Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
Riffelsee Lake is the most famous hiking destination in Zermatt, but most tourists miss the most special climb sitting right above them! This is Riffelhorn - a spectacular, jagged cliff that towers above Riffelsee. And while a hike to Riffelsee lake will certainly get you spectacular views, the views from the summit of Riffelhorn are EVEN BETTER.
But getting there is not easy. The ascent requires a technical class 4/low class 5 approach (depending on the route you take), navigating the Riffelhorn ridge with steep drop offs on each side. But the reward pay off is MASSIVE. The views the entire climb have to be the best views in all of Zermatt. And once on the summit ridge, you won't find better views of the Matterhorn anywhere in Switzerland.
This was one of our favorite hikes in Switzerland we've ever done. Between the views, the fun climbing, the spectacular ridge, and the feeling of being all alone with the Matterhorn, it was a truly special Switzerland hike and what we think may be the most beautiful traverse in the entire world. What do you think?
📍 Location: Riffelhorn, Zermatt, Switzerland
🏔️ Featuring: The Matterhorn, Riffelsee, Gorner Glacier, and the Monte Rosa Massif
Route: Gornergrat Railway , Rotenboden, Riffelsee , Riffelhorn west ridge
#Zermatt #SwissAlps #Switzerland
Riffelsee Lake is the most famous hiking destination in Zermatt, but most tourists miss the most special climb sitting right above them! This is Riffelhorn - a spectacular, jagged cliff that towers above Riffelsee. And while a hike to Riffelsee lake will certainly get you spectacular views, the views from the summit of Riffelhorn are EVEN BETTER.
But getting there is not easy. The ascent requires a technical class 4/low class 5 approach (depending on the route you take), navigating the Riffelhorn ridge with steep drop offs on each side. But the reward pay off is MASSIVE. The views the entire climb have to be the best views in all of Zermatt. And once on the summit ridge, you won't find better views of the Matterhorn anywhere in Switzerland.
This was one of our favorite hikes in Switzerland we've ever done. Between the views, the fun climbing, the spectacular ridge, and the feeling of being all alone with the Matterhorn, it was a truly special Switzerland hike and what we think may be the most beautiful traverse in the entire world. What do you think?
📍 Location: Riffelhorn, Zermatt, Switzerland
🏔️ Featuring: The Matterhorn, Riffelsee, Gorner Glacier, and the Monte Rosa Massif
Route: Gornergrat Railway , Rotenboden, Riffelsee , Riffelhorn west ridge
#Zermatt #SwissAlps #Switzerland
