5 Lakes Hike (Gotthard): Uri, Central Switzerland

Out of all the possible “5 Lake Trails” in Switzerland, this one is definitely the most under-the-radar. Which is surprising, because it is right off one of the most famous passes in the country: the top of the Gotthard Pass. This trail is really stunning in its own way, filled with geometric boulders and inky blue lakes (way more than five!) and high-altitude moors and mossy rocks. Once you pass the first lake, the busy roads melt away, and all that is before you in mountains. Mountains in a harsh, yet uniquely beautiful, landscape. Definitely don’t skip the short detour up to Gatscholalücke. And best of all, it’s pretty empty. We went on a sunny Sunday, and there were hardly any people on the trail! What’s not to love about that?

P.S. If you are coming with a car, do yourself a favor and park next to the dam (Lake Lucendro), and save yourself a couple kilometers of road walking.

• Start/end: Gotthard Passhöhe

• Basic Route: Gotthard Passhöhe - Lake Lucendro - Laghi della Valletta - Gatscholalücke - Laghi d'Orsirora - Lago d'Orsino - Gotthard Passhöhe

• Length and Rating: 14km, 650 meters up/down, 4 hours. Moderate.