Switzerland and Italy
How to Get to Riffelsee Lake — Zermatt, Switzerland
Step 1: Take the Gornergrat Railway to Rotenboden Station
Starting Point: Board the Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt. The train departs from the station located directly across from Zermatt’s main train terminal. Buy tickets here.
Destination: Get off at Rotenboden Station, which is the second-to-last stop on the route toward Gornergrat.
Travel Time: About 30–35 minutes from Zermatt to Rotenboden.
Tickets: Purchase at the station or in advance. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card, discounted rates are available.
Step 2: Walk from Rotenboden to Riffelsee Lake
Trail Access: The trail begins immediately upon exiting the Rotenboden station. It is well-marked and easy to follow.
Distance: Approximately 500 meters (0.3 miles).
Walking Time: Around 10 minutes on foot.
Difficulty: Easy, relatively flat, and suitable for most walkers.
Tip: Visit early in the morning or in the late afternoon when the lake’s surface is calm for the best reflection of the Matterhorn.
Step 3: Optional Hike – Riffelsee to Riffelberg Station
Trail Option: Continue hiking from Riffelsee down to Riffelberg Station via the scenic Riffelseeweg trail.
Distance: About 3.1 kilometers (2 miles).
Duration: Roughly 1 hour.
Trail Conditions: Moderate downhill walk on alpine terrain.
Scenery: Panoramic views of the mountains, wildflowers, and potential wildlife sightings.
Step 4: Return to Zermatt
From Riffelberg Station, you can board the Gornergrat Railway to return to Zermatt.
Alternatively, return to Rotenboden and take the train back from there.
Tips for Visiting
Footwear: Wear sturdy hiking or trail shoes.
Weather: Bring layers and sun protection—mountain conditions can change quickly.
Photography: The lake is a favorite photo spot—bring a camera for the iconic Matterhorn reflection.
Respect Nature: Riffelsee is part of a protected area. No swimming, camping, or fires are allowed.
How to Access the Five Lakes Trail (5-Seenweg) – Zermatt, Switzerland
Overview
The Five Lakes Trail is one of Zermatt’s most scenic and accessible hikes, featuring views of the Matterhorn and five distinct alpine lakes: Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee. The trail starts from Blauherd station and finishes at Sunnegga.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Take the Sunnegga Funicular
Location: The valley station is located in Zermatt village.
Ride: The funicular takes you underground to the Sunnegga station in about 4–5 minutes.
Altitude: Sunnegga station sits at 2,288 meters.
Tickets: Available for purchase at the ticket office at the base station in Zermatt. You can also buy tickets here.
Discounts: If you have a Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card, you receive 50% off.
Step 2. Ride the Gondola from Sunnegga to Blauherd
Location: Board the gondola at Sunnegga.
Ride: A short and scenic gondola trip takes you up to Blauherd at 2,571 meters.
Tickets: Purchase at the Sunnegga station or you can buy tickets here.
Step 3. Begin the Hike at Blauherd Station
Trail Start: The Five Lakes Trail is clearly marked from Blauherd.
Route: Blauherd → Stellisee → Grindjisee → Grünsee → Moosjisee → Leisee → Sunnegga.
Distance: Approximately 9.8 kilometers (6.1 miles).
Duration: 3 to 4 hours.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate; mostly downhill with some short ascents.
End Point: Finish the hike at Leisee, which connects directly to Sunnegga.
Trail Highlights
Stellisee: Excellent reflection of the Matterhorn in calm weather.
Grindjisee: Surrounded by alpine flowers and larch trees.
Grünsee: Wild, rocky landscape with Matterhorn views.
Moosjisee: Bright turquoise water due to glacial minerals.
Leisee: Family-friendly area with picnic spots and shallow swimming.
Returning to Zermatt
From Sunnegga, take the funicular back down to Zermatt village.
Tips for Success
Start Early: Morning light and calm conditions are best for reflections.
Footwear: Wear sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes.
Weather: Dress in layers and carry a waterproof jacket.
Food & Water: Bring snacks and water; there are limited options on the trail.
Respect Nature: Stay on the marked paths and carry out all trash.
How to Reach Klein Matterhorn for Glacier Views — Zermatt, Switzerland
Destination: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Location: Zermatt, Switzerland
Elevation: 3,883 meters – the highest cable car station in Europe
Step-by-Step Access from Zermatt
Step 1: Start at the Matterhorn Express Valley Station (Zermatt)
Located in the southern part of Zermatt village.
This is the departure point for the full ascent to the Glacier Paradise.
Step 2: Take the Gondola from Zermatt to Furi
A short, scenic ride that takes about 10 minutes.
Offers views of the valley and surrounding peaks.
Step 3: Transfer Gondolas from Furi to Trockener Steg
Continue your journey upward with a second gondola segment.
This leg begins to bring you above the tree line with more expansive views.
Step 4: Final Ascent – Trockener Steg to Klein Matterhorn
Take the 3S “Matterhorn Glacier Ride” cable car.
Arrive at the summit station: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
Total journey time: Approximately 40–45 minutes (not including transfer or waiting time).
Attractions at the Top
360-Degree Panoramic Viewing Platform – Views of 38 peaks over 4,000 meters and 14 glaciers.
Glacier Palace – Ice tunnels and sculptures carved into the glacier.
Cinema Lounge – A short educational film about the Matterhorn region.
Snow Sports and Activities – Year-round skiing, snow tubing, and glacier hikes depending on season.
Tickets and Pricing
Purchase tickets at the Matterhorn Express valley station in Zermatt or you can buy tickets here.
A standard round-trip ticket includes all summit attractions.
Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card holders receive a 50% discount.
Important Tips
Dress Warmly – Temperatures at the summit can be below freezing year-round.
Footwear – Wear sturdy, insulated shoes suitable for snow.
Altitude – Acclimate at Furi or Trockener Steg if needed.
Timing – Visit early for the best weather and visibility.
How to Get from Rapallo to Cinque Terre
Best Option: By Train (Fastest & Most Convenient)
Route:
Take a direct or regional train from Rapallo to La Spezia Centrale (~50–70 minutes).
From La Spezia Centrale, transfer to the Cinque Terre Express train, which stops at all five villages:
Riomaggiore
Manarola
Corniglia
Vernazza
Monterosso al Mare
Details:
Total Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours depending on connections.
Cost: €8–€15 total (one-way, second class). You can buys tickets at the train station or you can buy tickets here.
Departures: Frequent, especially in summer.
Best For: Day trips, flexible exploration, budget-friendly travel.