Face to face with the Matterhorn from Rotenboden to the Riffelalp
Author’s recommendation
Walkers really must capture a photo of world-famous reflection of the Matterhorn on the waters of the Riffelsee lake.
With luck you could catch a glimpse of the bearded vulture, whose eyrie is at the back of the Riffelhorn.
Just before the end of your walk the Alphitta beckons walkers to try some home-made specialities and enjoy a relaxing break.
Rest Stop
Alexandre - 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.
- 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.
Tips, hints and links
Are you travelling to Zermatt by public transport? If you are travelling by public transport 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
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
The start for this hike is at the Gornergrat railway’s Rotenboden station (2,815m) going south. After a short walk the Riffelsee lake comes into view, and several small paths lead here. From the Riffelsee lake you follow the signposts in the direction of Gagenhaupt/Riffelalp, generally in the direction of the Matterhorn. After Gagenhaupt the path goes on towards the Riffelalp. Maybe you will catch sight of some edelweiss and other beautiful alpine flowers along the wayside. From Dristelen the walk goes on southwards in the direction ‘Dossen’ to a height of 2,290m. The walk continues along the mainly flat path to Riffelalp. Once you get there you have various possibilities for refreshments for example at the restaurant Alphitta or the Al Bosco in the Riffelalp Resort. Going back from Riffelalp (2,222m) you get to the Gornergrat railway’s Riffelalp station at 2,211m via a lovely arven-pine forest in about 5 minutes.
Of course, you can do the walk the other way around as an upwards route which prolongs the walking time by about two and a quarter hours.
Note
Public transport
With the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway from Visp to Zermatt. In Zermatt with the Gornergrat Railway to Rotenboden station. After the hike, the return journey on 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
Book recommendation by the author
Author’s map recommendations
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)
Questions and answers
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