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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Ride 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.
Ride 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.
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Travel guide
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.
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:
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.
Over the individual months the prices of the Gornergratbahn change
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Over the individual months the prices of the Gornergratbahn change
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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