to hike, you’ll be rewarded with increasingly beautiful views as you climb, including glimpses of Titlis near the top.
At Jochpass, the landscape feels completely different again. The green alpine meadows have given way to a rugged mountain world of rock and scree, and the cooler mountain air is particularly welcome on a hot day.
There’s also a mountain restaurant called Berghuis Jochpass with a sunny terrace, where you can stop for something to eat or even to spend the night.
From here, it was time for me to head towards the fourth and final lake.
Lake 4: Trübsee – A Beautiful Finish Beneath Mount Titlis
From Jochpass, you can either hike down to Trübsee or take the chairlift.
I opted for the chairlift again. After all, I’d already done plenty of walking, and there was still another lake waiting for me!
The ride takes you down towards Trübsee, at around 1,800 metres, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
And there it was: lake number four!
Trübsee lies in a spectacular mountain setting beneath the Titlis massif. Unlike the more secluded Engstlensee, this lake is part of a popular mountain recreation area, with walking trails, restaurants and plenty of activities nearby.
But that doesn’t make it any less beautiful.
The water often has a slightly milky turquoise-green colour, depending on the light and conditions, and the surrounding mountains create a wonderful backdrop.
By the time I arrived, I was feeling that lovely mixture of tiredness and contentment that comes after a long day outdoors.
Four lakes, three cantons, changing mountain landscapes and a refreshing swim along the way. What a wonderful day!
If you still have some energy left, why not explore a little more? You can follow the easy circular trail around Trübsee, which takes about an hour, or head towards the waterfall on a lovely walk starting near the playground.
Here, the icy meltwater from the Steinberg Glacier tumbles down a series of cascades, making this a particularly refreshing place to visit on a hot summer day. There are also a few places to sit above and below the waterfall, where you can take a break.
From Trübsee, the Titlis cable car takes you down to Engelberg, where you can catch the train back to Lucerne and continue your journey home.
And just like that, you’ve completed one of Central Switzerland’s most beautiful lake hikes — all without a car.
Four Lakes Hike: Practical Information
How Difficult Is the Four Lakes Hike?
I’d describe the Four Lakes Hike as moderately challenging, although it really depends on how much of the route you decide to walk.
The first section from Melchsee-Frutt past Melchsee and Tannensee to Tannalp is easy, with gentle paths through beautiful alpine meadows. It’s a lovely stretch for families and anyone who enjoys walking without too much climbing.
Things become a little more demanding after Tannalp, where the trail descends towards Engstlenalp. There are some rocky sections, including the short passage at Spycherflüö, where a rope provides extra security.
The biggest climb comes after Engstlensee, with the steep ascent to Jochpass. If you’re not particularly keen on hiking uphill in the summer heat (I certainly wasn’t!), you can take the chairlift instead.
You can also save yourself the descent from Jochpass to Trübsee by taking another chairlift.
So while the complete hike requires a reasonable level of fitness and some mountain hiking experience, you can make it considerably easier and shorter by using the lifts.
One thing to remember: even if you take both chairlifts, you’ll still be walking on mountain trails, so sturdy hiking shoes are a good idea.
When Is the Best Time to Do the Four Lakes Hike?
I’d recommend hiking between July and September, when the mountain trails are generally free of snow and the alpine meadows are at their most beautiful.
Early summer is particularly lovely if you enjoy wildflowers, while late summer often brings more stable conditions and beautiful clear days.
I did this hike on a hot summer’s day in August, and although I loved every minute of it, I was certainly grateful for the refreshing swim at Engstlensee!
Remember that you’re hiking at elevations of around 1,800 to 2,200 metres. The weather can change quickly, and even on a sunny summer day, it can be surprisingly cool and windy at Jochpass.
Always check the mountain weather forecast, trail conditions and lift operating times before setting off.
What Should You Bring?
Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good grip, bring a light waterproof jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses and plenty of water.
Pack a picnic or some snacks, too. There are mountain restaurants along the route, but I always enjoy finding a lovely spot beside a lake and having something to eat while taking in the scenery.
And if you’re visiting on a warm summer day, don’t forget your swimsuit and a small towel! A refreshing dip in Engstlensee was one of the highlights of my day.
I’d also bring a little cash, just in case. Although card payments are widely accepted in Switzerland, smaller alpine businesses don’t always offer the same payment options.
How Much Does the Four Lakes Hike Cost?
The good news is that the Four Lakes Hike itself is completely free! However, unless you’re planning to hike all the way up and down the mountains, you’ll need to budget for a few cable car rides.
Getting to Melchsee-Frutt
The gondola from Stöckalp to Melchsee-Frutt costs CHF 25 one way for adults, or CHF 12.50 with a Swiss Half Fare Card or GA Travelcard.
Taking the Fruttli panoramic train
If you fancy giving your legs a little break, you can hop aboard the Fruttli panoramic train, which runs between Melchsee-Frutt and Tannalp. A single journey costs CHF 12, while a day ticket costs CHF 18.
Using the chairlifts along the way
There are also two chairlifts that can make your hike considerably easier. The chairlift from Engstlenalp to Jochpass costs CHF 13 one way, while the ride from Jochpass down to Trübsee costs CHF 15. Both offer a 50% discount with the Swiss Half Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass.
Finally, the cable car from Trübsee down to Engelberg costs CHF 27, or CHF 13.50 with either of these passes.
Are there any combination tickets?
Yes! If you’re planning to use several mountain transport services, it’s worth looking into combination tickets. The Melchsee-Frutt Summer Day Ticket costs CHF 45 (CHF 34 with Halbtax or GA) and includes the gondola, Bonistock cable car and Fruttli train.
There’s also a special Four Lakes Hike RailAway offer, giving visitors arriving by public transport a 10% discount on selected mountain transport tickets.
My tip: If you’re hiking from Melchsee-Frutt to Trübsee, you only need a one-way gondola ticket at the beginning and a one-way cable car ticket at the end. Everything else is optional, depending on how much you want to walk. Personally, I think the chairlifts are a wonderful option if you’d rather save your energy for enjoying the lakes and mountain scenery. After all, hiking isn’t a competition!
You can check the latest prices on the Melchsee-Frutt website and the TITLIS website.
Prices are based on the summer 2026 season and may change.
Where to Eat Along the Four Lakes Hike
One thing you certainly don’t need to worry about on the Four Lakes Hike is going hungry! There are several mountain restaurants along the way, so whether you’re after a quick coffee, a hearty Swiss lunch or just a slice of cake with a view, you’ll have plenty of options.
Of course, you can always bring your own picnic. That’s what I did, and I couldn’t have picked a better spot than the shore of Engstlensee for my lunch break.
Here are some places to stop along the trail, starting from Melchsee-Frutt:
Melchsee-Frutt: There are several restaurants and cafés in the little mountain resort. If you fancy a meal with a view, Frutt Mountain Resort has a lovely panoramic terrace overlooking the mountains. You’ll also find some nice picnic spots along Melchsee.
Tannalp: Berggasthaus Tannalp is a lovely traditional mountain inn opposite the little chapel. It’s a popular stop for hikers, especially at weekends, so you might want to arrive a little before or after the usual lunchtime rush.
Engstlensee: Personally, I’d recommend bringing a picnic and finding a quiet spot beside the lake. It’s such a beautiful setting, and if the weather is warm, you might even be tempted to go for a swim afterwards! If you’d rather eat at a restaurant, the Restaurant Engstlenalp.
Jochpass: Bärghuis Jochpass is a wonderful place to stop for a meal or a drink, with a sunny terrace and mountain views. If you’re hiking from Melchsee-Frutt, it makes a good late-lunch or afternoon stop. If you’re walking in the opposite direction from Engelberg, you’ll reach it much earlier in the day.
Trübsee: Near the Jochpass chairlift station, you’ll find Alpstubli am Trübsee, with lovely views of the lake and surrounding mountains. A nice place to sit down, have something to eat and enjoy the scenery before taking the gondola down to Engelberg.
My tip: If you’re hiking from Melchsee-Frutt to Trübsee, I’d recommend having lunch somewhere around Tannalp or Engstlensee. That gives you time to enjoy the first part of the hike without rushing. If you’re doing the route in reverse, starting from Engelberg, lunch at Tannalp or Melchsee-Frutt might work better, depending on your pace.
And don’t forget to check restaurant opening times before setting off. Some mountain restaurants operate seasonally, and opening hours can depend on the weather.
Where to Stay Along the Four Lakes Hike
Although the Four Lakes Hike can easily be done as a day trip, you could also turn it into a more relaxed two-day adventure. And with several lovely mountain hotels and traditional alpine inns along the route, why not?
Melchsee-Frutt – A Little Mountain Luxury
If you fancy treating yourself, Frutt Mountain Resort is a beautiful four-star mountain resort at 1,920 metres, surrounded by alpine scenery.
The resort has two lodges: Mountain Lodge, with a more peaceful atmosphere and a spa for guests aged 13 and over, and Lago Lodge, which is particularly family-friendly, with its own spa, kids’ club and even a bowling alley.
I can imagine how lovely it would be to spend the afternoon exploring Melchsee, followed by a relaxing spa session and a good night’s sleep before setting off on the hike the following morning.
Tannalp – A Traditional Alpine Inn
For something simpler and more rustic, Berggasthaus Tannalp is a lovely option. Situated on a peaceful alpine plateau near Tannensee, this traditional mountain inn offers cosy double rooms, shared rooms and dormitory-style accommodation.
It’s a great choice if you enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional Swiss mountain inn. And the nearby alpine cheese dairy even offers additional overnight accommodation during the summer season.
Engstlenalp – A Historic Mountain Hotel
Another wonderful possibility is Berghotel Engstlenalp, a historic mountain hotel surrounded by beautiful alpine scenery, not far from Engstlensee.
I haven’t stayed there myself, but I’d certainly be tempted to return and spend a night. There’s something special about these old mountain hotels, and I can only imagine how peaceful it must be once the day hikers have left.
And with Engstlensee nearby, you could enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the water instead of rushing onwards to Jochpass.
Jochpass – Sleep on the Summit
Another wonderful place to spend the night is Bärghuis Jochpass, perched at 2,222 metres above sea level, right along the Four Lakes Hike. If you love the idea of waking up surrounded by mountains, this might be just the place for you. The mountain hotel offers everything from cosy private rooms to shared accommodation, so it’s a good option whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or with friends. There’s also a restaurant serving delicious regional food and even a sauna where you can relax after a long day of hiking. And just imagine sitting on the terrace in the evening, enjoying the mountain views after most of the day visitors have left. Sounds pretty tempting, doesn’t it?
Trübsee – Spend the Night Beneath Mount Titlis
At the other end of the hike, you’ll find Berghotel Trübsee, right beside the Trübsee cable car station at around 1,800 metres.
The hotel offers comfortable rooms, including single, double and family rooms, as well as a sauna and a restaurant.
This would be a lovely place to finish your hike, enjoy a good dinner and spend the evening surrounded by mountains. And the next morning, you could take a leisurely walk around Trübsee or perhaps continue your adventure with a trip up to Mount Titlis.
My tip: If you have the time, staying overnight somewhere along the Four Lakes Hike is a wonderful way to slow down and enjoy the mountains without constantly checking your watch. Just remember to book ahead, especially during summer weekends, and check the seasonal opening dates of the mountain hotels.
Final Thoughts on the Four Lakes Hike
Four beautiful alpine lakes, ever-changing mountain scenery, peaceful meadows and a refreshing swim along the way. What’s not to love?
I absolutely loved this hike, especially the variety of landscapes and those quieter stretches where all I could hear were cowbells, birds and little mountain streams. And taking the chairlifts certainly didn’t make the experience any less enjoyable. Sometimes it’s nice to give your legs a break and simply enjoy the views!
Whether you decide to walk the entire route or take advantage of the lifts, I think the Four Lakes Hike is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of Central Switzerland.
And if you’re looking for more adventures in the area, I have two other favourites to recommend.
For another lovely alpine lake excursion, head to Bannalpsee, a beautiful mountain lake surrounded by rugged peaks and peaceful alpine scenery. It’s a wonderful place to spend a few hours hiking, relaxing or simply enjoying nature.
Or, if you’d like to experience the high mountains and get close to a glacier, why not visit Mount Titlis? From Engelberg, the cable cars take you up into a completely different world of snow, ice and spectacular mountain views.
Both are fantastic excursions in Central Switzerland and well worth adding to your Switzerland itinerary.
Happy hiking!
