[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":1586},["ShallowReactive",2],{"post-hiking-pica-d-estats-the-highest-peak-in-catalonia":3,"related-posts-hiking-pica-d-estats-the-highest-peak-in-catalonia":552},{"id":4,"uid":5,"url":6,"type":7,"href":8,"tags":9,"first_publication_date":10,"last_publication_date":10,"slugs":11,"linked_documents":13,"lang":14,"alternate_languages":15,"data":16},"auSYDBEAACwAk9zs","hiking-pica-d-estats-the-highest-peak-in-catalonia","/blog/hiking-pica-d-estats-the-highest-peak-in-catalonia","blog_post","https://takeahike.cdn.prismic.io/api/v2/documents/search?ref=au8t5RIAACoAMnyH&q=%5B%5B%3Ad+%3D+at%28document.id%2C+%22auSYDBEAACwAk9zs%22%29+%5D%5D",[],"2026-10-31T09:48:35+0000",[12],"when-to-go",[],"en-us",[],{"title":17,"cover":18,"short_description":49,"author":50,"categories":61,"color_theme":73,"slices":74,"meta_title":23,"meta_description":23,"meta_image":551},"Hiking Pica d'Estats: Our guide to the highest peak in Catalonia",{"dimensions":19,"alt":22,"copyright":23,"url":24,"id":25,"edit":26,"thumb":30,"mobile":37,"large":43},{"width":20,"height":21},1920,1440,"View from Pica d'Estats",null,"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/RzO9sYYaQJSJWk6l_picadestats-15.jpg?auto=format,compress","RzO9sYYaQJSJWk6l",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},0,1,"transparent",{"dimensions":31,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":34,"id":25,"edit":35},{"width":32,"height":33},800,500,"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/RzO9sYYaQJSJWk6l_picadestats-15.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,120,1920,1200&w=800&h=500",{"x":27,"y":36,"zoom":28,"background":29},120,{"dimensions":38,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":41,"id":25,"edit":42},{"width":39,"height":40},400,300,"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/RzO9sYYaQJSJWk6l_picadestats-15.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1440&w=400&h=300",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{"dimensions":44,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":46,"id":25,"edit":47},{"width":21,"height":45},960,"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/RzO9sYYaQJSJWk6l_picadestats-15.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,80,1920,1280&w=1440&h=960",{"x":27,"y":48,"zoom":28,"background":29},80,"An iconic peak for Catalans and a great weekend adventure in the high Pyrenees. Here is how to get there, the route, the bivouac and the rules.",{"id":51,"type":52,"tags":53,"lang":14,"slug":54,"first_publication_date":55,"last_publication_date":55,"uid":54,"data":56,"link_type":58,"key":59,"isBroken":60},"afr_OBYAACgAQIQc","author",[],"take-a-hike-team","2026-05-06T08:44:16+0000",{"name":57},"Take a Hike Team","Document","688ef27f-eb6f-4886-b227-abe75a9dec5b",false,[62],{"category":63},{"id":64,"type":65,"tags":66,"lang":14,"slug":67,"first_publication_date":68,"last_publication_date":68,"uid":67,"url":69,"data":70,"link_type":58,"key":72,"isBroken":60},"Z-ruvRAAAB4AZB2l","blog_categories",[],"hiking-stories","2025-03-31T19:36:33+0000","/blog/category/hiking-stories",{"name":71},"Hiking stories","d5ac476c-541a-4518-98a1-8bdf16fb27ac","Lake",[75,91,110,206,240,392,420,509,543],{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":78,"primary":79,"id":89,"slice_type":90,"slice_label":23},"default","initial",[],{"text":80},[81,86],{"type":82,"text":83,"spans":84,"direction":85},"paragraph","Pica d'Estats is the highest peak in Catalonia, at 3,143 m. The summit sits on the border with France, and the route crosses into French territory before the final climb.",[],"ltr",{"type":82,"text":87,"spans":88,"direction":85},"This post covers how we did it in two days with a bivouac by a lake: when to go, how to get to the trailhead, the route to the summit, and what to pack. We also explain why you should avoid one specific day of the year.",[],"text_block$3068947c-457b-4d12-9820-c51a2745f0fa","text_block",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":92,"primary":93,"id":109,"slice_type":90,"slice_label":23},[],{"text":94},[95,99,102],{"type":96,"text":97,"spans":98,"direction":85},"heading2","When to go",[],{"type":82,"text":100,"spans":101,"direction":85},"The best season is July and August. The summit is high, and earlier in the season you can find snow on the upper part of the route. We'd also check the weather forecast closely, because afternoon storms are common in the high Pyrenees, so start early on summit day.",[],{"type":82,"text":103,"spans":104,"direction":85},"There's one date we suggest you avoid: 11 September, the National Day of Catalonia (the Diada). When we hiked it, it happened to be that day. On the Diada, many Catalans climb the peak as a symbol of pride for their territory. The atmosphere is special, but if you want a quiet mountain, with space on the trail and a free spot to pitch your tent, pick another weekend.",[105],{"start":106,"end":107,"type":108},39,94,"strong","text_block$f628e6c3-ddb0-4026-a167-2f00e0949c9a",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":111,"primary":203,"id":204,"slice_type":205,"slice_label":23},[112,128,144,159,174,189],{"image":113},{"dimensions":114,"alt":116,"copyright":23,"url":117,"id":118,"edit":119,"large":120,"full":124},{"width":115,"height":115},2000,"Estany 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Sotllo","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/yJZn9w073RrE0Cj1_picadestats-3.jpg?auto=format,compress","yJZn9w073RrE0Cj1",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{"dimensions":182,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":183,"id":179,"edit":184},{"width":21,"height":45},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/yJZn9w073RrE0Cj1_picadestats-3.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1440&h=960",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{"dimensions":186,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":187,"id":179,"edit":188},{"width":20,"height":131},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/yJZn9w073RrE0Cj1_picadestats-3.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1920&h=1280",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{"image":190},{"dimensions":191,"alt":147,"copyright":23,"url":192,"id":193,"edit":194,"large":195,"full":199},{"width":20,"height":131},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/QVo8JsXoTa_IZOHK_picadestats-1.jpg?auto=format,compress","QVo8JsXoTa_IZOHK",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{"dimensions":196,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":197,"id":193,"edit":198},{"width":21,"height":45},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/QVo8JsXoTa_IZOHK_picadestats-1.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1440&h=960",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{"dimensions":200,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":201,"id":193,"edit":202},{"width":20,"height":131},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/QVo8JsXoTa_IZOHK_picadestats-1.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1920&h=1280",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{},"photos_slider$41263272-fb53-4558-bfa4-9aa7bdebedf4","photos_slider",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":207,"primary":208,"id":239,"slice_type":90,"slice_label":23},[],{"text":209},[210,213,222,228],{"type":96,"text":211,"spans":212,"direction":85},"Getting to the trailhead",[],{"type":82,"text":214,"spans":215,"direction":85},"The hike starts in the Vall Ferrera, which you reach from the town of Àreu. Public transport doesn't get you there, so you'll need a car.",[216,219],{"start":217,"end":218,"type":108},23,35,{"start":220,"end":221,"type":108},70,74,{"type":82,"text":223,"spans":224,"direction":85},"The road to the trailhead is a forest road. A 4x4 is recommended, but we did it with a normal car and it was fine, just a bit bumpy. When we went, the road was ok, but conditions change with the weather, so drive slowly and check recent reports. If you don't want to drive the forest road, you can park lower down at La Farga, a few kilometers past Àreu, and walk the extra distance to the refuge, which adds about two hours.",[225],{"start":226,"end":227,"type":108},317,325,{"type":82,"text":229,"spans":230,"direction":85},"Parking in the Vall Ferrera is regulated and there's a reservation system for the parking areas, so check the parking reservation website before you go, especially during the high season.",[231],{"start":232,"end":233,"type":234,"data":235},110,137,"hyperlink",{"link_type":236,"url":237,"target":238},"Web","https://www.areupicadestats.com/home.html","_blank","text_block$165e949e-d406-464b-8a6c-4fff0a6a97b9",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":241,"primary":242,"id":390,"slice_type":391,"slice_label":23},[],{"title":243,"description":248,"gps_file":270,"geojson_file":278,"elevation_data":284,"markers":290},[244],{"type":245,"text":246,"spans":247,"direction":85},"heading3","The Route",[],[249,258,264,267],{"type":82,"text":250,"spans":251,"direction":85},"The route starts with a steady climb into the valley. Early on there are a few chains fixed to the rock. They're short, and you don't need to be a climber to use them, but take your time and use your hands, especially if the rock is wet. After the chains the trail continues along a river until you reach the first lake, Estany de Sotllo, and a bit higher up, the second one, Estany d’Estats. Both are good places for a break, to refill your water and to look at the terrain ahead. This is also where most people set up camp for the night if they split the hike in two days.",[252,255],{"start":253,"end":254,"type":108},321,337,{"start":256,"end":257,"type":108},376,391,{"type":82,"text":259,"spans":260,"direction":85},"After the second lake the climb gets serious. The path goes up the mountain in a long series of steep zigzags, loose in places. At the top of the zigzags you reach the Port de Sotllo, the pass on the border, and from there you cross into France. The summit of the highest peak in Catalonia isn't reached from the Spanish side of the border, since you walk the last section on the French side to the top.",[261],{"start":262,"end":263,"type":108},168,182,{"type":82,"text":265,"spans":266,"direction":85},"From the summit you have the border ridge, the other 3,000 m peaks of the massif, and a view over both countries. Then you go back the same way, down to the pass, the zigzags, and the lakes, until you reach the trailhead. The descent is long, so keep some energy for it.",[],{"type":82,"text":268,"spans":269,"direction":85},"The round trip is roughly 19 km, with over 1,600 m of ascent. So if you are planning to do it in one go, be ready for a very long day. We did the hike in two days, and we recommend it. Day one was the walk up to the second lake, and day two started early with the summit, and then the way back to the car.",[],{"link_type":271,"key":272,"kind":273,"id":274,"url":275,"name":276,"size":277},"Media","f4b8f255-bb63-45c4-ac6f-73d378dcde3c","file","O6KdxBA1RMAcDssk","https://takeahike.cdn.prismic.io/takeahike/O6KdxBA1RMAcDssk_Picad%27Estats.gpx","Pica d'Estats.gpx","105550",{"link_type":271,"key":279,"kind":273,"id":280,"url":281,"name":282,"size":283},"36df7d9b-1e34-4411-9bff-cf6da67bd1e1","VbxgVAl2NS8_yeKQ","https://takeahike.cdn.prismic.io/takeahike/VbxgVAl2NS8_yeKQ_Picad%27Estats.geojson","Pica d'Estats.geojson","13894",{"link_type":271,"key":285,"kind":273,"id":286,"url":287,"name":288,"size":289},"f218ef72-5ff3-4333-8e3d-1e7dfaa161cf","7yE363loYBof8TGG","https://takeahike.cdn.prismic.io/takeahike/7yE363loYBof8TGG_Picad%27EstatsElevation.geojson","Pica d'Estats Elevation.geojson","50636",[291,316,339,361],{"coordinates":292,"name":295,"description":296,"type":300,"image":301},{"latitude":293,"longitude":294},42.666952,1.3978986,"Pica d'Estats",[297],{"type":82,"text":298,"spans":299,"direction":85},"3143 m",[],"Coll",{"dimensions":302,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":303,"id":304,"edit":305,"thumb":306,"large":312},{"width":20,"height":131},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/ekzZ-OgmhAL9fBCe_picadestats-16.jpg?auto=format,compress","ekzZ-OgmhAL9fBCe",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{"dimensions":307,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":310,"id":304,"edit":311},{"width":308,"height":309},768,512,"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/ekzZ-OgmhAL9fBCe_picadestats-16.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=768&h=512",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{"dimensions":313,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":314,"id":304,"edit":315},{"width":20,"height":131},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/ekzZ-OgmhAL9fBCe_picadestats-16.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1920&h=1280",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{"coordinates":317,"name":320,"description":321,"type":325,"image":326},{"latitude":318,"longitude":319},42.656525,1.387829,"Bivouac area",[322],{"type":82,"text":323,"spans":324,"direction":85},"Possible bivouac area next to the lake. There are many already established spots you can find.",[],"Campsite",{"dimensions":327,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":328,"id":329,"edit":330,"thumb":331,"large":335},{"width":20,"height":131},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/jN5pD8ehcsY0iRwo_picadestats-8.jpg?auto=format,compress","jN5pD8ehcsY0iRwo",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{"dimensions":332,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":333,"id":329,"edit":334},{"width":308,"height":309},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/jN5pD8ehcsY0iRwo_picadestats-8.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=768&h=512",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{"dimensions":336,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":337,"id":329,"edit":338},{"width":20,"height":131},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/jN5pD8ehcsY0iRwo_picadestats-8.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1920&h=1280",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{"coordinates":340,"name":343,"description":344,"type":300,"image":348},{"latitude":341,"longitude":342},42.6687706,1.3918653,"Port de Sotllo",[345],{"type":82,"text":346,"spans":347,"direction":85},"Mountain pass at 2,884 m on the Spain–France border.",[],{"dimensions":349,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":350,"id":351,"edit":352,"thumb":353,"large":357},{"width":20,"height":131},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/8NdulBfp0kV7cwNC_picadestats-11.jpg?auto=format,compress","8NdulBfp0kV7cwNC",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{"dimensions":354,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":355,"id":351,"edit":356},{"width":308,"height":309},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/8NdulBfp0kV7cwNC_picadestats-11.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=768&h=512",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{"dimensions":358,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":359,"id":351,"edit":360},{"width":20,"height":131},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/8NdulBfp0kV7cwNC_picadestats-11.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1920&h=1280",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{"coordinates":362,"name":365,"description":366,"type":376,"image":377},{"latitude":363,"longitude":364},42.62512,1.38793,"Refugi de Vallferrera",[367,370],{"type":82,"text":368,"spans":369,"direction":85},"Mountain hut at 1940m. Capacity for 60 people.",[],{"type":82,"text":371,"spans":372,"direction":85},"https://www.feec.cat/refugi/refugi-vallferrera/",[373],{"start":27,"end":374,"type":234,"data":375},47,{"link_type":236,"url":371,"target":238},"Refugio",{"dimensions":378,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":379,"id":380,"edit":381,"thumb":382,"large":386},{"width":20,"height":131},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/ZXudfVgr4Qr702qX_picadestats-21.jpg?auto=format,compress","ZXudfVgr4Qr702qX",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{"dimensions":383,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":384,"id":380,"edit":385},{"width":308,"height":309},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/ZXudfVgr4Qr702qX_picadestats-21.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=768&h=512",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{"dimensions":387,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":388,"id":380,"edit":389},{"width":20,"height":131},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/ZXudfVgr4Qr702qX_picadestats-21.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1920&h=1280",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},"simple_map$eb2f7ee3-7ec6-470c-9461-980078015bd0","simple_map",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":393,"primary":394,"id":419,"slice_type":90,"slice_label":23},[],{"text":395},[396,399,413],{"type":96,"text":397,"spans":398,"direction":85},"Alt Pirineu Natural Park and bivouac rules",[],{"type":82,"text":400,"spans":401,"direction":85},"The hike is inside the Alt Pirineu Natural Park, and the park's official regulation tolerates bivouac above 2,000 m, from 20:00 to 08:00. In practice you pitch your tent in the evening and take it down early in the morning. Bring a good sleeping bag, because at that altitude the temperature at night can be close to 0 degrees, even in July and August, and a warm layer and a proper sleeping mat help too. And always follow the Leave No Trace principles.",[402,403,408],{"start":217,"end":374,"type":108},{"start":404,"end":405,"type":234,"data":406},64,83,{"link_type":236,"url":407,"target":238},"https://parcsnaturals.gencat.cat/en/xarxa-de-parcs/alt-pirineu/gaudeix-del-parc/consells/regulacio-activitats/",{"start":409,"end":410,"type":234,"data":411},428,442,{"link_type":236,"url":412,"target":238},"https://takeahike.io/blog/the-7-leave-no-trace-principles-how-to-hike-responsibly/",{"type":82,"text":414,"spans":415,"direction":85},"An alternative for a overnight stay is the Vallferrera refuge, which is very close to the parking area. It's convenient if you arrive late: you sleep in the hut, start early the next morning, and go up to the summit travelling light, without a tent and camping gear on your back. The capacity is for 60 people and It can fill up in summer and on the weekends, so book in advance.",[416],{"start":417,"end":418,"type":108},43,61,"text_block$009dce26-e8e8-4717-8fd7-9d5e7e86ee66",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":421,"primary":507,"id":508,"slice_type":205,"slice_label":23},[422,437,452,467,481,496],{"image":423},{"dimensions":424,"alt":425,"copyright":23,"url":426,"id":427,"edit":428,"large":429,"full":433},{"width":20,"height":131},"Bivouac at the Estany 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few things worth knowing",[],{"type":517,"text":518,"spans":519,"direction":85},"list-item","Start early. The weather in the high Pyrenees changes fast, and storms are common, especially in the afternoon.",[520],{"start":27,"end":521,"type":108},12,{"type":517,"text":523,"spans":524,"direction":85},"Pack for the mountain. Sturdy boots, warm layers, a rain jacket, sun protection, enough water and food for a long day.",[525],{"start":27,"end":526,"type":108},22,{"type":517,"text":528,"spans":529,"direction":85},"Stay on the path. The area has sensitive habitats, like peat bogs and the Pyrenean lizard, and shortcuts damage them.",[530],{"start":27,"end":531,"type":108},17,{"type":517,"text":533,"spans":534,"direction":85},"No swimming in the lakes. It's forbidden to swim in the lakes, even if you don't use soap. If you need to wash, take the water you need and do it far from the water source.",[535],{"start":27,"end":536,"type":108},25,{"type":517,"text":538,"spans":539,"direction":85},"No fires. Making a fire is completely forbidden.",[540],{"start":27,"end":541,"type":108},9,"text_block$66be7ffc-7ef7-4a08-ab4a-39f798511856",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":544,"primary":545,"id":550,"slice_type":90,"slice_label":23},[],{"text":546},[547],{"type":82,"text":548,"spans":549,"direction":85},"For Catalans, Pica d'Estats is more than the highest point in the country. It's a symbol, and that's why so many climb it on the Diada. And even if you are not a local, it's still one of the best places in the Pyrenees for a weekend hike. In two days you get a real taste of the high mountain environment: a night by a lake, steep climbs, a border crossing and a summit above 3,000 m. It asks for effort and good preparation, but it pays you back.",[],"text_block$05df5bb7-22cf-4176-8dd8-86bda9f239f3",{},{"page":28,"results_per_page":553,"results_size":553,"total_results_size":554,"total_pages":555,"next_page":556,"prev_page":23,"results":557,"version":1584,"license":1585},3,29,10,"https://takeahike.cdn.prismic.io/api/v2/documents/search?ref=au8t5RIAACoAMnyH&q=%5B%5Bat%28document.type%2C+%22blog_post%22%29%5D%5D&q=%5B%5Bnot%28document.id%2C+%22auSYDBEAACwAk9zs%22%29%5D%5D&page=2&pageSize=3",[558,982,1397],{"id":559,"uid":560,"url":561,"type":7,"href":562,"tags":563,"first_publication_date":564,"last_publication_date":564,"slugs":565,"linked_documents":567,"lang":14,"alternate_languages":568,"data":569},"aivpGBEAACgAUdSN","the-5-lakes-trail-zermatt-the-best-views-to-matterhorn","/blog/the-5-lakes-trail-zermatt-the-best-views-to-matterhorn","https://takeahike.cdn.prismic.io/api/v2/documents/search?ref=au8t5RIAACoAMnyH&q=%5B%5B%3Ad+%3D+at%28document.id%2C+%22aivpGBEAACgAUdSN%22%29+%5D%5D",[],"2026-06-17T13:15:50+0000",[566],"how-to-get-there",[],[],{"title":570,"cover":571,"short_description":593,"author":594,"categories":597,"color_theme":602,"slices":603,"meta_title":23,"meta_description":23,"meta_image":981},"The 5 Lakes Trail Zermatt: The Best Views to Matterhorn",{"dimensions":572,"alt":574,"copyright":23,"url":575,"id":576,"edit":577,"thumb":578,"mobile":583,"large":588},{"width":20,"height":573},1080,"Lake Grindjisee and Matterhorn","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aivzaKlQnVZVESS__DSC08131.jpg?auto=format,compress","aivzaKlQnVZVESS_",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{"dimensions":579,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":580,"id":576,"edit":581},{"width":32,"height":33},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aivzaKlQnVZVESS__DSC08131.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=96,0,1728,1080&w=800&h=500",{"x":582,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},96,{"dimensions":584,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":586,"id":576,"edit":587},{"width":39,"height":585},225,"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aivzaKlQnVZVESS__DSC08131.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1080&w=400&h=225",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{"dimensions":589,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":590,"id":576,"edit":591},{"width":21,"height":45},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aivzaKlQnVZVESS__DSC08131.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=150,0,1620,1080&w=1440&h=960",{"x":592,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},150,"If you are doing Walker's Haute Route, or just spending some time in Zermatt, this is a trail worth fitting into your schedule.",{"id":51,"type":52,"tags":595,"lang":14,"slug":54,"first_publication_date":55,"last_publication_date":55,"uid":54,"link_type":58,"key":596,"isBroken":60},[],"06521c36-944e-4dd3-b744-1e558bf7e6f5",[598],{"category":599},{"id":64,"type":65,"tags":600,"lang":14,"slug":67,"first_publication_date":68,"last_publication_date":68,"uid":67,"url":69,"link_type":58,"key":601,"isBroken":60},[],"dca3b0f9-fb9e-4e43-b404-ddbceb99737f","Forest",[604,620,632,655,798,824,901,921,953,964],{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":605,"primary":606,"id":619,"slice_type":90,"slice_label":23},[],{"text":607},[608,616],{"type":82,"text":609,"spans":610,"direction":85},"The 5 Lakes Trail is one of the most popular day hikes around Zermatt, and for a good reason. The route connects five mountain lakes, three of which offer one of the most iconic views in the Alps: the Matterhorn reflected on the water. It's not a hard trail, it's well-marked, and you can do it in half a day. ",[611,613],{"start":612,"end":531,"type":108},4,{"start":614,"end":615,"type":108},62,69,{"type":82,"text":617,"spans":618,"direction":85},"We did this trail after completing the Haute Route, more than 220km of walking across the Alps. Our legs were tired, our bodies were done, but the promise of Matterhorn reflections on the lakes was enough to get us moving one more time. Whether you're spending a few days in Zermatt or finishing the Haute Route, this is a hike worth fitting into your schedule.",[],"text_block$ebcbbbdc-8fd0-4563-be59-b07923e7e402",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":621,"primary":622,"id":630,"slice_type":631,"slice_label":23},[],{"image":623,"caption":23},{"dimensions":624,"alt":626,"copyright":23,"url":627,"id":628,"edit":629},{"width":20,"height":625},1262,"Matterhorn views along the 5 Lakes Trail","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aivzZqlQnVZVESS9_DSC08124.jpg?auto=format,compress","aivzZqlQnVZVESS9",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},"photo$41d0b811-f7bd-418b-99d5-dd1b95ced709","photo",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":633,"primary":634,"id":654,"slice_type":90,"slice_label":23},[],{"text":635},[636,639,643,651],{"type":96,"text":637,"spans":638,"direction":85},"How to Get There",[],{"type":82,"text":640,"spans":641,"direction":85},"From Zermatt, take the Sunnegga Express — an underground funicular that climbs from the village to Sunnegga (2,288m) in about 4 minutes. During summer, it runs every 10 to 20 minutes. From Sunnegga, you can continue up to Blauherd by gondola when it's operating.",[642],{"start":217,"end":106,"type":108},{"type":82,"text":644,"spans":645,"direction":85},"You can check current timetables and lift status at matterhornparadise.ch.",[646],{"start":647,"end":648,"type":234,"data":649},52,73,{"link_type":236,"url":650,"target":238},"https://www.matterhornparadise.ch/en/information/lifts-and-pistes",{"type":82,"text":652,"spans":653,"direction":85},"Zermatt itself is a car-free village, so you'll arrive by train from Täsch or Visp, or by foot like we did. The whole journey from Sunnegga station to the start of the trail is very easy to navigate — there are signs everywhere.",[],"text_block$6c58b0ec-c5b1-448e-a352-7dd1deaa14ae",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":656,"primary":657,"id":797,"slice_type":391,"slice_label":23},[],{"title":658,"description":662,"gps_file":704,"geojson_file":710,"elevation_data":716,"markers":722},[659],{"type":245,"text":660,"spans":661,"direction":85},"The 5 Lakes Route",[],[663,669,675,680,684,689,693,698],{"type":82,"text":664,"spans":665,"direction":85},"The 5 Lakes Trail (or Fünf-Seen-Wanderung in German) covers around 10km, and you can complete it in 3 to 4 hours at an easy pace. The trails are wide, mostly smooth underfoot, and well-signed. This is not a technical route, no exposed sections, no navigation challenges. It's a good trail for any fitness level.",[666],{"start":526,"end":667,"type":668},41,"em",{"type":82,"text":670,"spans":671,"direction":85},"The classic route starts at Blauherd (2,571m), reached by taking the train from Zermatt up to Sunnegga, then the gondola up to Blauherd. From there, you walk through the five lakes in this order:",[672],{"start":673,"end":674,"type":108},28,36,{"type":676,"text":677,"spans":678,"direction":85},"o-list-item","Stellisee: the most photographed lake on the trail, and for good reason. On a clear day, the Matterhorn reflects perfectly on the water.",[679],{"start":27,"end":541,"type":108},{"type":676,"text":681,"spans":682,"direction":85},"Grindjisee: a quieter lake, often less crowded, with another beautiful Matterhorn reflection.",[683],{"start":27,"end":555,"type":108},{"type":676,"text":685,"spans":686,"direction":85},"Grünsee: you can swim here. The water is cold but refreshing, especially in July and August.",[687],{"start":27,"end":688,"type":108},7,{"type":676,"text":690,"spans":691,"direction":85},"Moosjisee: a smaller reservoir lake, less dramatic than the others but a nice spot for a break.",[692],{"start":27,"end":541,"type":108},{"type":676,"text":694,"spans":695,"direction":85},"Leisee: the final lake, right above Sunnegga, where you can also swim. There's even a small kids' area here in summer.",[696],{"start":27,"end":697,"type":108},6,{"type":82,"text":699,"spans":700,"direction":85},"You finish the route at Sunnegga and take the underground railway back down to Zermatt. If you want to start directly from Sunnegga, it's also possible, there is a trail connecting the two places.",[701],{"start":702,"end":703,"type":108},24,32,{"link_type":271,"key":705,"kind":273,"id":706,"url":707,"name":708,"size":709},"f9ea06dc-f32a-46fc-b250-112f1204ec9a","aivr66lQnVZVESOb","https://takeahike.cdn.prismic.io/takeahike/aivr66lQnVZVESOb_5-lakeroute.gpx","5-lake route.gpx","219247",{"link_type":271,"key":711,"kind":273,"id":712,"url":713,"name":714,"size":715},"1035cc90-eb1f-4391-ad1c-43a93c822dbe","aivr6qlQnVZVESOZ","https://takeahike.cdn.prismic.io/takeahike/aivr6qlQnVZVESOZ_5-lakeroute.geojson","5-lake route.geojson","4061",{"link_type":271,"key":717,"kind":273,"id":718,"url":719,"name":720,"size":721},"944608ca-727b-4305-8e70-fc1428c82067","aivr6alQnVZVESOX","https://takeahike.cdn.prismic.io/takeahike/aivr6alQnVZVESOX_elevation-data.geojson","elevation-data.geojson","50335",[723,733,743,752,761,770,779,788],{"coordinates":724,"name":727,"description":728,"type":729,"image":730},{"latitude":725,"longitude":726},46.017311,7.769963,"Sunnegga Station",[],"Info",{"thumb":731,"large":732},{},{},{"coordinates":734,"name":737,"description":738,"type":739,"image":740},{"latitude":735,"longitude":736},46.014968,7.772645,"Lake Leisee",[],"Photo",{"thumb":741,"large":742},{},{},{"coordinates":744,"name":747,"description":748,"type":739,"image":749},{"latitude":745,"longitude":746},46.01035,7.779554,"Lake Moosjisee",[],{"thumb":750,"large":751},{},{},{"coordinates":753,"name":756,"description":757,"type":739,"image":758},{"latitude":754,"longitude":755},46.005558,7.785659,"Lake Grünsee",[],{"thumb":759,"large":760},{},{},{"coordinates":762,"name":765,"description":766,"type":739,"image":767},{"latitude":763,"longitude":764},46.011475,7.791624,"Lake Grindjisee",[],{"thumb":768,"large":769},{},{},{"coordinates":771,"name":774,"description":775,"type":739,"image":776},{"latitude":772,"longitude":773},46.01344,7.80025,"Lake Stellisee",[],{"thumb":777,"large":778},{},{},{"coordinates":780,"name":783,"description":784,"type":376,"image":785},{"latitude":781,"longitude":782},46.01263,7.81098,"Fluhalp Mountain Hut",[],{"thumb":786,"large":787},{},{},{"coordinates":789,"name":792,"description":793,"type":729,"image":794},{"latitude":790,"longitude":791},46.017048,7.78568,"Blauherd Gondola Station",[],{"thumb":795,"large":796},{},{},"simple_map$d4ccf698-7323-4971-ba80-52421fe2ff05",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":799,"primary":800,"id":823,"slice_type":90,"slice_label":23},[],{"text":801},[802,805,817,820],{"type":96,"text":803,"spans":804,"direction":85},"The Lakes and the Matterhorn Reflection",[],{"type":82,"text":806,"spans":807,"direction":85},"The big draw here is the Matterhorn reflection on the lakes, and three of the five lakes deliver this if the conditions are right: Stellisee, Grindjisee, and Leisee.",[808,811,814],{"start":809,"end":810,"type":108},131,140,{"start":812,"end":813,"type":108},142,152,{"start":815,"end":816,"type":108},158,164,{"type":82,"text":818,"spans":819,"direction":85},"\"If the conditions are right\" is doing a lot of work in that sentence. When we did this hike, the Matterhorn was almost completely covered by clouds. We had a few short windows where the tip of the mountain appeared, and we caught some partial reflections on Stellisee and Grindjisee, but not the postcard view we were hoping for.",[],{"type":82,"text":821,"spans":822,"direction":85},"We don't regret going. The lakes are beautiful regardless of the Matterhorn, the air at 2500m felt clean after weeks on the trail, and there was something satisfying about finishing the Haute Route with one last walk in the Swiss Alps. But if you're going specifically for the reflection photos, aim for early morning on a clear day. 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We spent our last night in the Alps there, in a private room with views straight to the Matterhorn. Dinner was excellent, proper Alpine cuisine, not just soup and bread. It felt like a fitting way to end our crossing of the Alps.",[911],{"start":912,"end":913,"type":108},26,33,{"type":82,"text":915,"spans":916,"direction":85},"The hut is open roughly from mid-June to early October and offers a mix of accommodation: private double rooms, triple rooms, and shared dormitories. 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The combination of five different lakes, easy terrain, and the Matterhorn as a constant backdrop makes it one of the best half-day routes in the Alps. 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There is no dinner and breakfast included, no private dorms, electricity or running water, and everyone needs to help chopping wood, collecting water and keep it clean. This post explains how the STF huts work, what you can find in them, what they cost, and when the STF membership pays for itself. ",[],"text_block$1e7d3dcf-7b27-4667-8ca9-76cf4eb53a95",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":1037,"primary":1038,"id":1064,"slice_type":90,"slice_label":23},[],{"text":1039},[1040,1043,1046,1049,1052,1055,1058,1061],{"type":96,"text":1041,"spans":1042,"direction":85},"What all STF huts have",[],{"type":82,"text":1044,"spans":1045,"direction":85},"All the huts along the Kungsleden are run by STF (the Swedish Tourist Association), and they follow the same standards. They are about 10 to 20 km apart, which is roughly one day of walking. They are simple on purpose: no electricity, no running water. What you can count on in every hut:",[],{"type":517,"text":1047,"spans":1048,"direction":85},"A dry toilet (outdoor)",[],{"type":517,"text":1050,"spans":1051,"direction":85},"Shelter, plus a safety room that stays open when the hut is closed, with an emergency phone at many of them",[],{"type":517,"text":1053,"spans":1054,"direction":85},"Staff: a cabin host who shows you around and explains how everything works",[],{"type":517,"text":1056,"spans":1057,"direction":85},"A dry room to hang wet clothes and boots",[],{"type":517,"text":1059,"spans":1060,"direction":85},"A guest kitchen with gas and utensils for cooking",[],{"type":82,"text":1062,"spans":1063,"direction":85},"The hosts work on a voluntary basis, and they usually take a break in the middle of the day. STF says the minimum opening hours are 8 to 10 in the morning and 16 to 20 in the afternoon, and many hosts stay open longer.",[],"text_block$83d355f1-6681-4451-b759-d15ce20c49ac",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":1066,"primary":1097,"id":1098,"slice_type":952,"slice_label":23},[1067,1083],{"image":1068,"text":1081,"video":1082},{"dimensions":1069,"alt":1070,"copyright":23,"url":1071,"id":1072,"edit":1073,"large":1075},{"width":20,"height":21},"Dorm in a STF Hut","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/AAjCnDDL47rOMxRj_PXL_20260820_152339860.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C0%2C2000%2C1500&w=1920&h=1440","AAjCnDDL47rOMxRj",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":1074,"background":29},2.0399999999999996,{"dimensions":1076,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":1078,"id":1072,"edit":1079},{"width":21,"height":1077},1024,"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/AAjCnDDL47rOMxRj_PXL_20260820_152339860.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C171%2C4080%2C2901&w=1440&h=1024",{"x":27,"y":1080,"zoom":28,"background":29},171,[],{"link_type":936},{"image":1084,"text":1095,"video":1096},{"dimensions":1085,"alt":1086,"copyright":23,"url":1087,"id":1088,"edit":1089,"large":1090},{"width":20,"height":21},"Common area in STF Alesjaure","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/r8qlNpd_NGKg-dqg_PXL_20260820_160141786.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C0%2C2000%2C1500&w=1920&h=1440","r8qlNpd_NGKg-dqg",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":1074,"background":29},{"dimensions":1091,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":1092,"id":1088,"edit":1093},{"width":21,"height":1077},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/r8qlNpd_NGKg-dqg_PXL_20260820_160141786.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C163%2C4080%2C2901&w=1440&h=1024",{"x":27,"y":1094,"zoom":28,"background":29},163,[],{"link_type":936},{},"collumns$2b99b013-724e-439c-b967-7e96b1de342a",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":1100,"primary":1101,"id":1118,"slice_type":90,"slice_label":23},[],{"text":1102},[1103,1106,1109,1113],{"type":96,"text":1104,"spans":1105,"direction":85},"Mountain stations vs mountain huts",[],{"type":82,"text":1107,"spans":1108,"direction":85},"STF has two types of accommodation on the trail, and the difference is big.",[],{"type":82,"text":1110,"spans":1111,"direction":85},"Mountain stations are bigger, like a mix of a mountain hotel, hostel and guesthouse. On the Northen Kungsleden, these are the Abisko and Kebnekaise. They have a restaurant with breakfast, lunch and dinner, a shop, common rooms, and rooms that go from simple bunk beds to hotel standard with a private shower and toilet. They also have hot showers.",[1112],{"start":27,"end":531,"type":108},{"type":82,"text":1114,"spans":1115,"direction":85},"Mountain huts (STF calls them mountain cabins) are the basic ones along the trail. They only offer shared dorms with bunk beds, and everything is self-service. This is the type of hut you will sleep in most of the time on the Kungsleden.",[1116],{"start":27,"end":1117,"type":108},13,"text_block$7c196c84-55b9-40c4-8ac6-82387015e506",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":1120,"primary":1121,"id":1128,"slice_type":631,"slice_label":23},[],{"image":1122,"caption":1127},{"dimensions":1123,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":1124,"id":1125,"edit":1126},{"width":20,"height":131},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/Zu_8zreV51hGuSMt_DSC06495.jpg?auto=format,compress","Zu_8zreV51hGuSMt",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},"Kebnekaise Mountain Station","photo$c9985f4d-5301-4b13-aa33-838adf736daf",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":1130,"primary":1131,"id":1172,"slice_type":90,"slice_label":23},[],{"text":1132},[1133,1136,1142,1146,1150,1155,1165,1169],{"type":96,"text":1134,"spans":1135,"direction":85},"How a night in a mountain hut works",[],{"type":82,"text":1137,"spans":1138,"direction":85},"If you are used to the huts in the Alps and other mountains in Europe, this is the big difference: the night does not come with half board. You pay for the bed only, and you need to carry your own food, or buy it in one of the shops on the way. Then you cook in the guest kitchen. Here is what to expect:",[1139],{"start":1140,"end":1141,"type":108},99,139,{"type":517,"text":1143,"spans":1144,"direction":85},"Shared dorm. You sleep in a bunk bed, and the host assigns your bed when you arrive. A duvet and a pillow are provided, but you must bring your own bed linen: a bottom sheet, a pillowcase, and a duvet cover, travel sheet or sleeping bag. You cannot sleep directly on the bedding. If you forget, some shops sell single-use sheets.",[1145],{"start":27,"end":521,"type":108},{"type":517,"text":1147,"spans":1148,"direction":85},"Self-service. You fetch your own water, chop wood and light the stove together with the other guests. The kitchen has gas and utensils for cooking. Keep it clean, and leave it ready for the next person.",[1149],{"start":27,"end":1117,"type":108},{"type":517,"text":1151,"spans":1152,"direction":85},"Plan your meals. Pack enough food for the days between shops, because not every hut has one.",[1153],{"start":27,"end":1154,"type":108},16,{"type":517,"text":1156,"spans":1157,"direction":85},"Booking. You can book all huts in advance on the STF website. Some huts are more popular than the others, so if you don't want to take risks, it is recommendable to book all nights in advance.",[1158,1160],{"start":27,"end":1159,"type":108},8,{"start":1161,"end":1162,"type":234,"data":1163},49,60,{"link_type":236,"url":1164,"target":238},"https://www.swedishtouristassociation.com/",{"type":517,"text":1166,"spans":1167,"direction":85},"Payment. Cash in Swedish kronor works everywhere. Card works at many huts in the Abisko to Kebnekaise area, but the signal is not always good, so keep some cash.",[1168],{"start":27,"end":1159,"type":108},{"type":82,"text":1170,"spans":1171,"direction":85},"The price for a bed in a mountain hut in summer on the Kungsleden is 480 SEK per night for an STF member who books in advance, and 530 SEK if you pay on site. Non-members pay 100 SEK more per night.",[],"text_block$d1d9eb19-ed66-4f5d-aaf4-d82c2d16c79f",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":1174,"primary":1175,"id":1182,"slice_type":631,"slice_label":23},[],{"image":1176,"caption":1181},{"dimensions":1177,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":1178,"id":1179,"edit":1180},{"width":20,"height":131},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/6bJCDDqwA5WT__Nc_PXL_20260815_075135640.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&rect=0%2C0%2C4080%2C2720&w=1920&h=1280","6bJCDDqwA5WT__Nc",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},"Kaitumjaure Mountain Hut","photo$976275bc-1330-4564-b981-b075ace581d6",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":1184,"primary":1185,"id":1193,"slice_type":90,"slice_label":23},[],{"text":1186},[1187,1190],{"type":96,"text":1188,"spans":1189,"direction":85},"What only some huts have",[],{"type":82,"text":1191,"spans":1192,"direction":85},"Not every hut has a sauna, and not every hut has a shop. Check the hut list in advance if you depend on one of them. Also, there are no showers in the huts. The exception is the biggest ones, like the Kebnekaise mountain station, where showers are included. In the small huts, the sauna is the closest you get to a shower, and I explain how that works below.",[],"text_block$f2322e98-85bb-46db-8734-b80c7246d4f1",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":1195,"primary":1196,"id":1227,"slice_type":90,"slice_label":23},[],{"text":1197},[1198,1201,1204,1209,1214,1218,1223],{"type":245,"text":1199,"spans":1200,"direction":85},"Sauna (bastu): how it works and how to shower",[],{"type":82,"text":1202,"spans":1203,"direction":85},"A sauna at a mountain hut is one of the best things on the trail, and it is also the only \"shower\" you will find in most huts. The details change from hut to hut, so the host will explain how it works, but this is the usual system.",[],{"type":82,"text":1205,"spans":1206,"direction":85},"Hours and fee. The sauna runs on a schedule, with separate hours for women and men, and usually some mixed hours. Check the times on the door or ask the host when you arrive. If you are camping, the service fee covers the sauna.",[1207],{"start":27,"end":1208,"type":108},14,{"type":82,"text":1210,"spans":1211,"direction":85},"Everyone helps. The sauna is wood-fired, and it only works if every guest does a little. Add some wood to the stove when it needs it, collect water, and keep it clean and leave the sauna ready for the next group.",[1212],{"start":27,"end":1213,"type":108},15,{"type":82,"text":1215,"spans":1216,"direction":85},"Cooling down. The sauna building is usually close to a river or lake, and the common practice is to go outside and cool down in the fresh water between rounds. Keep it for cooling down only: no soap in the water.",[1217],{"start":27,"end":1117,"type":108},{"type":82,"text":1219,"spans":1220,"direction":85},"Nudity and hygiene. In the sauna you are allowed to be naked or to uncover parts of your body, and nobody cares. But always take a towel and sit on it, for hygiene. This is a shared space, so it is a basic rule.",[1221],{"start":27,"end":1222,"type":108},19,{"type":82,"text":1224,"spans":1225,"direction":85},"How to wash.  You will find buckets and bowls in a room before you enter the sauna. There is a wood-burning water boiler and you can mix hot and cold water and wash yourself. You are allowed to use soap inside the sauna area.",[1226],{"start":27,"end":1117,"type":108},"text_block$8c57c972-7727-419f-9aa6-3039ec566710",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":1229,"primary":1230,"id":1238,"slice_type":631,"slice_label":23},[],{"image":1231,"caption":1237},{"dimensions":1232,"alt":1233,"copyright":23,"url":1234,"id":1235,"edit":1236},{"width":115,"height":115},"Sauna in a STF Hut","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/CHX5h-37Z6B-5OKB_PXL_20260820_043438509.jpg?auto=format,compress","CHX5h-37Z6B-5OKB",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},"Sauna building in a STF Hut","photo$95a1f87f-e448-415b-a762-883144d1bb5a",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":1240,"primary":1241,"id":1276,"slice_type":90,"slice_label":23},[],{"text":1242},[1243,1246,1249,1252,1255,1258,1261,1264,1267,1270,1273],{"type":245,"text":1244,"spans":1245,"direction":85},"Shops: what you can find and what it costs",[],{"type":82,"text":1247,"spans":1248,"direction":85},"STF has two types of mountain shop: small and large. A small shop has a limited range, but enough to make a complete meal. A large shop has a wider selection. Not all huts have a shop, and some items can be out of stock, so our advice is to use the shops as a top-up and never as your main food plan.",[],{"type":82,"text":1250,"spans":1251,"direction":85},"These are the things you can usually find:",[],{"type":517,"text":1253,"spans":1254,"direction":85},"Food: freeze-dried meals, canned food, soup powder, bread, cheese, noodles, chocolate and snacks",[],{"type":517,"text":1256,"spans":1257,"direction":85},"Pasta, oats, rice and lentils, which you buy by weight, so you can take only the amount you need",[],{"type":517,"text":1259,"spans":1260,"direction":85},"Coffee, tea and hot chocolate",[],{"type":517,"text":1262,"spans":1263,"direction":85},"Gas canisters",[],{"type":517,"text":1265,"spans":1266,"direction":85},"Basic supplies like toilet paper, matches, plasters and mosquito repellent",[],{"type":517,"text":1268,"spans":1269,"direction":85},"Souvenirs, like the STF Kungsleden badge and buffs",[],{"type":82,"text":1271,"spans":1272,"direction":85},"On prices, the freeze-dried meals were around 140 SEK on average, and a sachet of coffee or hot chocolate powder is about 10 SEK. Everything is more expensive than in a normal supermarket, which makes sense because it all has to be transported to the mountains.",[],{"type":82,"text":1274,"spans":1275,"direction":85},"If you plan to leave early in the morning, do your shopping the day before, because the shop is only open when the host is there.",[],"text_block$382f968e-5dd1-4cb9-aa80-577750d2926a",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":1278,"primary":1279,"id":1286,"slice_type":631,"slice_label":23},[],{"image":1280,"caption":1282},{"dimensions":1281,"alt":1282,"copyright":23,"url":1283,"id":1284,"edit":1285},{"width":115,"height":115},"A shop in a STF hut","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/m0KMfpTE7P6yaXdw_PXL_20260819_092046277.jpg?auto=format,compress","m0KMfpTE7P6yaXdw",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},"photo$544cbe1d-247e-4830-8918-5aa894796a90",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":1288,"primary":1289,"id":1329,"slice_type":90,"slice_label":23},[],{"text":1290},[1291,1294,1297,1301,1305,1309,1314,1317,1320,1326],{"type":96,"text":1292,"spans":1293,"direction":85},"STF membership: how much it costs and when it is worth it",[],{"type":82,"text":1295,"spans":1296,"direction":85},"An STF membership is valid for 12 months and costs:",[],{"type":517,"text":1298,"spans":1299,"direction":85},"Adult (26 to 74): 375 SEK",[1300],{"start":27,"end":531,"type":108},{"type":517,"text":1302,"spans":1303,"direction":85},"Youth (16 to 25): 195 SEK",[1304],{"start":27,"end":531,"type":108},{"type":517,"text":1306,"spans":1307,"direction":85},"Senior (75+): 230 SEK",[1308],{"start":27,"end":1117,"type":108},{"type":517,"text":1310,"spans":1311,"direction":85},"Family (two adults plus young people living at the same address): 600 SEK",[1312],{"start":27,"end":1313,"type":108},65,{"type":82,"text":1315,"spans":1316,"direction":85},"Children under 16 cannot have a membership, but they travel at member prices when they are with a member.",[],{"type":82,"text":1318,"spans":1319,"direction":85},"The member discount is 100 SEK per night per person at the mountain huts and stations. It also works for the camping service fee: 210 SEK for members against 310 SEK for non-members. So every night you use an STF facility saves you 100 SEK, whether you sleep in a bed or camp next to the hut and use the sauna.",[],{"type":82,"text":1321,"spans":1322,"direction":85},"The math is simple. An adult membership costs 375 SEK, so you need 375 / 100 = 3.75 nights, which means 4 nights to break even. So if you plan 4 or more nights in the huts, or camping next to them with the service fee, the membership is worth it. If you are two adults, the family membership is cheaper than two adult memberships (600 SEK against 750 SEK), and you break even after 3 nights together. For a youth membership (195 SEK), 2 nights are enough. If you only sleep one or two nights in an STF hut and wild camp the rest, you can skip it.",[1323],{"start":1324,"end":1325,"type":108},104,112,{"type":82,"text":1327,"spans":1328,"direction":85},"Two practical tips: the discount applies when you book through STF, and you need to show your digital membership card at check-in. Download it before the hike, because it works without internet.",[],"text_block$b058f09a-22e0-4195-a487-d195fdd141ab",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":1331,"primary":1332,"id":1339,"slice_type":631,"slice_label":23},[],{"image":1333,"caption":1338},{"dimensions":1334,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":1335,"id":1336,"edit":1337},{"width":115,"height":115},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/GjE0a3ZrKXIaDSgt_DSC06630.JPG?auto=format,compress","GjE0a3ZrKXIaDSgt",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},"STF Sälkastugan","photo$fb4ee7af-30ee-4ba3-bb44-59a61503b757",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":1341,"primary":1342,"id":1375,"slice_type":1376,"slice_label":23},[],{"title":1343,"items":1344},"Frequently asked questions",[1345,1351,1357,1363,1369],{"title":1346,"description":1347},"Do the STF huts on the Kungsleden include food?",[1348],{"type":82,"text":1349,"spans":1350,"direction":85},"No. A night in a mountain hut includes only the bed and the use of the facilities. You bring your own food, or buy some in the hut shops, and cook in the guest kitchen. Only the mountain stations have a restaurant.",[],{"title":1352,"description":1353},"Do the STF huts on the Kungsleden have showers?",[1354],{"type":82,"text":1355,"spans":1356,"direction":85},"No, only the Mountain Stations have hot showers. Most huts have a sauna instead, and in the sauna you can wash with warm water.",[],{"title":1358,"description":1359},"Is the STF membership worth it for the Kungsleden?",[1360],{"type":82,"text":1361,"spans":1362,"direction":85},"Yes, if you spend 4 or more nights in the huts or camp next to them using the facilities. The adult membership costs 375 SEK, and it saves 100 SEK per night.",[],{"title":1364,"description":1365},"Can you buy food and gas on the Kungsleden?",[1366],{"type":82,"text":1367,"spans":1368,"direction":85},"Some huts have a shop, with food, gas canisters and basic supplies like toilet paper. Not all huts have one, and the range is limited, so plan your food carefully.",[],{"title":1370,"description":1371},"Do I need to bring bed linen to an STF hut?",[1372],{"type":82,"text":1373,"spans":1374,"direction":85},"Yes. You need a bottom sheet, a pillowcase, and a duvet cover, travel sheet or sleeping bag. The huts provide only the mattress, a duvet and a pillow.",[],"accordion$4b8b3803-000b-43c7-b7c0-a0b7e3b32a30","accordion",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":1378,"primary":1379,"id":1389,"slice_type":90,"slice_label":23},[],{"text":1380},[1381],{"type":82,"text":1382,"spans":1383,"direction":85},"Our advice is to do the math for your own route before you book. Count the nights in huts and the nights you would camp next to one, and see if the membership makes sense. You can plan your route and see where the huts and shops are in the Hike Planner.",[1384],{"start":1385,"end":1386,"type":234,"data":1387},240,252,{"link_type":236,"url":1388,"target":238},"https://takeahike.io/hike-planner","text_block$1361ab10-06b1-4ebf-a4d2-1277b4194249",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":1391,"primary":1392,"id":1394,"slice_type":1395,"slice_label":23},[],{"image":1393},{},"planner_banner$b527dbda-86c3-46e0-b4e8-f252edb4bbe1","planner_banner",{},{"id":1398,"uid":1399,"url":1400,"type":7,"href":1401,"tags":1402,"first_publication_date":1403,"last_publication_date":1403,"slugs":1404,"linked_documents":1406,"lang":14,"alternate_languages":1407,"data":1408},"aiABXBEAACgAglSq","europaweg-trail-closures-on-walkers-haute-route-2026","/blog/europaweg-trail-closures-on-walkers-haute-route-2026","https://takeahike.cdn.prismic.io/api/v2/documents/search?ref=au8t5RIAACoAMnyH&q=%5B%5B%3Ad+%3D+at%28document.id%2C+%22aiABXBEAACgAglSq%22%29+%5D%5D",[],"2026-06-03T13:15:10+0000",[1405],"what-is-the-europaweg-and-its-current-status",[],[],{"title":1409,"cover":1410,"short_description":1428,"author":1429,"categories":1432,"color_theme":602,"slices":1441,"meta_title":23,"meta_description":23,"meta_image":1583},"Europaweg Trail Closures on Walker's Haute Route 2026",{"dimensions":1411,"alt":1412,"copyright":23,"url":1413,"id":1414,"edit":1415,"thumb":1416,"mobile":1420,"large":1424},{"width":20,"height":573},"Ottafe, Täsch, Switzerland","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aiAIwweQX7-eWpwT_DSC08062-2.jpg?auto=format,compress","aiAIwweQX7-eWpwT",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{"dimensions":1417,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":1418,"id":1414,"edit":1419},{"width":32,"height":33},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aiAIwweQX7-eWpwT_DSC08062-2.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=96,0,1728,1080&w=800&h=500",{"x":582,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{"dimensions":1421,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":1422,"id":1414,"edit":1423},{"width":39,"height":585},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aiAIwweQX7-eWpwT_DSC08062-2.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1080&w=400&h=225",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{"dimensions":1425,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":1426,"id":1414,"edit":1427},{"width":21,"height":45},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aiAIwweQX7-eWpwT_DSC08062-2.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=150,0,1620,1080&w=1440&h=960",{"x":592,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},"The Europaweg has an important closed sections in 2026. Here's what's shut, where the detours go, and how to plan your Walker's Haute Route finish accordingly.",{"id":51,"type":52,"tags":1430,"lang":14,"slug":54,"first_publication_date":55,"last_publication_date":55,"uid":54,"link_type":58,"key":1431,"isBroken":60},[],"5167a341-812e-439b-b7f8-24841b192784",[1433],{"category":1434},{"id":1435,"type":65,"tags":1436,"lang":14,"slug":1437,"first_publication_date":1438,"last_publication_date":1438,"uid":1437,"url":1439,"link_type":58,"key":1440,"isBroken":60},"aiAG5REAACcAgl_l",[],"trail-updates","2026-06-03T10:50:25+0000","/blog/category/trail-updates","906f254c-7010-496c-bbca-8b86831c5aea",[1442,1453,1467,1497,1528,1561,1578],{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":1443,"primary":1444,"id":1452,"slice_type":90,"slice_label":23},[],{"text":1445},[1446,1449],{"type":82,"text":1447,"spans":1448,"direction":85},"If you're planning to hike the Walker's Haute Route in 2026, there's one thing you need to know before you finalize your itinerary: the Europaweg is partially closed, and the detours are more significant than they might look on a map. This isn't a minor trail diversion — one of the closures adds a full descent and re-ascent to your final days on the route.",[],{"type":82,"text":1450,"spans":1451,"direction":85},"Here's exactly what's closed, where the detours go, and what we'd factor in when planning.",[],"text_block$6969aa0e-13fb-4c5e-b823-b39856cb18e5",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":1454,"primary":1455,"id":1466,"slice_type":90,"slice_label":23},[],{"text":1456},[1457,1460,1463],{"type":96,"text":1458,"spans":1459,"direction":85},"What is the Europaweg and its current status",[],{"type":82,"text":1461,"spans":1462,"direction":85},"The Europaweg is the last section of the Walker's Haute Route, a 39km high-balcony trail that runs between Grächen and Zermatt. It's widely considered one of the most beautiful 2-day stretches in the Alps — you walk with a continuous panorama of the Valais giants including, at the end, the Matterhorn.",[],{"type":82,"text":1464,"spans":1465,"direction":85},"For most hikers, arriving in Zermatt via the Europaweg is the natural finish to the entire Haute Route. The trail rewards weeks of effort with some of the best views of the whole journey. So the closures hit at the worst possible moment.",[],"text_block$bf626c39-69c9-48fd-aaa1-4084bad91bba",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":1468,"primary":1495,"id":1496,"slice_type":952,"slice_label":23},[1469,1482],{"image":1470,"text":1480,"video":1481},{"dimensions":1471,"alt":1472,"copyright":23,"url":1473,"id":1474,"edit":1475,"large":1476},{"width":20,"height":131},"Europaweg trail","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aiAJ6weQX7-eWpx3_DSC08053-2.jpg?auto=format,compress","aiAJ6weQX7-eWpx3",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{"dimensions":1477,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":1478,"id":1474,"edit":1479},{"width":21,"height":45},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aiAJ6weQX7-eWpx3_DSC08053-2.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1440&h=960",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},[],{"link_type":936},{"image":1483,"text":1493,"video":1494},{"dimensions":1484,"alt":1485,"copyright":23,"url":1486,"id":1487,"edit":1488,"large":1489},{"width":20,"height":131},"Europaweg tunnel","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aiAJ6weQX7-eWpx4_DSC08058-2.jpg?auto=format,compress","aiAJ6weQX7-eWpx4",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{"dimensions":1490,"alt":23,"copyright":23,"url":1491,"id":1487,"edit":1492},{"width":21,"height":45},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aiAJ6weQX7-eWpx4_DSC08058-2.jpg?auto=format,compress&rect=0,0,1920,1280&w=1440&h=960",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},[],{"link_type":936},{},"collumns$5cfa80ce-8270-443f-8428-634429a4447e",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":1498,"primary":1499,"id":1527,"slice_type":90,"slice_label":23},[],{"text":1500},[1501,1504,1507,1510,1513,1522],{"type":96,"text":1502,"spans":1503,"direction":85},"The Balcony Section: between Grat and Galenberg (permanent)",[],{"type":82,"text":1505,"spans":1506,"direction":85},"In 2018, a major rockfall caused permanent damage to the high balcony section of the Europaweg. The authorities assessed the terrain and decided it was not safe or practical to rebuild. That section — between Grat and Galenberg — remains closed indefinitely.",[],{"type":82,"text":1508,"spans":1509,"direction":85},"This means hikers can no longer join the Europaweg directly from St. Niklaus, which is the traditional access point coming from the previous stage. Instead, from St. Niklaus you follow a lower trail that contours through the forest in the valley. You rejoin the Europaweg at Galenberg, just before Europahütte.",[],{"type":82,"text":1511,"spans":1512,"direction":85},"The detour is manageable and well-marked, but you miss the upper balcony section that most people come to walk. From Galenberg onwards to Zermatt, the trail is open and the iconic views are still there — but if you were hoping for the full high route, this part is gone for good.",[],{"type":1514,"url":1515,"alt":1516,"copyright":23,"dimensions":1517,"id":1520,"edit":1521},"image","https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aiAnXgeQX7-eWqOi_balcony-closure.jpg?auto=format,compress","Screenshot from Hike Planner",{"width":1518,"height":1519},793,566,"aiAnXgeQX7-eWqOi",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{"type":82,"text":1523,"spans":1524,"direction":85},"Screenshot from our Hike Planner tool",[1525],{"start":27,"end":1526,"type":668},37,"text_block$f3c02ee9-7d91-45b9-b686-79b2632f0fc1",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":1529,"primary":1530,"id":1560,"slice_type":90,"slice_label":23},[],{"text":1531},[1532,1535,1538,1541,1544,1550,1557],{"type":96,"text":1533,"spans":1534,"direction":85},"The Tunnels Section: between Springelboden and Eggenstadel (2026)",[],{"type":82,"text":1536,"spans":1537,"direction":85},"In 2024, another rockfall damaged the tunnel section of the Europaweg between Springelboden (on the north side) and Eggenstadel (on the south side). As of 2026, this section remains closed until further notice, and it is widely expected to stay shut throughout the 2026 hiking season.",[],{"type":82,"text":1539,"spans":1540,"direction":85},"This closure forces a significant detour: hikers must descend all the way down to Täsch, the town in the valley, and then climb back up again to rejoin the trail. Täsch sits at around 1,450m, meaning 790m of descending and 720m of ascending back to the main trail.",[],{"type":82,"text":1542,"spans":1543,"direction":85},"This is the one that requires real planning. If you were hoping to complete the Europaweg over two comfortable days with a night at Europahütte, factor in the extra time and elevation change this detour adds.",[],{"type":82,"text":1545,"spans":1546,"direction":85},"The official closure page is here: zermatt.swiss — Europaweg. Check it before you go — the situation may evolve.",[1547],{"start":218,"end":1162,"type":234,"data":1548},{"link_type":236,"url":1549,"target":238},"https://zermatt.swiss/en/p/europaweg-01tVj000005EufKIAS",{"type":1514,"url":1551,"alt":1516,"copyright":23,"dimensions":1552,"id":1555,"edit":1556},"https://images.prismic.io/takeahike/aiAnXgeQX7-eWqOj_tunnels-closure.jpg?auto=format,compress",{"width":1553,"height":1554},938,591,"aiAnXgeQX7-eWqOj",{"x":27,"y":27,"zoom":28,"background":29},{"type":82,"text":1523,"spans":1558,"direction":85},[1559],{"start":27,"end":1526,"type":668},"text_block$697bf2b9-e03e-4434-bfd2-d63e38ab282d",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":1562,"primary":1563,"id":1577,"slice_type":90,"slice_label":23},[],{"text":1564},[1565,1568,1574],{"type":96,"text":1566,"spans":1567,"direction":85},"Plan your stages with the closures in mind",[],{"type":82,"text":1569,"spans":1570,"direction":85},"The Europaweg closures add real complexity to planning the final days of the Haute Route. If you're building your itinerary now, our Hike Planner lets you map out stages, select variants, adjust distances, which helps when you're trying to figure out where the Täsch detour falls relative to your planned overnight at Europahütte.",[1571],{"start":1572,"end":1573,"type":108},133,145,{"type":82,"text":1575,"spans":1576,"direction":85},"The Haute Route is still one of the great long-distance hikes in the Alps, and the Europaweg finish — even with detours — is still worth every step. Just go in knowing what to expect.",[],"text_block$f3f06ebf-86fe-434f-98dc-3e7aab29abe2",{"variation":76,"version":77,"items":1579,"primary":1580,"id":1582,"slice_type":1395,"slice_label":23},[],{"image":1581},{},"planner_banner$d6725cc4-6545-4931-b1cd-230a7e23201a",{},"9eb0c14","All Rights Reserved",1794059807792]