Riffelberg Railway | Zermatt

The Riffelberg Railway is a scenic cogwheel railway in the Swiss Alps, connecting the Zermatt area to Riffelberg, a popular mountain station on the way to the Gornergrat. The railway is part of the larger Gornergrat Railway network and provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the stunning alpine landscapes while traveling to one of the most accessible viewpoints near the Matterhorn.

Key Features of the Riffelberg Railway

1. Route and Location

• The Riffelberg Railway starts from the Riffelalp Station, which is located along the route of the Gornergrat Railway. From here, the cogwheel train climbs towards Riffelberg, located at an altitude of 2,582 meters (8,439 feet).
• The railway travels through gorgeous alpine terrain, passing by alpine meadows, rocky landscapes, and offering spectacular views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. The journey also provides vistas of Gorner Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in the Alps.

2. Connection to Gornergrat Railway

• The Riffelberg Railway is a part of the Gornergrat Railway system, one of the oldest and highest cogwheel railways in Europe. The Gornergrat Railway starts in Zermatt and runs up to the Gornergrat summit at 3,089 meters (10,135 feet).
• The Riffelberg Railway serves as an intermediate stop along this route, making it a convenient and scenic option for travelers who want to break up the journey, take in the views, and visit the Riffelberg Station before continuing higher up to Gornergrat.

3. Scenic Views

• The Riffelberg Railway offers some of the most breathtaking views in the Swiss Alps. Along the route, passengers can enjoy panoramic vistas of the Matterhorn, the Gorner Glacier, and a series of stunning peaks, including the Lyskamm, Breithorn, and Castor.
• At Riffelberg Station, visitors are treated to spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers, making it a great spot for photography and sightseeing.

4. Attractions at Riffelberg

• Riffelberg Station is a popular destination for tourists due to its scenic views and proximity to hiking trails. It serves as a starting point for hikes that lead to the Gorner Glacier, Riffelsee Lake, and the nearby Gornergrat. The area is known for its pristine alpine environment and provides a serene spot to explore.
• In the summer months, the area around Riffelberg is also famous for wildflowers, alpine meadows, and wildlife sightings, such as ibex, chamois, and marmots.
• The Riffelberg Hotel offers dining and accommodation options for those who want to stay at a higher altitude and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

5. Hiking and Outdoor Activities

• Riffelberg is an excellent base for various outdoor activities, especially hiking. Some of the most popular hikes in the area include:
  • The Gornergrat Railway Hike: This hike takes visitors from Riffelberg to the Gornergrat Summit, offering incredible views of the Matterhorn and the surrounding mountains.
  • Riffelsee Hike: A relatively easy hike from Riffelberg to Riffelsee, a beautiful lake known for its mirror-like reflections of the Matterhorn, making it a photographer's paradise.
  • Glacier Hikes: Hikers can embark on longer trails towards the Gorner Glacier, offering a close-up view of the glacier’s icy expanse and the dramatic alpine landscapes around it.

In winter, the area is a popular spot for skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, with plenty of marked trails for these activities.

6. Historical Significance

• The Gornergrat Railway system, which includes the Riffelberg Railway, was opened in 1898, making it one of the oldest cogwheel railways in the world. The construction of the railway was a significant engineering achievement at the time and was designed to help travelers reach the Gornergrat Summit.
• Over the years, the Gornergrat Railway has become a major tourist attraction, known not only for its historical significance but also for its incredible views and access to some of the best alpine scenery in the world.

7. Accessibility and Travel Options

• The Riffelberg Railway is easily accessible from Zermatt via the Gornergrat Railway, which departs from the center of Zermatt. Visitors can purchase tickets for both the Gornergrat and Riffelberg journeys, with flexible travel options available, such as single rides or round-trip tickets.
• The entire journey, from Zermatt to Riffelberg and beyond to the Gornergrat summit, takes visitors through spectacular alpine landscapes, making it one of the most scenic rail journeys in Europe.

Conclusion

The Riffelberg Railway provides a unique and accessible way to explore the beautiful landscapes of the Swiss Alps. Its scenic journey, stunning views of the Matterhorn, and proximity to some of the region's most popular hiking trails make it an ideal choice for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re visiting in the summer to enjoy the alpine meadows or in the winter to experience the snow-covered beauty of the region, the Riffelberg Railway offers a memorable way to experience the best of the Matterhorn Glacier region.