Gornergrat to Riffelberg by the Riffelsee

From the top station of the Gornergrat railway, at about 3,090 m, look out over the Gorner Glacier to Monte Rosa and the ring of four-thousanders around Zermatt. The path then winds down the open slope west of the summit to Rotenboden station and on to the Riffelsee, a small lake where the Matterhorn is reflected on a still morning. From the lake it continues down to Riffelberg, with its hotel and station.

It is 4.1 km one way with 41 m of ascent and 545 m of descent; allow about 1½ hours. The grade is Easy: a clear mountain path, steady downhill, at high altitude.

At this height the air is thin and the weather cold even in summer; take warm clothes and sun protection. The path is usually clear of snow from July to October. Outside that season the railway still runs all year, but expect snow and ice on the path. The lake lies in a small nature reserve: keep to the path.

The Gornergrat railway, a rack railway, leaves from opposite Zermatt's main station and stops at Riffelberg and Rotenboden, so you can ride back from either. Zermatt is car-free: park at Täsch and take the shuttle train.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.