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Riffelsee, Zermatt

4.7
#3 of 14 in Nature in Zermatt
Water Body · Hidden Gem · Landmark
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Riffelsee is an alpine lake above the town of Zermatt in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. It lies below the Riffelhorn at an elevation of 2757 m, and has a surface area of 0.45 ha. The lake can be reached from Rotenboden railway station (2815 m) on the Gornergratbahn mountain railway.
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Riffelsee reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
184 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • Favourite spot to view the Matterhorn. Easy walk down from the station and you can also explore the surrounding area. We hiked down to the next station and the whole hike down was a beautiful view of....  more
    Favourite spot to view the Matterhorn. Easy walk down from the station and you can also explore the surrounding area. We hiked down to the next station and the whole hike down was a beautiful view of....  more »
  • This place is so beautiful, and if you're in luck and get a sunny day, it will make you gasp. Will most likely keep coming back here 
    This place is so beautiful, and if you're in luck and get a sunny day, it will make you gasp. Will most likely keep coming back here  more »
Google
  • A definite must visit on a clear day for its breathtaking view of the glacier and also the reflection of Matterhorn. Can get crowded during peak periods like in summer. Pair it up with your hike to have a complete experience, though you can also choose to have a short detour from Rotenboden. We hiked from the lake to Riffelberg and it was totally worth it. Bring some snacks and drinks for a romantic picnic experience!
  • If you are in Zermatt and want to have a hiking program, Rifflesee is one of the best places for you. You can Either get the tele-cabins from Zermatt to the Riffleberg Station (Don’t forget to change the line in Furi-Station; otherwise the cabin you take in Zermatt goes directly to another station and you may get extra charges!).You have this option to buy a one-way ticket or two-way ticket. By buying a one-way ticket you have to hike all the way back (it is a 3-4 hours hike, which is not that easy).From Riffleberg Station there is a 20-30 minutes hike to Rifflesee. The lake is very very beautiful and you can have a great view of Matterhorn (one of the highest mounts in Alp). I recommend a photo from the lake with a reflection of Matterhorn in it 😇. In this area you may also have the chance to visit the most lovely and friendly animal in the world; Black Nose Sheep (Valais Blacknose) 😍😍 My recommendation is definitely to go and find the flock (and visit them 🥰🥰🥰 They are amazing! (They are usually in this area.) Just keep in mind that the Tele-Cabins are working till 18 during summer.

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