We got off the train at the Rotenboden Station which is the starting point for many scenic hikes. Since our time was limited, we took the short 10 minute hike to Lake Riffelsee hoping to get the classic shot of the Matterhorn reflected in the aqua waters of the lake. Unfortunately the wind kicked up ripples in the lake and we were not afforded this view but nonetheless the landscape was spectacular.
From the Zermatt website which has some fantastic photos:
https://www.zermatt.ch/en/Media/Attractions/Riffelsee"The lake of the Riffelsee (2,757 m) offers the ultimate in mountain tranquillity. The reflection of the Matterhorn on the surface of the water is one of nature’s finest spectacles.
The Riffelsee lies in a small hollow, surrounded by open alpine meadows. From June, an abundance of flora. A play of form and colour, the Riffelsee is heaven for photographers. On view from the Riffelsee (See the website for these specific photos): Dent Blanche (4,357 m, left), Obergabelhorn (4,063 m) and Wellenkuppe (3,903 m, right, with white cap). Riffelsee, looking east/south-east: Monte Rosa with the Dufourspitze 4,634 m, Switzerland’s highest summit) and Liskamm (right, 4,527 m), also known as the “man-eater”. Zermatt’s Riffelsee with the Matterhorn in the morning light is an irresistible subject for photography enthusiasts.
The Riffelsee is located away from the great hiking trails of Zermatt; however, the Riffelseeweg path (no. 21) leads direct to its shores. The view of the Matterhorn, king of the mountains, standing solitary on the horizon framed by a vast sky, is breathtaking: the scene is unforgettable. The best time to visit is when there is no wind and the surface of the lake is completely still – usually early in the morning or in the evening
The Riffelsee is not visible from the Rotenboden station of the Gornergrat Bahn cog railway, but it’s only a short walk away: about 10 minutes along a trail leading gently downhill. Climbers turn left off the path before the lake to access the numerous climbing routes on the south face of the Riffelhorn. Nature lovers will find beautiful alpine flora in the area close to climbing routes on the Riffelhorn (2,927 m)."
I hope you enjoy these images from this beautiful area. Please try the downloads for color and clarity. For more images of the Zermatt Area and an additional narrative, please see my previous posts:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-691712-1.htmlhttps://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-692091-1.htmlhttps://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-692312-1.htmlhttps://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-692592-1.htmlhttps://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-692942-1.htmlhttps://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-693167-1.htmlMark