Riffelsee
A small alpine lake beside Rotenboden station on the Gornergrat Railway, the postcard spot for capturing the Matterhorn's perfect reflection.
Riffelsee lies at about 2,757 meters, below Rotenboden station. It is a five-minute walk from the platform. The lake is small, with no obstructions to the south. When the water is still, the Matterhorn is reflected in it, making this Zermatt's most classic reflection photo spot. The best time to visit is early morning, either on the first Gornergrat train or the sunrise train. The wind is calm, there are fewer people, and the light is soft. After noon, the wind often picks up and ripples the surface. After taking your photos, you can follow the Matterhorn Glory Trail, a gentle descent of about an hour to Riffelberg. The Matterhorn stays in view the whole way, making it suitable for moderately fit visitors. No entrance fee is required. You only need a Gornergrat Railway ticket, and a ticket to Rotenboden costs slightly less than one to the summit. Note that the lake is usually frozen or snow-covered until early June, so no reflection is visible then. The trail has many loose stones, so wear hiking boots. Ultraviolet exposure is strong in summer.
Opening hours
All day (depends on Gornergrat Railway operating hours)
Nearby sights
- Gornergrat
- Findeln
- Gorner Gorge
- Sunnegga / Leisee
- St. Mauritius Church & Mountaineers' Cemetery
- Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis
- Gorner Glacier
- Zermatt Old Village (Hinterdorf)