The Summit Panorama Trail Experience

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For official information, visit Lonely Planet Zermatt Guide.

Walking around the summit platform is easy for visitors of all fitness levels. The paths are paved and offer several benches for resting during your visit. You will find the best glacier views on Gornergrat walking paths right here. The ice appears bright blue and white under the strong high-altitude sun.

Listen closely to hear the glacier shifting and cracking on very quiet days. These sounds remind you of the powerful forces of nature at work here. Many photographers spend hours at the summit capturing the changing light on the ice. The view remains spectacular during every season of the year in 2026.

The summit area also features a historic hotel and several small souvenir shops. You can grab a warm drink while staring at the Monte Rosa massif. This mountain is the highest peak in Switzerland and stands next to the glacier. The contrast between the dark rocks and white ice is truly breathtaking.

Walking to the Iconic Riffelsee Lake

The path to Riffelsee Lake is very popular with hikers and professional photographers. It takes only about ten minutes to walk from the Rotenboden train station. This short trail provides some of the most famous views in all of Zermatt. You can see the Matterhorn reflected perfectly in the still water of the lake.

This specific area also offers a fantastic perspective of the glacier tongue below. The trail is part of the walking down from Gornergrat to Riffelberg trail system. You will walk through rocky terrain that feels like a different planet entirely. The high-altitude air is crisp and clean during the summer months.

Wildflowers often bloom along the edges of the path during the month of July. These colorful plants add a beautiful touch to your mountain photography sessions. You should arrive early in the morning to avoid the largest tourist crowds. The water is usually calmest before the afternoon winds begin to blow.

Families often enjoy this walk because it is relatively flat and very short. Children can explore the rocky shoreline while parents admire the massive glacier views. Make sure to stay on the marked paths to protect the fragile environment. The local ecosystem is very sensitive to human footsteps in this high zone.

The Scenic Descent to Riffelberg Station

Continuing your journey downward leads you toward the scenic Riffelberg mountain station. This section of the trail offers constant views of the sprawling Gorner Glacier. The path descends gently through alpine meadows filled with local sheep and goats. You can easily find the Gornergrat railway stops for scenic alpine walks along this route.

The trail is well-marked with yellow and white signs for your safety. You will walk directly toward the jagged peaks of the Breithorn and Liskamm. These mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for your entire hiking trip in Zermatt. The descent takes about one hour if you walk at a steady pace.

Many hikers stop frequently to take photos of the deep glacier crevasses. These giant cracks in the ice show the true depth of the glacier. You can see how the ice flows around the base of the mountains. The scale of the landscape is difficult to grasp without seeing it personally.

As you approach Riffelberg, the terrain becomes greener and much more lush. You might spot some marmots playing in the rocks near the hiking trail. These furry animals are a favorite sight for many visitors to the Alps. The sound of their whistling often echoes across the quiet mountain valleys.

Practical Tips for Gornergrat Walks

Planning your trip requires some basic knowledge of the local mountain weather. Temperatures at the summit can be much colder than in Zermatt village below. You should always wear layers of clothing even during the warm summer months. Sturdy hiking boots are essential for the rocky and uneven walking paths.

The Gornergrat Railway is the highest open-air rack railway found in all of Europe. You should learn how to buy Gornergrat hiking train tickets before your arrival. Prices for a return trip in 2026 cost about 110 Swiss Francs. Discounts are available if you hold a Swiss Travel Pass or Half-Fare card.

The air feels very thin at this high altitude so take your time. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated while you are walking the trails. Sunscreen is also vital because the sun is very strong at high elevations. Protect your eyes with high-quality sunglasses to prevent snow blindness from the ice.

Check the latest train schedule to ensure you do not miss the last ride. The trains usually run every twenty-four minutes during the peak tourist season. Walking back to Zermatt from the summit takes several hours of steep hiking. Most visitors prefer to walk between the mountain stations instead of the village.