Lake Riffel

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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.