Riffelsee, Zermatt

A definite must visit on a clear day for its breathtaking view of the glacier and also the reflection of Matterhorn. Can get crowded during peak periods like in summer. Pair it up with your hike to have a complete experience, though you can also choose to have a short detour from Rotenboden. We hiked from the lake to Riffelberg and it was totally worth it. Bring some snacks and drinks for a romantic picnic experience!

If you are in Zermatt and want to have a hiking program, Rifflesee is one of the best places for you. You can Either get the tele-cabins from Zermatt to the Riffleberg Station (Don’t forget to change the line in Furi-Station; otherwise the cabin you take in Zermatt goes directly to another station and you may get extra charges!).You have this option to buy a one-way ticket or two-way ticket. By buying a one-way ticket you have to hike all the way back (it is a 3-4 hours hike, which is not that easy).From Riffleberg Station there is a 20-30 minutes hike to Rifflesee. The lake is very very beautiful and you can have a great view of Matterhorn (one of the highest mounts in Alp). I recommend a photo from the lake with a reflection of Matterhorn in it 😇. In this area you may also have the chance to visit the most lovely and friendly animal in the world; Black Nose Sheep (Valais Blacknose) 😍😍 My recommendation is definitely to go and find the flock (and visit them 🥰🥰🥰 They are amazing! (They are usually in this area.) Just keep in mind that the Tele-Cabins are working till 18 during summer.

Riffelsee is an alpine lake above the town of Zermatt in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. It lies below the Riffelhorn at an elevation of 2757 m, and has a surface area of 0.45 ha. The lake can be reached from Rotenboden railway station (2815 m) on the Gornergratbahn mountain railway. The Riffelsee is located away from the great hiking trails of Zermatt; however, the Riffelseeweg path (no. 21) leads direct to its shores. The view of the Matterhorn, king of the mountains, standing solitary on the horizon framed by a vast sky, is breathtaking: the scene is unforgettable. The best time to visit is when there is no wind and the surface of the lake is completely still – usually early in the morning or in the evening.

Get off at Rotenboden station, walk down to the lake about five minutes. There is a toilet near the station. Keep your tickets (you need to get out and in). The view of the mountains and the lake will depend on the weather, as you are lucky. The lake is small.

Riffelsee offers a breathtaking view on the Matternhorn mountain. If you can - visit it at the early hours when the lights are good and there is no wind.