Zermatt

Gornergrat

The Gornergrat area is our favorite mountain area in Zermatt, particularly with kids. The viewpoints are easy to access and the hikes very customizable to fit different abilities.

At a minimum, we suggest visiting the Gornergrat viewpoint and Riffelsee lake, no hiking required.

If you like to hike, we have a few options of different lengths and difficulty.

Planning your day

We suggest a minimum of 4 hours for this outing, longer if you hike. We typically spend the whole day on the mountain, stopping for a picnic and lots of photos.

Since the Gornergrat railway runs later than most other transport, it's possible do this in the late afternoon if you just arrive in Zermatt that morning.

Suggested itinerary

1. Mountain train Zermatt to Gornergrat.

2. Enjoy views from Observation Platform and 360 loop path.

3. Ride down to Rotenboden to visit Riffelsee lake. (Or hike down on Gornergrat Scenic trail).

4. Enjoy photos at Riffelsee lake, perhaps a picnic here.

5. Walk back to Rotenboden and ride down to Zermatt.
   Or hike down to Riffelberg (1h), Riffelalp (2h), or Furi (2h30).

Minimum 3 hours, or 4-6 hours if hiking.

At the Gornergrat, you get nice views right next to the train station. But best to walk above the hotel for an even better observation terrace and short scenic walk.

Ride or Hike to Riffelsee lake

After visiting the Gornergrat viewpoint, you should next visit the Riffelsee lake. To get there, you can ride the Gornergrat mountain train down one stop to Rotenboden. Then a short walk down to the lake.

Or you can hike down on the Gornergrat Scenic Trail, about 45 mins to reach the lake.

Hiking options

After visiting the Riffelsee lake, you can walk back up to Rotenboden and ride train down to Zermatt.

Or hike further down the mountain on one of these trails.

Easiest: Hike to Riffelberg, about 1 hour. Then ride mountain train down to Zermatt.

Moderate: Hike to Riffelalp, about 2 hours. Lots of switchbacks and lots of uneven terrain. Then ride mountain train down to Zermatt.

Long: Hike via Glacier Garden to Furi, about 2h30, lots of downhill. Includes beautiful river and suspension bridge over gorge. From Furi, gondola to Zermatt or hike down Zermatt, another hour.

If you choose the hike down to Furi, you can cross the suspension bridge.

At Furi, you can continue hiking down to Zermatt, passing through the Gorner Gorge.