Easy round-trip hike on Riffelalp
Hiking trail
· Zermatt
This easy, 3-kilometre long hike lets you experience the beauty of the Swiss stone pine and larch forest plus a view over the Matterhorn and with a little bit of luck you might even see some marmots.
moderate
3 km
1:00 h
72 m
73 m
The hike begins at the Riffelalp station going first in an easterly direction (the signpost shows a direction towards the Grünsee lake). The trail takes walkers through the forest, below the band of rock known as ‘Laubern’ towards the Grünsee lake. After passing small alpine meadows, the path branches off to the right and goes somewhat higher back towards Riffelalp. You cross the railway tracks of the Gornergrat Railway, which has been transporting guests up to this popular excursion mountain since 1898.
After around 2 kilometres the trail goes above the Riffelalp Resort. The historic Grand Hotel Riffelalp used to stand here. It made a name for itself as a ‘playground for European high society’ and was where many famous guests spent time. Sadly, in 1961 a huge fire completely destroyed the main building and it was not until the end of the 1980’s that it reopened. At the turn of the millennium it was converted into the 5-star Riffelalp Resort.
The most beautiful view of the Matterhorn as well as various restaurants invite the hiker to linger. The route back follows the tram tracks of the historic Riffelberg Tramway – Europe’s highest tram line.
Author’s recommendation
The route can be easily be extended, just as it suits you, for instance with a detour to the Grünsee lake.
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
2,275 m
Lowest point
Riffelalp station, 2,203 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Rest Stop
Riffelalp Resort 2222 mAl Bosco - - Riffelalp Resort 2222 m.ü.M.
Alexandre - Riffelalp Resort 2222 m.ü.M.
Walliserkeller - Riffelalp Resort 2222 m.ü.M.
Alphitta
Safety information
Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.For all hikes:
- Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on “Print” icon, top right of this page.
- Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Close gates after passing through.
- Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals.
- Do not leave any waste in nature.
- Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
- Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
- Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.
Tips, hints and links
Are you travelling to Zermatt by public transport? If you are travelling for several days, it is worth using the Adventure Card. This gives you 2-5 days of free travel on a large train and post bus network as well as discounts on mountain railways.Further information:
Start
Riffelalp, 2203 m.a.s.l. (2,203 m)
Coordinates:
DD
46.004970, 7.753835
DMS
46°00'17.9"N 7°45'13.8"E
UTM
32T 403515 5095354
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Destination
Riffelalp, 2203 m.a.s.l.
Turn-by-turn directions
The start of the trail is at the Riffelalp station (on the left-hand side, in the direction of the Gornergrat). Cross the railway track and follow the signposts in an easterly direction towards the Grünsee lake. After about one kilometre take a sharp right turn (the signposts now show Riffelberg) and walk in the opposite direction. The trail climbs briefly before becoming more even and again leads towards Riffelalp. After crossing the Gornergrat railway tracks the trail takes you along the forest line right up to the Riffelalp. At the Riffelalp Resort the path turns again and goes alongside the Riffelalp Tramway back to the railway station.
Note
all notes on protected areas
Public transport
Public transport friendly
With the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway from Visp to Zermatt. In Zermatt with the Gornergrat Railway to Riffelalp. The hike can be ideally combined with an excursion to the Gornergrat. Get off at the Riffelalp station on the way back from the Gornergrat. After the hike the return journey with the Gornergrat Railway takes you from the Riffelalp station (2211m) to Zermatt.Getting there
Zermatt is car-free. We recommend travelling to Zermatt by public transport via Visp.Parking
Zermatt is car-free. The Matterhorn Terminal Täsch in Täsch is a covered multi-storey car park - under one roof with the Täsch railway station, where you can change directly to the Zermatt Shuttles. We generally recommend travelling by public transport via Visp.Coordinates
DD
46.004970, 7.753835
DMS
46°00'17.9"N 7°45'13.8"E
UTM
32T 403515 5095354
w3w
///chief.greyhound.reclaim
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Book recommendation by the author
The tourist office in Zermatt provides information and brochures about the region.
Author’s map recommendations
Swisstopo maps 1:25'000: Zermatt – Gornergrat
Equipment
We recommend:- good footwear
- clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
- hat or cap
- sunscreen
- bottle for water
- picnic
- camera
- binoculars (optional)
- hiking poles (optional)
- printout of this hike (click “Print” icon, to download)
- swimwear
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
3 km
Duration
1:00h
Ascent
72 m
Descent
73 m
Statistics
: h
km
m
m
m
m
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