I made my way to the Swiss Alps, Zermatt, to be precise, with hiking high on my to-do list. The forecast promised perfect weather, and after cycling around Lake Geneva, I was eager to tackle some hills again. But with so many options, the big question was: Which is the most scenic Matterhorn hike?
After browsing online and some research, I decided to try the Riffelsee/Gornergrat hike. It was the ideal mix of challenge and breathtaking views, fitting perfectly into my afternoon schedule. The 5 Lakes Hike sounded tempting too, but a bit too easy for my liking.
While I’m no seasoned mountaineer, simply admiring the Matterhorn’s towering 4,478m peak, rather than attempting to climb it, was more than enough for me!
The Gornergrat Hike
From Zermatt to Riffelalp
The starting point for most hikes around the Matterhorn is the little (ski) village Zermatt, at 1608m. As it is a car free village I drove to Täsch, parked my car, and caught the train to Zermatt. It was all pretty easy and straightforward and the parking for the afternoon wasn’t too expensive (I paid 11CHF for more than 6 hours).
It was already 2pm by the time I arrived in Zermatt and due to my late arrival, I decided to use the Gornergrat Railway to get me a little bit higher. To the Riffelalp station, sitting at 2210m. I bought the expensive ticket (up to Riffelalp and down from Gornergrat to Zermatt – 85CHF) but it was worth the investment. After 10min in the train, going a steep uphill, I was at the starting point of my hike.
Riffelalp to Riffelsee
Aleady from the train I could see the Matterhorn Mountain shining at me and I couldn’t believe I was actually here. With a near symmetric pyramid peak of 4478m, it is one of the highest summits in the Alps and Europe. Arriving at the Riffelalp train station, I was certain this is going to be the most scenic Matterhorn hike.
Let’s have a quick flashback back to the pyramids in Egypt here!
Following the signage to Gornergrat was easy and the path was steep but easy enough. Then I took the turn (and small detour) to the Riffelsee.
Sitting at approx. 2800m, and after almost one hour of hiking, the Riffelsee was a great spot for a rest. And more photos of course. The day was perfect for hiking, the mountain and the reflection of the Matterhorn on the lake made for great pictures. And I certainly wasn’t the only one trying to get the perfect shot.
From Riffelsee to Gornergrat
The last 300m uphill, from Riffelsee to Gornergrat were tough. It is the rockiest and steepest hiking part, but, taking one step after another, it is still quite manageable (already there I was glad I wouldn’t have to walk back down as well). And if you don’t want to walk up at all, just catch the train back from the station Rotenboden (right next to the Riffelsee).
As for me, the last part of this hike (Riffelsee to Gornergrat) certainly got my heart going. But, slowly, I made it to the top. Looking at the Gorner Glacier to my right was helpful. What a stunning sight! How amazing nature can be!
Somewhere along the way, as sweat was running down my face, I did realise that I was the only one going up. Clearly, everybody else seemed to have caught the train to the top and then walk down to the lake. What a great idea! Clearly I did it the wrong way around.. (just kidding). For me, it is always rewarding to reach the top, after a nice and challenging hike. This was certainly the most scenic Matterhorn hike!
And I didn’t mind taking the easy way downhill. My legs certainly thanked me for it the next day. What an awesome afternoon!
It reminded me a little bit of my Norway Trolltunga hike actually. Read here.
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My summary – most scenic Matterhorn hike
Besides really being the most scenic Matterhorn hike (I am not sure you can get closer without actually hiking the mountain itself), this hike is great because you can basically choose the section you want to hike. Depending on your time and fitness levels, there is always the possibility to catch the train down again (or up for that matter). Just make sure to get the right tickets in Zermatt beforehand.
This hike, from Riffelalp to Riffelsee to Gornergrat took me took me just over 2 hours (the signage says approx. 3hours). By the time the train arrived to take me back to Zermatt it was 6.20pm. I was soo ready for a pizza!
Well, as you can read, I would certainly recommend this hike. Whether you go up or down, all the way, or only parts, for me, this is the most scenic Matterhorn hike. And I didn’t even have to do all the other ones to concur. So, what’s next? Maybe the French Alps?
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