This trail on the Gornergrat mountain starts at the Riffelsee lake and leads to Riffelalp, where you can catch the mountain train back to Zermatt. This is our favorite family hike in Zermatt, spending lots of time with the Matterhorn in view.

Trail: 1h50 • 4.8 km • 580m down
See trail map

We typically do this trail after visiting the Gornergrat viewpoint higher up the mountain. Then we ride the train one stop down to Rotenboden. You start by walking down to the Riffelsee lake. When you are ready to hike, follow signs to Riffelalp (not Riffelberg).

Shorter option: Hike to Riffelberg instead of Riffelalp, only about 1h and much easier. You can catch the mountain train there also. See trail map.

Longer option: If you want to spend more time on the trail, you can start higher up at the Gornergrat viewpoint and hike down the Riffelsee lake on the Gornergrat Scenic Trail. Adds about 1h hiking time. Then continue to Riffelalp on the trail described here.

How to get there

This trail is accessed with the Gornergrat mountain train, which is located across the street from the main Zermatt train station - Bahnhofpl. 1, 3920 Zermatt

This trail starts at the Rotenboden stop, one stop down from the Gornergrat. You can ride down here after visiting the top.

The trail ends at the Riffelalp stop, where you can catch the mountain train back to Zermatt. The train comes about every 25 mins and takes about 24 mins to get to Zermatt. Check schedule on SBB.ch.

When to go: This trail is usually free from snow from about late June to early October

Conditions: trail status • webcam • forecast

More info: See our Riffelsee Trail article.