Lake Riffelsee: all tickets and tours
Lake Riffelsee
Lake Riffel is famous for the breathtaking view of the Matterhorn, which is reflected in the lake when there is no wind. Lake Riffel is located in the unique mountain world of Zermatt and can be visited in three ways. With the Gornergratbahn, by mountain bike or on a hike. In addition to enchanting mountain lakes, the region offers many hiking routes, mountain bike trails and climbing opportunities. As a plant enthusiast, you can also discover rare alpine flower species, which set altitude records here. The lake is very easy to reach and therefore a perfect excursion for families.
Rated by more than 170 customers and booked more than 4’100 times
Lake Riffel is famous for the breathtaking view of the Matterhorn, which is reflected in the lake when there is no wind. Lake Riffel is located in the unique mountain world of Zermatt and can be visited in three ways. With the Gornergratbahn, by mountain bike or on a hike. In addition to enchanting mountain lakes, the region offers many hiking routes, mountain bike trails and climbing opportunities. As a plant enthusiast, you can also discover rare alpine flower species, which set altitude records here. The lake is very easy to reach and therefore a perfect excursion for families.
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Gornergrat Bahn ticket from Zermatt
4.7178 reviews4K+ bookingsOfficial ticketRide the Gornergrat Bahn from Zermatt to the Gornergrat and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Matterhorn and the surrounding peaks. The cog railway takes you up to over 3,100 m above sea level.
- Enjoy the view of the mountain panorama during the ride
- Ride the Gornergrat Bahn to over 3,100 m above sea level
- Admire the world-famous Matterhorn in all its splendor
Activities near Lake Riffelsee
Tickets1 Offers
Gornergrat Bahn ticket from Zermatt
4.7178 reviewsTicketsRide the Gornergrat Bahn from Zermatt to the Gornergrat and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Matterhorn and the surrounding peaks. The cog railway takes you up to over 3,100 m above sea level.
- Enjoy the view of the mountain panorama during the ride
- Ride the Gornergrat Bahn to over 3,100 m above sea level
- Admire the world-famous Matterhorn in all its splendor
Important information
- Ticket between Zermatt and Gornergrat
- Experience world “Zoom the Matterhorn”
+ Check the timetable for your travel day on the SBB website or app. Tickets cannot be refunded if you miss the last train. + The Gornergrat Bahn may be partially or fully suspended depending on weather conditions. + Guests with snow sports equipment are only transported until the pistes close. After piste closure, it is forbidden to use the slopes.
Gornergrat Bahn ticket from Zermatt
4.7178 reviewsTicketsRide the Gornergrat Bahn from Zermatt to the Gornergrat and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Matterhorn and the surrounding peaks. The cog railway takes you up to over 3,100 m above sea level.
- Enjoy the view of the mountain panorama during the ride
- Ride the Gornergrat Bahn to over 3,100 m above sea level
- Admire the world-famous Matterhorn in all its splendor
Important information
- Ticket between Zermatt and Gornergrat
- Experience world “Zoom the Matterhorn”
+ Check the timetable for your travel day on the SBB website or app. Tickets cannot be refunded if you miss the last train. + The Gornergrat Bahn may be partially or fully suspended depending on weather conditions. + Guests with snow sports equipment are only transported until the pistes close. After piste closure, it is forbidden to use the slopes.
Lake Riffelsee on the map
Bookable experiences, places and events at a glance
From travellers like you
“Simply an unbelievably beautiful experience, especially with dogs who can ride along for free”
Activities near Lake Riffelsee
- Paragliding “The Spectacular” in Zermatt

Paragliding “The Spectacular” in Zermatt
4.7(6)Zermattper person
from CHF 240
- Guided group ascent of the Breithorn from Zermatt

Guided group ascent of the Breithorn from Zermatt
4.8(51)ZermattTop ratedper person
from CHF 225
- "Beat the bride" in Zermatt: action-packed hen party

"Beat the bride" in Zermatt: action-packed hen party
Zermattper person
from CHF 299
- Guided mountain bike tour in Zermatt private

Guided mountain bike tour in Zermatt private
5.0(1)Zermattper person
from CHF 75
- Day Spa at the Wellness Hotel Bella Vista in Zermatt

Day Spa at the Wellness Hotel Bella Vista in Zermatt
5.0(1)Zermattper person
from CHF 35
- Zermatt paragliding in front of the Matterhorn

Zermatt paragliding in front of the Matterhorn
4.4(8)Zermattper person
from CHF 340
- Matterhorn Glacier Trail private day hike from Zermatt

Matterhorn Glacier Trail private day hike from Zermatt
Zermattper person
from CHF 255
- Breithorn high tour for beginners from Klein Matterhorn near Zermatt

Breithorn high tour for beginners from Klein Matterhorn near Zermatt
Zermattper person
from CHF 290
- Monster Scooter from Kreuzboden with departure to Saas-Grund

Monster Scooter from Kreuzboden with departure to Saas-Grund
4.8(20)Saas-Grundper person
from CHF 19
- Gorge Alpine via ferrata in summer

Gorge Alpine via ferrata in summer
5.0(1)Saas-Feeper person
from CHF 300
- Private Allalinhorn high-altitude tour from Mittelallalin

Private Allalinhorn high-altitude tour from Mittelallalin
Saas-Feeper person
from CHF 690
Similar places to visit
More: Lakes
Good to know about Lake Riffelsee
Travel guide
6 Highlights at Lake Riffel
- Lake Riffel is one of the best places in the Zermatt region to admire the world famous Matterhorn. The mountain lake is located at 2770 m above sea level and has no outflow
- The scenery with reflection of the Matterhorn in the water makes every photographer's heart beat faster. At sunrise and sunset the top of the mountain turns bright red.
- In the region of the Riffelsee there are hiking routes for every level of difficulty. The trails lead you through the fascinating mountain landscape of Zermatt and offer you many unique views of the surrounding panorama.
- A visit to the Riffelsee is also perfect for families. With the Gornergratbahn and a short walk, the lake is very easy to reach.
- The lake is close to the access to the climbing routes on the Riffelhorn. These routes are often used as a preparation tour for the ascent of the Matterhorn.
- Around the lake you can find many rare alpine flowers, which set altitude records here with their alpine location.
What to Expect at Riffelsee
The mountain landscape of Zermatt, including Riffelsee, is one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland. Step into a unique panorama and let the stunning nature enchant you. At Riffelsee, you can enjoy the refreshing alpine air while admiring the world-famous view of the Matterhorn. On calm days, the mountain reflects beautifully in the clear waters of Riffelsee. During sunrise and sunset, the peak often glows bright red, creating a spectacular natural show.
Riffelsee offers something special for every visitor. While photographers delight in the unique photo opportunities, plant enthusiasts can discover rare alpine flowers here. There are many hiking routes in the region that lead visitors through the fantastic mountain landscape. The lake is also conveniently located near the access to climbing routes on the Riffelhorn, which are often used as preparation for climbing the Matterhorn.


Getting to Riffelsee via the Gornergrat Railway
The easiest way to reach the lake is by using the Gornergrat Railway. The cogwheel train departs from Zermatt (1,608 m a.s.l.) and travels over Riffelalp, Riffelberg, and Rotenboden (2,815 m a.s.l.) to Gornergrat. It takes you just 28 minutes from Zermatt to the Rotenboden station. From Rotenboden, it’s only about a 10-minute walk to the lake, making it easily accessible for beginners and families.
Offer from Swiss Activities:
With this ticket, you can get off at Rotenboden and visit Riffelsee. Afterward, you hop back on the next train and head up to Gornergrat. The ticket is valid all day long.
More information about Gornergrat and Zermatt:
When is the Gornergratbahn open?
The Gornergratbahn is open daily all year round. Its timetable varies depending on the season. The trains run approximately between sunrise and sunset.
With a reservation you can also take a mountain bike on the track at certain times until mid-October.
What are the prices of the Gornergratbahn to Rotenboden?
Over the individual months the prices of the Gornergratbahn change
Hikes to the Riffelsee
The region around Zermatt is a paradise for hikers. Lake Riffel is a bit off the beaten track. But there are still great trails that lead to the lake.
Rotenboden Riffelsee Trail:
Gornergrat - Rotenboden - Riffelsee - Riffelberg
This moderate hiking trail takes you from Gornergrat through Rotenboden to Riffelsee. You can look forward to breathtaking views of the Valais 4000s and the Matterhorn along the way.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 4.6 km
- Duration: 1:15 h
- Elevation Gain / Loss: 67 (↑ m) / 574 (↓ m)
- Season: June - October
Glacier view hike
Gornergrat - Riffelsee
If you want to get to know the glacier world of Zermatt better, this hike is perfect for you. Hike from Gornergrat along the glaciated mountain world on a narrow, rarely used path to Riffelsee.
- Difficulty: medium
- Distance: 6.3 km
- Duration: 2:30 h
- Ascent / descent: 155 (↑ hm) / 663 (↓ hm)
- Season: June - October
With the mountain bike to the Riffel Lake
Gornergrat Classic (No. 1): Gornergrat - Riffelberg - Riffelbord - Riffelalp - Chämihittaweg - Furi - Zermatt
This well-known mountain bike route leads you from Gornergrat down to Zermatt. On the way you will pass the Riffelsee. This route is very varied and sometimes quite demanding. If you are not very experienced, it is recommended to push the bike in exposed places. Use this descent to experience the sunset in the mountain landscape.
- Condition: Medium
- Technique: Hard
- Distance: 11.7 km
- Duration: 0:40 h
- Ascent / Descent: 6 (↑ hm) / 1491 (↓ hm)


For whom is the Riffelsee suitable?
The Riffelsee offers something for every visitor. If you take the Gornergratbahn, you can easily reach the lake. This is true for inexperienced hikers as well as for children. Thus, the visit is a perfect family experience.
However, the path is not wheelchair accessible. The lake is also difficult to reach with strollers. Since the walk takes only 10 min, small children can be carried well to the lake if necessary.
6 Highlights at Lake Riffel
- Lake Riffel is one of the best places in the Zermatt region to admire the world famous Matterhorn. The mountain lake is located at 2770 m above sea level and has no outflow
- The scenery with reflection of the Matterhorn in the water makes every photographer's heart beat faster. At sunrise and sunset the top of the mountain turns bright red.
- In the region of the Riffelsee there are hiking routes for every level of difficulty. The trails lead you through the fascinating mountain landscape of Zermatt and offer you many unique views of the surrounding panorama.
- A visit to the Riffelsee is also perfect for families. With the Gornergratbahn and a short walk, the lake is very easy to reach.
- The lake is close to the access to the climbing routes on the Riffelhorn. These routes are often used as a preparation tour for the ascent of the Matterhorn.
- Around the lake you can find many rare alpine flowers, which set altitude records here with their alpine location.
What to Expect at Riffelsee
The mountain landscape of Zermatt, including Riffelsee, is one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland. Step into a unique panorama and let the stunning nature enchant you. At Riffelsee, you can enjoy the refreshing alpine air while admiring the world-famous view of the Matterhorn. On calm days, the mountain reflects beautifully in the clear waters of Riffelsee. During sunrise and sunset, the peak often glows bright red, creating a spectacular natural show.
Riffelsee offers something special for every visitor. While photographers delight in the unique photo opportunities, plant enthusiasts can discover rare alpine flowers here. There are many hiking routes in the region that lead visitors through the fantastic mountain landscape. The lake is also conveniently located near the access to climbing routes on the Riffelhorn, which are often used as preparation for climbing the Matterhorn.


Getting to Riffelsee via the Gornergrat Railway
The easiest way to reach the lake is by using the Gornergrat Railway. The cogwheel train departs from Zermatt (1,608 m a.s.l.) and travels over Riffelalp, Riffelberg, and Rotenboden (2,815 m a.s.l.) to Gornergrat. It takes you just 28 minutes from Zermatt to the Rotenboden station. From Rotenboden, it’s only about a 10-minute walk to the lake, making it easily accessible for beginners and families.
Offer from Swiss Activities:
With this ticket, you can get off at Rotenboden and visit Riffelsee. Afterward, you hop back on the next train and head up to Gornergrat. The ticket is valid all day long.
More information about Gornergrat and Zermatt:
When is the Gornergratbahn open?
The Gornergratbahn is open daily all year round. Its timetable varies depending on the season. The trains run approximately between sunrise and sunset.
With a reservation you can also take a mountain bike on the track at certain times until mid-October.
What are the prices of the Gornergratbahn to Rotenboden?
Over the individual months the prices of the Gornergratbahn change
Hikes to the Riffelsee
The region around Zermatt is a paradise for hikers. Lake Riffel is a bit off the beaten track. But there are still great trails that lead to the lake.
Rotenboden Riffelsee Trail:
Gornergrat - Rotenboden - Riffelsee - Riffelberg
This moderate hiking trail takes you from Gornergrat through Rotenboden to Riffelsee. You can look forward to breathtaking views of the Valais 4000s and the Matterhorn along the way.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 4.6 km
- Duration: 1:15 h
- Elevation Gain / Loss: 67 (↑ m) / 574 (↓ m)
- Season: June - October
Glacier view hike
Gornergrat - Riffelsee
If you want to get to know the glacier world of Zermatt better, this hike is perfect for you. Hike from Gornergrat along the glaciated mountain world on a narrow, rarely used path to Riffelsee.
- Difficulty: medium
- Distance: 6.3 km
- Duration: 2:30 h
- Ascent / descent: 155 (↑ hm) / 663 (↓ hm)
- Season: June - October
With the mountain bike to the Riffel Lake
Gornergrat Classic (No. 1): Gornergrat - Riffelberg - Riffelbord - Riffelalp - Chämihittaweg - Furi - Zermatt
This well-known mountain bike route leads you from Gornergrat down to Zermatt. On the way you will pass the Riffelsee. This route is very varied and sometimes quite demanding. If you are not very experienced, it is recommended to push the bike in exposed places. Use this descent to experience the sunset in the mountain landscape.
- Condition: Medium
- Technique: Hard
- Distance: 11.7 km
- Duration: 0:40 h
- Ascent / Descent: 6 (↑ hm) / 1491 (↓ hm)


For whom is the Riffelsee suitable?
The Riffelsee offers something for every visitor. If you take the Gornergratbahn, you can easily reach the lake. This is true for inexperienced hikers as well as for children. Thus, the visit is a perfect family experience.
However, the path is not wheelchair accessible. The lake is also difficult to reach with strollers. Since the walk takes only 10 min, small children can be carried well to the lake if necessary.







