Best Matterhorn Photo Spots on Zermatt Trails: Stellisee

For the most up-to-date details, check Switzerland Tourism before you go.

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Lonely Planet Zermatt Guide.

Arrive very early in the morning to capture the calmest water for perfect mountain reflections. Still water creates a perfect mirror image of the high mountain on the lake surface. The warm golden hour light makes the peak glow with a beautiful orange and red hue.

Check the Zermatt lake trails guide 2026 for more details on this specific hiking route. Take the Sunnegga funicular and then the Blauherd cable car to reach the trail start. From Blauherd, the easy walk to the lake takes about twenty minutes of gentle walking.

Riffelsee Lake Mountain Reflections

Riffelsee is another top location for mountain reflections within the beautiful Gornergrat hiking area. It is located very close to the Rotenboden station on the famous Gornergrat railway line. Many Matterhorn view walks in Zermatt pass directly through this stunning alpine landscape.

The lake is just a ten-minute walk down from the mountain train station platform. You can capture the Matterhorn standing tall and proud behind the clear blue alpine water. Photographers love this spot because it is very easy to reach with heavy camera gear.

Visit during the summer months for the best trail conditions and clear mountain views. Snow can cover the lake until late June which might hide the famous water reflections. July and August offer the best chance for clear blue skies and vibrant alpine colors.

Sunnegga Terrace Panorama Views

Sunnegga is often called the sunny corner of Zermatt because of its bright southern exposure. It offers a classic and perfectly centered view of the Matterhorn from a comfortable terrace. The funicular ride from the village center takes only five minutes to reach the top.

This spot is perfect for photographers who prefer easy walks with Matterhorn views in Zermatt. You can enjoy a local meal while taking amazing photos of the surrounding Swiss peaks. The stable terrace provides a very steady base for your tripod during low light shots.

Look for the small wooden huts and traditional chalets located along the nearby walking trails. These old buildings add a touch of local charm and history to your mountain photos. They provide a great foreground element when you are framing the large mountain peak.

Schwarzsee Shoreline Perspectives

Schwarzsee sits at the very foot of the Matterhorn and provides a unique perspective. It offers a dramatic close-up view of the famous North Face of the mountain peak. The cable car ride to this station provides stunning aerial views of the entire valley.

• Capture the reflection of the peak in the dark water of the lake.
• Photograph the small Chapel of Maria zum Schnee located by the water.
• Use a telephoto lens to see climbers on the Hörnli Ridge route.

The lake itself is dark and creates a moody atmosphere for your creative mountain photography. Walk around the entire shoreline to find different and interesting angles of the rock face. The mountain looks massive and powerful from this very close distance on the trail.

This area is often much less crowded than the popular Gornergrat or Sunnegga viewpoints. It offers a quiet place for photographers to focus on their art in 2026. Spend some time exploring the rocky terrain and small streams around the lake area.