Photo: Deralpinbergsteiger, CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Gornergrat & Riffelsee: Rotenboden – Riffelberg
About this guide
The Gornergrat Bahn climbs from Zermatt to the Gornergrat, where a large viewing platform at about 3,100 m looks out over 29 peaks above 4,000 m. One stop lower, at Rotenboden, the Riffelsee lies just below the tracks; in calm weather the Matterhorn is perfectly reflected in it, especially in the morning and evening.
The walk starts at Rotenboden station, passes the Riffelsee and a second, smaller lake, and then takes the westernmost of several paths, via Gagenhaupt, the least frequented one, down to Riffelberg, where you take the train back to Zermatt.
- Difficulty
A short walk at high altitude, mostly downhill. Check before you start whether the path is open.
- Season
The Gornergrat Bahn is out of service for about two weeks each November for maintenance. 2026: 2–14 November. Timetable: gornergrat.ch.
- Getting there
Gornergrat Bahn from Zermatt to Rotenboden (or to the Gornergrat first); back from Riffelberg by train. The operator's hiking ticket covers Zermatt – Gornergrat and Riffelberg – Zermatt.
- Winter
Snowshoe Panorama Trail No. 142 from Rotenboden to Riffelberg, marked every 100 m with pink poles.
Map, routes and places
Trails
Route data checked: October 2026 ·
Places
Sights & viewpoints
Getting there & parking
Plan your trip
14°Partly cloudyCogwheel railway from Zermatt to the Gornergrat; its hiking ticket covers the way up and the return from Riffelberg.
Start of the walk; Gornergrat Bahn stop above the Riffelsee.
Related guides
Sources (2) · last checked October 2026
Route data checked: October 2026