Riffelalp Trail (Nr. 20)
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/ Ride on the Gornergrat Bahn cog railway to the start of the hikePhoto: Zermatt Tourismus, Thomas Andenmatten -
/ Autumnally atmosphere along the Gornergrat Bahn ligne and along the trailPhoto: Zermatt Tourismus, Gornergrat Bahn
This pleasant walk leads through the forests of Zermatt with their larches and Swiss stones pines: an adventure for all the senses.
moderate
4.1 km
1:30 h
35 m
581 m
This path leads mainly through typical mountain forest. At times, it reveals views of the Matterhorn and the green rise of the Schafberg, where the gondolas of the Matterhorn Express glide up to the heights. With the warmth of the sunshine, the trees – gnarled Swiss stone pine trees and arrow-straight larches – release a soothing scent. Whenever a breeze blows, the sound of rustling pine and larch needles fills the air.
Anyone seeking relaxation or an opportunity for quiet contemplation will enjoy the pure air and mountain light, the scent of resin and of the forest floor, and the whispering of the trees.
- Nature reserve: roe deer may be seen.
- Chance to spot nutcrackers, typical birds of the mountain forests
Author’s recommendation
You find the highest tramway in Europe at Riffelalp. The railway leads through Alpine pine and larch tree forests – just once consciously inhale the scent of forests.
Author
Zermatt Tourismus
Updated: February 19, 2020
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
2228 m
Lowest point
1667 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Rest Stop
Al Bosco - - Riffelalp Resort 2222 m.ü.M.Chämi-Hitta
Ritti
Alphitta
Safety information
- Plan every mountain tour carefully and adapt to participants’ fitness level as well as the weather and season.
- Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.
- Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible avoid going alone.
- Do not leave the marked routes; do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
- Please be considerate to other walkers and to plants and animals.
- Take note of the warning signs drawing attention to the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs.
Start
Riffelalp (2,211 m) (2217 m)
Coordinates:
DD
46.004782, 7.753669
DMS
46°00'17.2"N 7°45'13.2"E
UTM
32T 403502 5095333
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Destination
Winkelmatten (1,650 m)
Turn-by-turn directions
Riffelalp - Ritti - Moos - Winkelmatten (chapel)
(Hiking time in reverse direction: approx. 2h 10)
This hike is marked on the signposts as “Riffelalpweg”.
Note
all notes on protected areas
Public transport
By train to the Matterhorn village: 3½ hours from Zürich airport or 4 hours from Geneva airport. Change at Visp onto the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (Matterhorn Gotthard Railway). From Visp, the railway leads through the Mattertal valley past idyllic small villages to Zermatt.Zermatt is also the start and finish point for the world-famous Glacier Express panoramic train journey (Zermatt to St. Moritz or Davos).
Getting there
Zermatt is car-free. Private vehicles are permitted only as far as Täsch (5 km before Zermatt). The Täsch–Zermatt road is closed to the public.Onward travel to Zermatt is either by private taxi or shuttle train. Trains depart every 20 minutes; the journey takes about 12 minutes, and ends at the Bahnhofplatz in Zermatt.
Parking
Täsch has car parks with both covered and open-air parking – e.g. at the Matterhorn Terminal or privately operated facilities.Onward travel: see “Getting there”.
Coordinates
DD
46.004782, 7.753669
DMS
46°00'17.2"N 7°45'13.2"E
UTM
32T 403502 5095333
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Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Author’s map recommendations
A walking map (1:25,000) is available from Zermatt Tourism’s guest information centre, along with brochures containing tips and recommendations.
Equipment
We recommend:
- Good footwear
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof)
Questions & Answers
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Shlomi Moshkovits