Information
Landmark: Riffelberg RailwayCity: Zermatt
Country: Switzerland
Continent: Europe
Riffelberg Railway, Zermatt, Switzerland, Europe
Overview
The Riffelberg Railway is a charming cogwheel train in the Swiss Alps that climbs from the Zermatt area to Riffelberg, a favorite mountain stop where the cool air smells faintly of pine on the way to the Gornergrat.Part of the wider Gornergrat network, the railway winds through cool mountain air and grassy alpine slopes, carrying visitors straight to one of the easiest spots to see the Matterhorn looming close.The Riffelberg Railway offers plenty to notice, from its steep climb up the mountainside to the sharp, clean smell of pine drifting through the cool air.The Riffelberg Railway starts at Riffelalp Station, a quiet little stop nestled beside the Gornergrat Railway tracks where the air smells faintly of pine.From this point, the cogwheel train climbs steadily toward Riffelberg, where crisp mountain air greets you at 2,582 meters (8,439 feet) above sea level.It twists through sunlit alpine meadows, then over slabs of pale, wind-scoured rock, while the jagged Matterhorn and its towering neighbors crowd the view outside the windows.Along the way, you’ll spot the vast sweep of the Gorner Glacier, its blue-white ice flashing in the sunlight-it’s among the biggest in the Alps.The Riffelberg Railway connects straight to the Gornergrat line, one of Europe’s oldest and highest cogwheel routes, climbing toward peaks dusted with snow.Starting in Zermatt, the Gornergrat Railway winds upward to the summit at 3,089 meters (10,135 feet), where the air feels crisp and thin.On the way up, the Riffelberg Railway pauses at its namesake stop, where travelers can step out, draw in the crisp bite of alpine air, and soak up the wide, open views before climbing higher.From this stop, the Swiss Alps stretch out in a breathtaking sweep, their snow-dusted peaks sharp against the blue sky.The train curves through the mountains, offering passengers sweeping views of the Matterhorn, the glint of sun on the Gorner Glacier, and a line of sharp peaks-Lyskamm, Breithorn, and Castor.From Riffelberg Station, mountains and glaciers stretch to the horizon, their sharp peaks catching the light, drawing photographers, sightseers, and hikers heading for nearby trails.This is where the path begins, leading you toward the icy sweep of the Gorner Glacier, the mirror-like surface of Riffelsee Lake, and the rugged ridge of the Gornergrat.Riffelberg draws you in with its untouched alpine beauty, a quiet spot where you can stroll under skies so clear you can see every distant peak.In summer, the slopes flare with color as wildflowers open, and you might glimpse an ibex nibbling leaves or a marmot vanishing into the tall grass.At the Riffelberg Hotel, you can book a cozy room and tuck into a hearty meal, all while staying high in the mountains where the only sound is the wind brushing past the windows.It’s a perfect spot to kick off a hike-think pine-scented trails and crisp morning air-or dive into any number of outdoor adventures.Local favorites include the Gornergrat Railway Hike, carrying you from Riffelberg up to the summit with the Matterhorn and a ring of jagged peaks spread out below; the Riffelsee Hike, a gentle stroll to a still, glassy lake where the mountain’s reflection trembles on the surface; and the longer Glacier Hikes that lead straight to the edge of the Gorner Glacier’s blue-white ice.In winter, skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers roam the marked trails, slicing through fresh powder or drifting silently beneath the sharp blue of the alpine sky.Six.In 1898, the Gornergrat Railway and the Riffelberg line began carrying passengers, their steel wheels clanking against the track as they climbed the mountainside, securing their place among the world’s oldest cogwheel lines.When it first opened, the railway to the Gornergrat Summit was a stunning engineering achievement, hauling passengers up into the thin, crisp air of the mountains.Over the years, the Gornergrat Railway became a favorite with visitors, treasured for its storied past, wide-open alpine views, and the effortless ride it offers to some of the region’s most stunning peaks where snow glints in the sun.Right in the center of Zermatt, you can hop on the train and glide straight up to the Riffelberg Railway, the scent of pine following you as the cars climb.You can grab tickets for the Gornergrat or Riffelberg journeys, whether you want a quick one-way ride or a full round-trip with the return framed by snowy peaks.From Zermatt, the train winds past Riffelberg, climbing toward the Gornergrat summit through crisp mountain air and wide-open alpine views, where glaciers gleam in the sun-one of Europe’s most stunning rail rides.Hop on the Riffelberg Railway for a simple, breathtaking ride through the Swiss Alps, where the scent of pine drifts in through the open windows.The trails begin just a few steps from your door, leading you past winding paths and sudden, jaw-dropping views of the Matterhorn-a dream for hikers and anyone who loves the outdoors.Visit in summer, when wildflowers sway in the cool alpine breeze, or come in winter to find the slopes wrapped in fresh snow; either way, the Riffelberg Railway takes you right into the heart of the Matterhorn Glacier’s beauty.
