Hike from Gornergrat to Riffelsee

Last weekend, Peter promised us an Indian summer par excellence. We had been planning an autumnal hiking day in Zermatt for a long time. With these prospects, we decided at short notice to extend the hiking day to a whole hiking weekend. After all, we are spontaneous.

Fixed on the hiking radar we had the 5-lake hike. We used the extra day to finally drive to the Gornergrat. What is one of the highlights of a visit to Zermatt for many tourists, I have never visited before. Actually, I haven’t been to almost any of the well-marketed mountain peaks – Jungfraujoch, Titlis, Pilatus. This is probably due to the home advantage. I always think to myself “we’ll do that another time”…

The Gornergrat is one of the most popular excursion destinations in Switzerland and is almost as high as the Jungfraujoch. The Gornergrat can be reached either on foot (although this requires some stamina) or with the cogwheel railway.

After our arrival in Zermatt, we buy the ticket for the ascent directly at the valley station of the Gornergratbahn (cost with GA or Swiss-Pass 20.50 CHF). If you travel to Zermatt by train, you also have the option of buying the connecting ticket directly from the conductor on the train. However, the offer is limited to combined tickets (ascent and descent for 41 CHF).

After about half an hour’s train ride, with the Matterhorn always in view, we reach our destination. As a tip, find a seat on the right side of the train. You will be rewarded with a great view. From the train we also spotted these cute Valais blacknose sheep (yes, that’s what they’re called).

Start on the Gornergrat

From the height – the Gornergrat is located at 3,089 m above sea level – we feel little. Nevertheless, my stomach makes itself felt with a loud growl. Even before we marvel at the impressive panorama, we enjoy a hearty cheese slice in the restaurant of the Kulmhotel. Totally delicious!

Afterwards we climb the few meters to the viewing platform. The crowd of guests up here is a colourful mix. There you can also see one or the other lady with ballerinas or other strange shoes. Once at the top, we enjoy what is probably the most beautiful alpine panorama in the Swiss mountains. Directly in front of us is the Monte Rosa massif with the highest Swiss mountain – the Dufourspitze. We almost overlooked the well-known Monte Rosa hut. To my astonishment, it lies lower than the Gornergrat, well camouflaged in the rugged mountain flanks. The glacial landscape that surrounds the Gornergrat is also phenomenal.

Once around the viewing platform and afterwards some marching is announced. The hike from Gornergrat to Riffelsee, a nature reserve of national importance, takes about an hour. Since the Matterhorn is reflected in the lake, the Riffelsee is probably one of the most photographed places in Switzerland. Of course, we hope for good conditions. A light breeze can ruin the most beautiful reflection.

Hike to the Riffelsee

On the way we stop again and again to look at the great landscape. Without glaciers, the whole thing would be a bit bare. As we are above the tree line here, there are no fir trees or shrubs to add some color to the landscape. Up here there are stones in abundance.

Since the Riffelsee is easily accessible from the Rotenboden station even without hiking boots, there is a lot of activity. Everyone wants THE perfect photo. But it is also truly a beautiful place on earth. The southern slope of the Gornergrat, including the area around the Riffelsee, is also a paradise for plant lovers. Thanks to the sheltered location, some rare plants even record height records here. Hikers are urged not to leave the trails if possible in order to protect the unique ecosystem.

Behind the Riffelsee there is another, nameless lake. Although only a few minutes away, it seems to be a real insider tip. Here we don’t meet any Asian snappers anymore and can take nice photos in peace :). We continue to the Riffelberg station, where we make our way back to Zermatt with the cogwheel railway. The Matterhorn is always in view, of course.