The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Lake Goillet

Family-friendly hikes around Lake Goillet often feature varied terrain, from gentle paths through alpine meadows to initial uphill sections. Many routes offer manageable elevation gains, making them suitable for children. For example, the path from Plan Maison to Lake Goillet has only about 29 meters of uphill gradient, while other moderate routes might involve around 280-430 meters of ascent, like the Goillet Reservoir – Goillet Dam Lake loop from Plan Maison.

The ideal time for family hiking around Lake Goillet is typically from July to September. During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, the alpine meadows are vibrant, and the trails are clear of snow, offering the best conditions to enjoy the stunning reflections of the Matterhorn in the lake.

Families can enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic Matterhorn (Cervino), which often reflects spectacularly in Lake Goillet's turquoise waters. The lake itself, an artificial hydroelectric reservoir, is surrounded by towering granite peaks like Dent d'Hérens. The monumental dam, built between 1939 and 1948, is also an interesting man-made feature. You'll also find verdant alpine meadows dotted with beautiful plants and flowers.

Many family-friendly trails start from Breuil-Cervinia or Plan Maison. Plan Maison is easily accessible via cable car from Breuil-Cervinia. Parking is generally available in Breuil-Cervinia, which serves as a good base for accessing the cable car or starting trails directly. Public transport options, such as local bus routes, also connect Breuil-Cervinia to various points, including the cable car station.

While the region is generally dog-friendly, specific rules may apply to certain trails or protected areas. It's always best to keep dogs on a leash, especially in areas with grazing livestock or wildlife, and to check for any local signage regarding dog access on specific paths.

On family hikes, you might encounter local wildlife such as grazing cows in the pastures, marmots, and ibex, particularly on higher slopes. Rare birds can also be spotted in the skies above the lake, adding to the natural experience.

Yes, there are several circular routes suitable for families. For instance, the Goillet Reservoir – Goillet Dam Lake loop from Plan Maison is a moderate circular hike of about 6.9 km. Another option is the View of Goillet Dam – Cervinia also known as Matterhorn loop from Breuil-Cervinia, which is around 9.4 km and also offers a circular experience.

The duration of family-friendly hikes varies. Easier paths, like the one from Plan Maison to Lake Goillet, can take as little as 30 to 60 minutes. Moderate circular routes, such as the Cervinia also known as Matterhorn – Plan Maison Cable Car Station loop from Breuil-Cervinia, might take around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and stops.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.67 stars. Reviewers often praise the spectacular views of the Matterhorn, the serene beauty of Lake Goillet, and the accessibility of trails for various fitness levels, making it a perfect destination for families to immerse themselves in the alpine environment.

Breuil-Cervinia, located nearby, offers a range of cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options. It serves as an excellent base for families, providing amenities and easy access to the cable car that leads to many trailheads around Lake Goillet.

A popular and relatively easy path starts from Plan Maison, which is accessible via cable car from Breuil-Cervinia. This trail is about 1.2 kilometers long with minimal elevation gain and is well-suited for children. Another option is to follow trail number 16 from Breuil-Cervinia, which takes about an hour and a half to reach the lake, offering gentler stretches after an initial uphill section.