Staying in Riffelalp above Zermatt
A Riffelalp booking needs a little more arrival planning than a village hotel. The railway station and your accommodation are separate points, with a final transfer or walk to arrange. Check how luggage is handled and when you need to leave Zermatt. Once there, plan evenings around local dining and the last railway connection.
At a glance
- Best for
- Quiet mountain stay
- At night
- Silent
- Getting around
- Gornergrat railway, about 20 min
- Price level
- €€€€
A small, high plateau at 2,200 meters on the Gornergrat railway, with a resort hotel and a view of the Matterhorn.
Good for
- The Matterhorn from the terrace
- Walks from your door
- Very quiet nights
Think twice if
- You want a choice of restaurants and shops
- You are visiting in the shoulder seasons, when it is shut
- You are traveling on a tight budget
What is near Riffelalp
Riffelalp railway station
Allow approximately 10 to 15 minutes on foot between the station and the hotel area when the path is clear.
Riffelalp chapel
From the hotel area, allow about 5 minutes on foot to reach the small chapel and surrounding paths.
Riffelalp walking paths
Paths leave directly from the plateau; a 10 to 20 minute walk allows a short outing before choosing a longer route.
Eating in Riffelalp
Dining requires more planning here because returning to Zermatt means another railway journey. Confirm which meals your accommodation serves and reserve dinner if requested. For walking days, arrange a packed lunch or check mountain restaurant opening before relying on a stop along the route.
Getting around from Riffelalp
Riffelalp is a stop on the Gornergrat railway from Zermatt. Check the current timetable and your accommodation's instructions for the final connection. Mountain paths are seasonal, so do not assume a summer walking route will work with luggage in winter.
Hotels in Riffelalp
Search the area on the booking sites, where the prices are. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Other areas of Zermatt
Staying in Riffelalp above Zermatt
Is the accommodation beside the railway platform?
The hotel area is separate from Riffelalp station. Confirm the final walk or transfer with your accommodation before arriving with luggage.
Can I have dinner down in Zermatt?
Only plan this after checking the last train back to Riffelalp. Local dining is more practical when railway operating hours limit your evening.
Can I start mountain walks from Riffelalp?
Walking paths leave from the plateau, but route suitability depends on snow and weather. Ask locally about current conditions before setting out.