Our favorite place to enjoy Matterhorn views is on the Riffelseeweg trail (#21) in the Gornergrat area. First you ride a cogwheel mountain train up to a spectacular viewpoint of the Gorner glacier and Matterhorn.
Then you walk to the iconic Riffelsee lake, which offers beautiful reflections of the famous peak on calm clear days. Then you leave the crowds behind as you hike down to the next train stop, with beautiful views of the Matterhorn the whole way.
The best thing about this trail is that you can easily adjust the distance to accommodate your crew’s energy and skill level (alternatives listed below). Keep reading for all the details you need for successful outing.
Contents
| Location: | Zermatt, Valais Switzerland |
| Address: | Gornergrat Bahn Bahnhofpl. 1, 3920 Zermatt |
| Car: | parking at Matterhorn Terminal Täsch – Bahnhofstrasse 1, 3929 Täsch then 12 min train to Zermatt 3hr40 from Zurich HB to Tasch |
| Train: | Zermatt train station 3hr15 from Zürich HB |
| Trail: | basic trail 3 km, with shorter and longer options noted below |
| Condition: | mountain trail, dirt path, no strollers |
| Skill: | easy |
| Open: | train open year round hiking best July through September |
| Price 2024: | from CHF 110/adult depending on season Discount with SBB GA, Half-fare, Swiss Travel Pass. Junior card accepted. |
| More info: | trail status • webcam • forecast |
Gallery
Hiking map
Below is the Zermatt summer hiking map, which shows where the Gornergrat is in relation to other attractions in Zermatt.
The full trail stretches from the Gornergrat top station, down to the Riffelsee, then to a couple alpine villages on the way down to Zermatt. Since the trail parallels the mountain railway, you can start and stop at different stations, making it easy to adjust the trail length.
A. Riffelsee to Riffelberg (easiest)
The most popular option is starts at the Rotenboden station, visits the Riffelsee. After the Riffelsee lake, there are three trails splitting off to Riffelberg, but it doesn’t matter so much which you take. At Riffelberg, you can catch the Gornergrat train down to Zermatt.
It takes about 1 hour and is safe and easy, all downhill. Suitable for small children and beginner hikers.
Hike: easy • 1 hr • 3 km • 20m up, 240m down
B. Rotenboden – Riffelsee – Riffelalp (our suggestion)
This hike also starts at the Rotenboden station and visits the Riffelsee. But it hikes further down the mountain to the Riffelalp station. This allows you to spend more time with the Matterhorn views. Plus the Riffelalp village has a nice playground for the kids.
The second half of this trail is a bit challenging, with some steep switchbacks, descending about 580m of elevation. But it’s not dangerous and is suitable for anyone with steady footing and average fitness. Best for children 6+ with some hiking experience.
Hike: moderate • 2 hr • 4.8 km • 10m up, 580m down
View trail map
Even longer option: You can also continue hiking from Riffelalp all the way down to Zermatt, adding another 5 km. My husband and older son did this the last time we went, while I and my younger son rode the train down. They enjoyed the walk but it’s partly in forest and neighborhoods, not all with big views.
Note: In winter and early spring, you can do a variation of the Riffelsee trail as a winter walk.
C. Gornergrat to Riffelsee
This hike starts higher up at the Gornergrat station and hikes down to the Riffelsee. From there, you can you can catch the train at the Rotenboden station. Or you can continuing hike down to either Riffelberg or Riffelalp as described above.
The section from Gornergrat to the Riffelsee is 2 km, descending 270 m of elevation. The path is very rocky and a bit steep at times, but not particularly difficult. We really love this section because you get to enjoy the glacier views longer.
Hike: moderate • 1 hr • 2 km • 270m down
D. Gornergrat – Riffelsee – Riffelalp (longest)
The longest version of this hike would be from Gornergrat to Riffelalp, which we think is the best option if your group can manage it. It’s a lot of descent, which can be hard on your knees. But we think the views are worth it.
Hike: moderate • 3 hr • 6.6 km • 10m up, 860m down
How to get there
This trail is in the Zermatt area in southern Switzerland (see on Google Maps).
This trail is accessed from the Gornergrat Bahn, a cogwheel mountain train that goes from Zermatt up to the Gornergrat viewpoint at 3089m. The Gornergrat train station is directly across from the Zermatt train station. You can’t miss it. See on map.
If you are arriving by car, you must drive to Bahnhofstrasse 1, 3929 Täsch and park in the large parking structure at the train station. You can pre-book your parking spot online, which is recommended. Then take the short train ride from Täsch to Zermatt.
Planning your day
Tickets
If you are doing a short version of the hike, it’s easiest to buy a return ticket on the Gornergrat cogwheel train. You can get on and off the train at various stations along the line. If you plan to do a long hike and skip some of the stations, inform the ticket office and you will pay a little less.
If you are getting a return ticket, we suggest buying it online in advance, so you can skip the line. But tickets do not sell out and you do not need a seat reservation. If you are unsure about which ticket to buy, simply go to the counter. They speak English and are very friendly.
➡️ Book tickets*
The price varies by season. In 2023, a round trip adult ticket costs: CHF 126 in June-August • CHF 110 in May/Sept/Oct • CHF 88 from Nov-April
Check current Gornergrat prices.
Discounts
Children 9-15 are half-fare. Children under 9 ride free. You get a 50% discount with the Swiss Travel Pass, SBB GA and Half-fare. No discount with Eurail, SBB Day Pass, or Gemeinde Day Pass.
More budget tips for Switzerland.
Make sure to check the webcam before going up. There’s no reason to pay the big bucks if you will be stuck in a cloud.
Opening hours for Gornergrat train
The Gornergrat railway runs every day all year long and welcomes tourists to the viewpoint in all seasons. Each year it closes briefly for revisions, usually in November. So check the current timetable.
During summer and winter, the train runs about every 24 minutes, from about 8:00 to 19:00. In spring and late fall, it runs less frequently, about once an hour. See current schedule.
Make sure to check the forecast and Gornergrat webcams before going up. There’s no reason to pay for an expensive train ticket if you are stuck in a cloud.
Summer hiking season
Summer hiking season in the Gornergrat area usually starts in late June when the snow finally melts from the trail. Check the Riffelweg trail status before making firm plans.
The Gornergrat trails are usually open through mid-October, weather permitting. But an early snowstorm can cover these trails as early as late September. If you travel to Zermatt during these times, make flexible plans.
In winter, you can still have fun if you are not skiing. The Gornergrat area has sledding and a few winter trails, where the snow is groomed with machines, so you can walk on it without snowshoes. Learn more.
Zermatt itinerary
If you want a printable itinerary for Zermatt that includes this outing, you can purchase my new eBook:
Switzerland with Kids: 3 Days in Zermatt
It’s a detailed three day itinerary for families, exploring the best parts of Zermatt. For each day, I include options for no hiking, easy hikes, longer hikes, and fun extras for kids, like playgrounds and scooter rides. Plus family-friendly hotels and restaurants, where to shop for essentials, how to get discount tickets, and optional day trips for longer itineraries.
Photo story of trail
Riding up to Gornergrat
The trains can fill up quickly in high season, so best to arrive a bit early to get in line. I recommend sitting on the right side of the train, since that’s the side where you’ll see the Matterhorn. But any seat has a good view so don’t worry too much. The train slowly winds its way up the mountain, taking about 30 minutes to reach the top.
At the top, there is a large complex with a hotel, restaurant, cafe, souvenir shop, WC, etc. From here you have a great view of the Matterhorn and two fantastic glaciers, not to mention all the surrounding alpine landscape.
I recommend wandering around the top and admiring the glacier before heading out on the trail. There is a short rocky trail above the hotel that looks like this.
Trail to Riffelsee
You can start your hike directly from the Gornergrat down to Riffelsee, which adds about 2 km and looks like this. We really liked this extra leg of the trail, allowing us more time to enjoy the glacier views. But it’s totally optional.
Or you can ride the train down from Gornergrat one stop to Rotenboden and walk 5 mins down to the Riffelsee on a path than looks like this.
Many of the classic pictures you’ll see of the Matterhorn are taken here, with the mountain reflected in this lake. This a popular choice, but usually not as crowded as the Gornergrat. The trail is not stroller-friendly, but it’s super short (5 mins) and worth the effort.
Great spot for a picnic or family pic.
Very often clouds cover the Matterhorn, so if it’s clear take as many pics as you can right away. Clouds can move in fast!
If you make the small effort to walk to the far side of the lake, you’ll escape most of the shutterbugs.
Hike to Riffelberg
If you are done for the day, you can simply walk back up to Rotenboden and ride the train down.
If you want to hike, walk past the lake, following signs for the #21 Riffelseeweg trail.
It looks like this and is amazing! We were practically the only ones on the trail and the Matterhorn was in view almost the entire trail.
A second smaller lake right after the Riffelsee.
You’ll see trails forking off to your right, leading to Riffelberg. If you want a shorter hike, take one of these. The first fork to Riffelberg is shown below, about 2 km from Riffelsee.
The second fork is the official #21 Riffelseeweg as shown on the signs below, leading also to Riffelberg, a bit longer at 3 km from Riffelsee. In Riffelberg, you can catch the Gornergrat train at Riffelberg back to Zermatt. None of these trails are suitable for strollers.
Optionally continue to Riffelalp
If you want to keep hiking, follow signs instead to Riffelalp, which is 4.3 km from Riffelsee and is a bit more challenging than the Riffelberg options, with some steep switchbacks and tricky footing. But this is the trail we always do with our kids and we love it. Our 6 year old hiked it with a few complaints. Our 3 year old walked about half and I carried him on my back the rest of the time. It took us about 2 hours.
If you can take your eyes away from the Matterhorn for a second, the other mountains in this area are pretty too.
It looks like we worked hard for this shot, but didn’t.
Pretty in fall too.
Last view of the Matterhorn as we round the corner.
The trail wraps around the mountain, with a view up the valley away from Zermatt.
Coming around the corner and seeing our destination of Riffelalp, that village down below.
Some rocky switchbacks down the mountain.
In Riffelalp, there’s a playground, restaurant and hotel.
Follow the path with the small train tracks through the forest to the Riffelalp Gornergrat train station, where you can catch the train back to Zermatt.
Here is the Riffelalp train station. You can buy your ticket in the office here.
Now go get some yummy dinner back in town and post your best pics to social media.
See more of our family hikes in Zermatt
Video of trail
Watch video from our Zermatt trip in Oct 2018.
23 responses
Thank you for the helpful information! Starting at Gornergrat and going to Riffelalp – can we continue to hike down to Furi? I have read that we can get to Furi and then go up to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. If we start early, is this doable for adults? Thank you for the advice.
Yes, you can hike down to Furi. We’ve done it before. As you hike down, just follow trail signs to Furi and/or plot it out on a trail map app beforehand.
In June 2024, would there likely be snow going from Gonergrat to Stillisee?
Very difficult to say. Best to check the Zermatt website that published the trail status.
Hi Tanya,
Just wanted to thank you for this amazing website. One of the only website that is give so much useful and practical information for people with children (of different ages).
Several years ago, I could not find any good info for hikes with small kids and then stumbled upon your website. Followed your adivce of going to Lauterbrunnen/ Wengen area. We kept going back every year since.
Thank you.
So happy you found the information you needed here. Wishing you many happy adventures with your family.
Hello! Thank you for posting this! I’m leaving for Switzerland tomorrow and doing some last minute research – just wondering is there a train from Riffelsee to Glacier paradise without transferring in Zermatt? Or only through Riffelberg?
No, these places are on different mountains with big valleys in-between them. You have to go back to Zermatt and take a different lift to reach the separate mountains.
Hi!
I am going to be in Zermatt June 1-3. Would a lot of the trails for hiking with the Matterhorn in view still be snow covered? Do you have a recommended trail for early June? Thanks, love your site!
Since 2023 has been a low snow year, I think there is a good chance you may be able to hike on the Gorgergrat trails in early June this year. But check the Zermatt website for trail status shortly before you arrive for the current info.
Hi,
Thanks for detailed hiking info. May I ask the route from Riffelsee to Riffelberg between #21 (Riffelseeweg) and #23 (Swiss Topwalk), which one is better in term of scenery? Both routes have similar difficulty?
We plan to visit at the 3rd week of Oct. Still ok to hike in upper section?
Many thanks in advance.
Sorry for the late reply. I wouldn’t expect to hike these in mid October, but if there isn’t snow, it might be possible. I’d probably choose trail #21 but both would be nice.
I am visiting your blog multiple times per day in preparation for our trip next year. Thank you for adding so much detail (coordinates, maps, parking locations, etc.) Very helpful for planning!
We will be visiting in early June. Should most of the snow be gone for hikes like this at that time?
Hi Scott. Glad you found our website helpful. Typically there is still snow at higher elevations in early June, particularly in Zermatt. But this summer, the snow melted early. So you never know. Best to have plan b and decide closer to the date. But in general, I wouldn’t plan a hiking trip in the Zermatt area in early June. I would prefer the Lucerne area.
Hello – we want to do a short hike with our 4 year old and wondering which section would be best – Gornergrat to Rotenboden ( after crossing lake) or Rotenboden to Riffelberg. Considerations would be distance, how easy is the hike and which one is more beautiful. Many thanks in advance!
For a 4 year old, I would recommend Rotenboden to Riffelberg, which is the shortest and easiest of the options.
Hi Tanya! Thanks for the post as always 🙂
Is this trail safe to do alone, for a person who goes on medium-rated hikes on a regular basis?
Yes, I think this one is safe for a solo hike. Just make sure you have Rega insurance in case you run into trouble.
Hey, I’m planning to visit the place in a few week, and found out that your blog is super helpful! Thanks for sharing your experience to me and others here 🙂 However, I wonder if i would like to take a mountrain from Zermatt Village up to Gornegrat Station and then trekking down from there to Riffelalp, since you mentioned about if doing so, buying just one-way ticket from Zermatt – Gornegrat and then buy another one-way ticket back from Riffelalp – Zermatt gonna be cheaper than buying round-trip from Zermatt – Gornegrat-Zermatt if i understand it right? Please advise 🙂
Yes, it’s cheaper if you do the two one way tickets. You can ask at the ticket counter and tell them what you plan to do and show them on the map. They speak English and are very helpful. But be aware that it could snow by the time you get there in a few weeks. So check the opening times and trail status before you head out. Good luck!
Danke für die super page!!!!!!!!!
Ich würde gern von Riffelalp oder Riffelberg über Riffelsee to Rotenboden wandern.
Wieviel Zeit muss ich planen von Riffelalp?
Oder von Riffelberg?
Ich bin eine alte Frau und wahrscheinlich etwas langsamer als euer Sechsjähriger.
Danke für eine Antwort, Ulrike
(PS: Als ich eine junge Frau war ;-))) ist mein Sohn auch auf 3000m hochgewandert, ganz ohne Bahn, mit etwas Wehmut schaue ich auf eure videos.)
Es tut mir Leid, dass ich so spät geantwortet habe! Von Riffelalp bis Rotenboden ist es ungefähr 4.5km und abwärts. Ich rechne etwa 3 Stunden. Von Riffelberg ist es nur 2 km und leichter, also vielleicht 60-90 Minuten. Viel Spass!
Hi,
Thanks for the detailed hiking options.
We are coming there in June end. This will help a lot.