The Riffelsee is a little off the main hiking trails of Zermatt, but the Riffelsee Trail (No. 21) leads directly to it. The view of the Matterhorn, the mountain of mountains, standing alone on the horizon, is overwhelming. Above it, only the universe - you never forget this view. There is no wind and the water is therefore flat, especially early in the morning and late in the evening.

Starting point for climbing tours and hikes Lake Riffel is not directly visible from the Gornergrat railway station Rotenboden, but it is easily accessible by a 10-minute walk downhill. Climbers turn left before the lake and head for the numerous climbing routes on the Riffelhorn south face.

If you plan to take a longer hike or walk as I did. Then I recommend you to get off the Riffelalp station and from here hike up the so-called "Swiss Topwalk" to Gornergrat with a stopover at Riffelsee (3-4h).

Photography tips: The best conditions for a flawless reflections are as mentioned above in the early morning or late evening. Also if you are into night photography it's worth to come back under the starry sky!