Riffelsee Hike: 4 Best Routes from Gornergrat & Riffelberg

Riffelsee in Switzerland is one of the most popular places to see the Matterhorn reflected in an alpine lake, but planning the visit is less straightforward than it looks. There are several ways to combine Riffelsee with Gornergrat, and the route you choose can make a big difference to the price, hiking effort and overall experience.

We visited twice in very different seasons. In October 2022, we took an early train to Gornergrat and completed a long downhill hike through snowy upper slopes and yellow-orange autumn meadows.

We returned in late June 2026, when the alpine flowers were in full bloom, and chose a cheaper route that involved hiking uphill instead.

Both visits came with clear Matterhorn views and a reflection in the lake, but the two routes felt completely different.

In this guide, we compare the best ways to hike Riffelsee, explain the transport options and current 2026 prices, and help you choose the route that makes the most sense for your budget, fitness and available time.

Is the Riffelsee Hike Worth It?

Yes, we think the Riffelsee hike is absolutely worth it. It offers some of the strongest Matterhorn and glacier views around Zermatt without requiring a long or technical mountain hike.

The area around the lake can be busy, but the crowds thin out quickly once you continue along the trail. We would still recommend the hike without a perfect reflection, as the wider scenery is what makes the experience worthwhile.

Compared with our 5 Lakes Hike in Zermatt, Riffelsee is easier to adapt to different fitness levels and available time.

The Gornergrat Railway is expensive, but worth experiencing once if your budget allows. If you mainly care about the hiking and views, starting from Riffelberg gives you a cheaper alternative with more uphill effort.

Riffelsee Hiking Routes at a Glance

There is no single Riffelsee hike. You can keep the walk short, follow an easy downhill route, continue farther for a quieter trail, or start lower and hike uphill to reduce transport costs.

Route	Distance	Walking time	Elevation	Difficulty	Best for
Gornergrat → Riffelsee → Rotenboden	2.7 km	1 hr 10 min	375 m down	Easy	The shortest option
Gornergrat → Riffelsee → Riffelberg	3.8 km	1 hr 30 min	540 m down	Easy	Most first-time visitors
Gornergrat → Riffelsee → Riffelalp	6.4 km	2 hrs 30 min	916 m down	Easy–moderate	A longer, quieter hike
Riffelberg → Riffelsee → Gornergrat and back	Around 7.6 km	At least 3 hrs 30 min walking	540 m up and down	Moderate	Saving money on transport

These are walking times without long breaks. Riffelsee is not a place we would rush, so allow additional time for Gornergrat, photography, food and the viewpoints around the lakes.

Which Riffelsee Route Should You Choose?

For most first-time visitors, we would choose Gornergrat to Riffelberg. You get the full train experience, time at Gornergrat, Riffelsee, and an easy downhill hike without committing to a long descent.

Choose Gornergrat to Rotenboden if you want the shortest option. It gives you the main lake views with minimal walking, making it the best choice if time or fitness is limited.

Continue to Riffelalp if you want a longer and quieter hike. The trail becomes much less crowded beyond Riffelsee, while still staying manageable for casual hikers.

Start at Riffelberg and hike to Gornergrat and back if you want to save money. This route requires more effort because of the uphill climb, but we would happily do it again for the same Matterhorn, lake and glacier views at a lower transport cost.

Riffelsee Hiking Map

The map below shows how the main trailheads connect above Zermatt. The Gornergrat Railway is marked in orange, the Riffelberg Express via Furi in purple, and the hiking trail between Riffelberg and Gornergrat in blue.

Gornergrat is the highest point, while Riffelberg is the best alternative starting point if you want to reduce transport costs and hike uphill instead. Rotenboden and Riffelalp are both stops on the Gornergrat Railway, so the route can easily be shortened or extended.

Getting to the Riffelsee Trailheads

The two practical starting points for the hikes in this guide are Gornergrat and Riffelberg. Both are reached from Zermatt, but they use different mountain transport systems and separate valley stations.

Getting to Gornergrat

The Gornergrat Railway departs from the station directly opposite Zermatt’s main railway station. The cogwheel train takes 33 minutes to reach Gornergrat and stops at Riffelalp, Riffelberg and Rotenboden along the way.

During the main 2026 hiking season, the first train leaves Zermatt at 7 AM, with departures every 24 minutes from 8 AM. Although you cannot reserve a specific seat, tickets can be purchased online and Priority Boarding is available for an additional CHF 7.

The early train was already crowded when we used it, so we would buy the ticket online rather than wait at the station. You can leave the train at an intermediate stop and continue later, but each section can only be travelled once in each direction.

Gornergrat Railway prices in summer 2026:

• Adult: CHF 66 one way or CHF 132 return
• Children aged 6–15: CHF 33 one way or CHF 66 return
• Children under 6: free
• Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Half Fare Card: 50% discount

Getting to Riffelberg via Furi

The cheaper alternative starts at the Matterhorn-Express valley station in Zermatt. Take the gondola to Furi, where you change to the Riffelberg Express for the final section to Riffelberg.

The transfer at Furi is clearly signed, but ask a member of staff if you are unsure which direction to follow. Keep your ticket throughout the journey because you will need it again on the return.

We bought our tickets on the day and did not encounter any queues. Online booking is still useful, but unlike the Gornergrat Railway, we would not consider advance booking essential unless you are visiting during a particularly busy period.

Prices vary by season. In 2026, the journey from Zermatt to Riffelberg costs CHF 38–42 one way or CHF 61–67 return for an adult. Children aged 9–15 and travelers with a Swiss Travel Pass, GA or Half Fare Card receive a 50% discount, while children under nine travel free.

The Riffelberg Express operates seasonally, so check the current lift status and final return time before setting out. During the main summer schedule, the Furi–Riffelberg section generally operates later in the morning and closes earlier than the gondola between Zermatt and Furi.

Gornergrat Railway vs Riffelberg Express

	Gornergrat Railway	Riffelberg Express
Destination	Gornergrat	Riffelberg
Adult return price	CHF 132	CHF 61–67
Changes	None	One at Furi
Main advantage	Direct journey and the full train experience	Lower transport cost
Booking	Buy online; Priority Boarding available	Usually fine to buy on the day
Pass discount	50%	50%

What to Expect at Gornergrat

Gornergrat is more than a viewpoint at the end of the railway. From the station, a short uphill walk leads past the 3100 Kulmhotel to the main viewing platform, where you can see the Matterhorn, Gorner Glacier and 29 peaks above 4,000 metres.

There is also a short 15–20-minute panoramic loop if you want to explore beyond the main terrace.

We would allow at least one hour at the top, especially if the views are clear. The glacier panorama was one of the highlights of both our visits.

Gornergrat has toilets, free Wi-Fi, several places to eat and a large souvenir shopping area inside the 3100 Kulmhotel. We stopped for raclette during our summer visit, which made a good break before hiking back down.

Even on a warm day in Zermatt, it can feel significantly colder and windier at over 3,000 metres. Bring an extra layer rather than judging the conditions by the weather in the valley.

What to Expect at Riffelsee

Riffelsee is smaller than it appears in many photos. Most visitors gather along the shore closest to the main trail, where the Matterhorn lines up directly behind the lake.

The reflection depends almost entirely on calm water. Even a light breeze can break it, so clear skies alone are not enough. Walk beyond the first photo spot before continuing, as the busiest section is concentrated close to where most visitors arrive from Rotenboden.

There are no facilities directly beside the lake, but Rotenboden station is only a short walk away.

Riffelsee Hiking Routes

Below are the four most practical ways to combine Riffelsee with Gornergrat, Rotenboden, Riffelberg or Riffelalp. Each route offers a different balance of walking time, effort and transport cost.

Gornergrat to Riffelsee and Rotenboden

Distance: 2.7 km
Walking time: Around 1 hour 10 minutes
Elevation: 375 m downhill
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Limited time, families and casual hikers

This is the shortest way to combine Gornergrat with Riffelsee. From the viewing area at Gornergrat, follow the marked trail downhill towards Riffelsee. The path crosses open, rocky alpine terrain with almost continuous views of the Matterhorn and surrounding glaciers.

The descent is steady, although the loose stones are something to watch out for. After around 50 minutes you will reach Riffelsee. Turn left here to find a smaller lake, and walk behind it for a quieter viewpoint. The view opens down the valley towards the glaciers, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Testa Grigia.

After exploring the lake, Rotenboden station is only a short walk away, where you can take the Gornergrat Railway back towards Zermatt.

This route gives you the main Gornergrat and Riffelsee highlights without a long hike. The trade-off is that you finish soon after the lake and miss the quieter alpine meadows and longer Matterhorn views between Riffelsee and Riffelberg.

Gornergrat to Riffelsee and Riffelberg

Distance: 3.8 km
Walking time: Around 1 hour 30 minutes
Elevation: 540 m downhill
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Most first-time visitors

This is the route we would recommend to most visitors. It includes Gornergrat, Riffelsee and a longer section of alpine trail, while remaining almost entirely downhill and finishing at a railway and cable-car station.

Follow the same trail from Gornergrat to Riffelsee described above. After visiting the lake and the smaller glacier viewpoint nearby, continue downhill towards Riffelberg rather than walking to Rotenboden station.

The officially named Riffelsee Trail No. 21 runs from Rotenboden past Riffelsee to Riffelberg. However, we would not start at Rotenboden unless you are specifically trying to keep the walk as short as possible. The ticket price is not significantly lower than travelling all the way to Gornergrat, and skipping the summit means missing some of the best glacier views of the day.

Soon you will reach another small lake. From here, you can take the shorter, more direct path to Riffelberg or follow the slightly lower trail across the mountainside. The lower route takes around 20 minutes longer, but we think it is the better choice because the Matterhorn remains visible instead of disappearing behind the hills.

The trail is rocky but not technically difficult, and the crowds usually thin out quickly after Riffelsee. Once you reach Riffelberg, you can return to Zermatt by the Gornergrat Railway or take the Riffelberg Express via Furi (which might save some money).

Gornergrat to Riffelsee and Riffelalp

Distance: 6.4 km
Walking time: Around 2 hours 30 minutes
Elevation: 916 m downhill
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best for: A longer and quieter downhill hike

This route follows the same trail from Gornergrat through Riffelsee and Riffelberg, then continues downhill to Riffelalp. It is a good choice if you want more time on the mountain without adding a difficult climb.

The section beyond Riffelsee was almost empty when we hiked it, despite the train and lake being crowded earlier in the day. The trail continues through open alpine terrain, with regular Matterhorn views and a steady descent rather than any technically difficult sections.

The extra distance makes it more tiring than finishing at Riffelberg, but casual hikers should still manage it comfortably. Once you reach Riffelalp, you can take the Gornergrat Railway back to Zermatt.

On our first visit, we continued from Riffelalp all the way down to Zermatt. The trail becomes much steeper below Riffelalp, and after a full day of descending, it was noticeably harder on the knees.

We would only add this final section if you specifically want to save money and are comfortable with steep descents.

Riffelberg to Riffelsee and Gornergrat Return Hike

Distance: Around 7.6 km
Walking time: Over 3 hours; allow around 4 hours with stops
Elevation: Around 540 m up and down
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Saving money while still visiting Riffelsee and Gornergrat

This is the route we chose in June 2026. Instead of paying for the Gornergrat Railway, we took the Riffelberg Express via Furi and hiked uphill to Gornergrat before returning along the same trail.

Keep an eye out for marmots around Riffelberg, especially on quieter sections away from the stations.

From Riffelberg, take the lower trail on the right-hand side of the mountainside. It is slightly longer than the more direct path on the left, but the Matterhorn remains visible for much more of the walk. Both trails eventually meet beside a small lake below Riffelsee.

Continue towards Riffelsee on the popular path to the right of the railway tracks. This route keeps the lake and Matterhorn views open, while the alternative path on the opposite side appears less scenic.

After Riffelsee, the climb becomes noticeably steeper. Do not miss the smaller lake just above it—turn right and walk behind the water for one of the best glacier views along the route. From there, continue uphill across rocky terrain until you reach Gornergrat.

The return to Riffelberg follows the same path and feels much easier once the climbing is over. This hike requires more effort than the downhill options, but we would choose it again when travelling without a rail pass and trying to keep transport costs lower.

Facilities Along the Riffelsee Hiking Routes

Free toilets are available at Gornergrat, Rotenboden, Riffelberg and Riffelalp stations. You can also buy food and drinks at several mountain restaurants, although opening hours vary by season.

There is almost no shade along the trails, so bring enough water and use sun protection even when the air feels cool. The routes cross open alpine terrain, with no facilities between the main stations.

Around Riffelberg, keep an eye out for marmots on the quieter sections away from the station.

Best Time to Visit Riffelsee

The best time to hike around Riffelsee is once the trails are officially open and largely free of snow, usually from summer into early autumn. Exact conditions vary each year, so check the current trail status before choosing your route.

For the best chance of seeing the Matterhorn reflection, arrive early when the water is more likely to be calm and fewer visitors are gathered around the lake. Wind matters more than clear skies alone, so the reflection is never guaranteed.

If alpine flowers are a priority, July to mid-August is usually the strongest period around Rotenboden. September and early October can be quieter, but colder weather and fresh snow become more likely.

Where to Stay in Zermatt

Zermatt is more spread out than it seems, and location matters when you are planning several early starts in the mountains.

Here are the three hotels we would consider, each for a different reason.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Le Mirabeau Resort & Spa – Our Top Pick

We stayed at Le Mirabeau and would happily choose it again. Our room was incredible, with a direct Matterhorn view that made even the time spent inside feel special.

What made the hotel stand out for us was how well it worked after long hiking days. The Alpine Hideaway Spa has a large indoor pool, Jacuzzi and three different sauna and steam experiences, while the quiet garden courtyard has a saltwater pool and loungers with Matterhorn views.

The hotel is also only a few minutes from Zermatt railway station and the Gornergrat Railway, which makes arrivals, departures and early starts much easier.

Best for: A comfortable stay with a strong spa, Matterhorn views and an easy central location.

👉 Check availability and current prices →

⭐️⭐️ Hotel Antares – Best for Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Access

Hotel Antares if hiking is only around 50 metres from the Matterhorn Express station, making it especially convenient for Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Schwarzsee and trails on that side of Zermatt. The village centre is still reachable on foot within a few minutes.

The hotel has a more traditional, classic style, with warm cherry-wood interiors. Its superior rooms and junior suites have balconies facing the Matterhorn, while cheaper economy rooms face the opposite direction.

Best for: Hikers who want to stay steps from the Matterhorn Express cable car.

👉 Check availability and current prices →

⭐️ Hotel Bahnhof – Best Budget-Friendly Option

Hotel Bahnhof is one of the most practical lower-cost stays in central Zermatt. It sits directly beside the railway station.

The hotel offers a mix of private rooms, family rooms and dormitories, with either private or shared bathrooms. There is no breakfast, but guests can use the shared kitchen, which is a useful way to reduce food costs in an expensive destination like Zermatt.

This is a much simpler stay than the other two, but that is the point. We would choose it if the priority is an excellent transport location and spending less on accommodation rather than having a spa or full hotel service.

Best for: Budget travellers who value the train-station location and self-catering facilities.

👉 Check availability and current prices →

FAQs

Final Thoughts

For a first visit, we would take the Gornergrat Railway to the summit and hike down through Riffelsee to Riffelberg. It gives you the strongest balance of views, manageable effort and a complete day in the mountains.

The Riffelberg out-and-back route is the better choice when keeping costs lower matters more than avoiding an uphill climb. Either way, allow enough time to explore beyond the busiest shoreline rather than treating Riffelsee as a quick photo stop.