Lacs de Fenetre
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Lacs de Fenetre
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Hiking to Lacs de Fenetre is a challenging workout that takes you to a viewpoint of three alpine lakes and a glaciated mountain range. The hiking is mostly on a rocky trail with some steep ascents, but it’s relatively safe.
Getting there
The trail starts in Italy, though it quickly crosses back into Switzerland where the majority of the trail is located and where the destination lakes are. To reach the trailhead, drive from Martigny to the Great Saint Bernard hospice. Continue past the hospice and cross the border into Italy, which is just a few more meters away. Drive 0.8mi, then park your car at the Frères Diemoz Alpeggio "Lo Baou" cheese shop (SS27, Saint-rhemy-en-bosses AO, Italy). Driving time from Lausanne is about an hour and a half.
About
| When to do | June to October |
| Backcountry Campsites | No |
| Pets allowed | Yes |
| Family friendly | Older Children only |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Low |
| Route Type | Out and back |
Lacs de Fenetre
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for Lacs de Fenetre
The trail on this hike is quite rocky, but you can get by on trail runners in summer. There are several forks on the trail with no signposts, so follow your GPS to stick to the route where needed.
Behind the cheese shop, the trail ascends northwest. Take the trail until you reach a high pass. This is the Swiss/Italian border, so you’ll be crossing back into Switzerland.
The trail then descends and three lakes will come into view. Just past the third lake is a small hill with a cross on top. Climb up to the cross and you will have a great view of Mont Dolent and other mountains across the valley.
Return to your car by retracing your steps.
Insider Hints
Bring along a picnic mat and a bottle of wine, then buy cheese and sausages at the Freres Diemoz shop. Pick your spot by the lake or beside the cross for a meal with a stunning view.
It is possible to spot ibex on the surrounding mountainsides. Bring binoculars!
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