Lake Riffel
Riffelsee
Reflection of the Matterhorn in crystal-clear alpine waters.
This small high-altitude lake lies near Riffelberg at 2,757 m and is famous for its mirror-like reflection of the Matterhorn on calm days – one of Switzerland’s most iconic images. Sunrise is the best time to visit, when the peaks glow and the water is perfectly still, creating breathtaking photo opportunities.
How to Get There
Ways to get to the attraction
From Zermatt by taxi or transfer ~11 min.
From SIR airport (Sion) by taxi/transfer ~63 min.
From BRN airport (Bern) by taxi/transfer ~155 min.
Description
Detailed information about the attraction
What is this place
Riffelsee is a small alpine lake below the Riffelhorn on the Gornergrat line above Zermatt. It sits right by the Gornergrat Railway and is famed for mirror-like Matterhorn reflections in calm light.
Key features
- Elevation ~2757–2770 m – a high, wind-exposed bench with snow outside summer.
- Easy access – ~10 min on foot from Rotenboden 2815 m; then ~1 h down to Riffelberg.
- Riffelseeweg Trail No. 21 – ~2.9–3.1 km, ~260–280 m descent, rated “medium”.
- Best timing – early morning/evening and windless conditions for the classic reflection.
- Protected area – no swimming, campfires or camping; keep to paths and the shoreline.
What to see
- Matterhorn panoramas with the lake mirror.
- The Gornergrat line approach from Rotenboden and views towards the Gorner glacier basin.
- The waymarked descent to Riffelberg across meadows and scree.
History
Tourist access boomed with the Gornergrat Railway – the first public trains ran on 20 Aug 1898, opening high lookouts to a broad public. The lake quickly became a postcard Matterhorn viewpoint on the short walk between stations.
A designated Riffelseeweg (Trail No. 21) later formalised timings and distance. Today the shortest approach is still from Rotenboden, with a visiting season tied to snowmelt – typically June–October; in winter the lake is buried and invisible.
Practical information
Location: Above Zermatt between Gornergrat Bahn stations Rotenboden and Riffelberg.
Getting there: Take the Gornergrat Railway to Rotenboden, then ~10 min on foot; continue down to Riffelberg ~2.9–3.1 km / ~1 h via Riffelseeweg.
Access: Mountain path with gravel and steps; ~260–280 m net descent. Expect slick sections in bad weather; snow/ice possible early/late season.
Visiting hours: Typically June–October; in winter the lake is snow-covered and not visible.
Visit duration: 40–60 min for a quick visit; ~1.5–2 h including the walk to Riffelberg and photo stops.
Best time: Sunrise/sunset with calm winds for reflections; check webcams and last trains.
Notes: Protected site – no swimming, fires or camping; stay on trail. Altitude 2700+ m – bring warm/wind/sun protection.
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