Riffelsee, Swiss Alps, Switzerland
4.5 (184 reviews) Spent 1-2 hours Ranking #4 in Canton of Valais Bodies of Water • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Worth the hike
The lake of the Riffelsee (2,757 m) offers the ultimate in mountain tranquillity. The reflection of the Matterhorn on the surface of the water is one of nature’s finest spectacles. The Riffelsee is located away from the great hiking trails of Zermatt; however, the Riffelseeweg path (no. 21) leads direct to its shores. The view of the Matterhorn, king of the mountains, standing solitary on the horizon framed by a vast sky, is breathtaking: the scene is unforgettable. The best time to visit is when there is no wind and the surface of the lake is completely still – usually early in the morning or in the evening. Starting point for numerous climbs and walks The Riffelsee is not visible from the Rotenboden station of the Gornergrat Bahn cog railway, but it’s only a short walk away: about 10 minutes along a trail leading gently downhill. Climbers turn left off the path before the lake to access the numerous climbing routes on the south face of the Riffelhorn. Nature lovers will find beautiful alpine flora in the area. •Photo subject: reflection of the Matterhorn • Accessible via Gornergrat Bahn cog railway: 10 minutes’ walk from Rotenboden station • Rare alpine flowers • Close to climbing routes on the Riffelhorn (2,927 m)
Address
Rotenboden, Zermatt 3920 Switzerland
Website
http://www.zermatt.ch/en/Media/Attractions/Riffelsee
Current local date and time now
Friday, May 10, 2024, 7:16
User Ratings
4.5 based on (184 reviews)
Reviews
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5Raunak B 5:00 PM Jul 31, 2021
Must do, if you do Gornergrat.
If you are going up to the Gornergrat, then it is an excellent place to relax and spend time taking pictures. It has been made really famous in the past few years as more and more people share the Matterhorn reflection pics. My tip, there is a smaller lake just beyond the RiffelSee, I don't remember its name, but one can have better pics there in case the reflection pic doesn't come out great with RiffelSee, as it will depend upon the time of the day. Not too far from the station. You could carry a snack and rest there, enjoying your own food and drinks.
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5Mosk 5:00 PM Jul 9, 2022
Make it a priority on a clear day!!
The view is MORE than worth the hike!! If it's a clear day, make this a priority to get to the lake view. It really seems fake.... It's truly magical. Overall hike was moderate. Not easy, but no walking is easy in Zermatt!
