10 Viewpoints in Zermatt (Matterhorn Famous & Unique Views)

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Scenic viewpoints are always at the top of my list when I travel—they’re the first things I look up and add to my itinerary. That’s exactly why I created this blog post about the best viewpoints in Zermatt—for myself and for anyone who loves incredible views as much as I do. If you and I are the same, this guide will make planning your trip a whole lot easier.

Kirchbrücke

Photo of Matterhorn from Zermatt, Switzerland — Photo of Matterhorn from Zermatt

Our list starts with Kirchbrücke, a scenic bridge in the heart of Zermatt. It connects the two sides of town, which are separated by the Matter Vispa River. From here, if you look south, you’ll see a postcard-worthy view of the Matterhorn framed by pine trees and flower-adorned chalets.

You might be wondering when the best time to visit is. The answer is just before sunrise, right as the golden hour begins. At this moment, the sun slowly lights up the Matterhorn from peak to base in warm, golden tones. Since Kirchbrücke is close to most accommodations, it’s a great spot for an early morning visit. However, if you want an even more dramatic sunrise view, you might want to check out Riffelsee, which we’ll cover later.

Keep in mind that this sunrise show at Kirchbrücke doesn’t last long—just a few minutes. Make sure to arrive on time so you don’t miss it.

Sunnegga

A short walk north from Kirchbrücke brings you to the Sunnegga-Rothorn Valley Station, your starting point for Zermatt’s next scenic spot. From there, a quick five-minute funicular ride takes you up to Sunnegga, the closest high-altitude viewpoint to the town center.

At 2,288 meters above sea level, Sunnegga offers a sweeping view of the Matterhorn and the rugged peaks of the Pennine Alps. Some visitors like to start their day with breakfast at Buffet Bar Sunnegga, which is right next to the funicular station. The view is incredible, but keep in mind that prices are steep—a simple order of fries costs around USD 20!

In the summer, Sunnegga is the starting point for the Five-Lakes Hike. You can also stop by the nearby marmot-watching station to see these playful animals up close.

West of the Sunnegga Jumptrail, a hiking path leads to a stunning aerial view of Zermatt, which sits 500 meters below. If you walk just seven minutes from Sunnegga, you’ll reach Leisee, a small lake that’s easy to spot from the station. Just follow the muddy trail heading southeast. The lake has a tiny beach with a few benches—perfect for relaxing and enjoying the view.

Leisee is also one of the few spots in Zermatt where you can see the Matterhorn’s reflection on the water. There are two more locations mentioned in this post that offer the same unique view.

Here’s another view from Sunnegga:

View of Sunnegga from Leisee, Zermatt, Switzerland — View of Sunnegga from Leisee

Riffelalp Resort

I haven’t heard of anyone swimming in Lake Leisee, but if you’re looking for a unique swimming experience in Zermatt and don’t mind splurging, our next spot might be for you.

At 2,222 meters above sea level, Riffelalp Resort 2222m is a peaceful retreat in the mountains south of Zermatt. According to its website, the resort is home to the highest spa in Europe. Its heated outdoor pool offers an incredible view of the Pennine Alps and the Matterhorn.

Imagine floating in warm water, the Matterhorn in front of you, the towering peaks of the Pennine Alps all around, and nothing but silence. Sounds like a dream, right?

Riffelsee

I might not be able to stay at Riffelalp Resort just yet, but I’m always up for an outdoor adventure. Who’s with me?

Next on our list is Riffelsee, a beautiful lake famous for its mirror-like reflections of the Matterhorn. It’s a top spot for photography lovers and one of the easiest lakes to reach from Zermatt for capturing incredible shots of the iconic peak. At 2,757 meters above sea level, Riffelsee’s location, size, and still waters create the perfect setting to showcase the Matterhorn in all its glory.

Wondering when to visit Riffelsee? There’s no single best time, but sunrise and sunset offer some of the most incredible views of the Matterhorn. Just keep in mind that the lake is usually frozen in winter. When that happens, the famous reflection disappears, so it’s best to visit during the warmer months.

Can you catch the sunrise at Riffelsee? Absolutely! It’s one of the best spots to watch the sun come up, with unbeatable views of the Matterhorn. If you want to see it, the Gornergrat Bahn runs a special Sunrise Trip to Rotenboden early in the morning. Tickets start at 135 CHF for adults.

Imagine this: the sky slowly brightens, and the first rays of sunlight hit the peak of the Matterhorn. As the minutes pass, half of the mountain glows in a golden hue. But the real highlight? Its perfect reflection on the still waters of Riffelsee. It’s a breathtaking sight you can only experience in Zermatt.

If you’re visiting Riffelsee outside of sunrise, a short stop might be enough—assuming the skies are clear and the Matterhorn is fully visible. But if clouds are blocking the view, it’s worth sticking around. If there’s a chance the sky will clear, wait it out. Seeing the Matterhorn mirrored in Riffelsee is an unforgettable moment, and it’s worth being patient for the perfect shot.

Let me spark your wanderlust once more:

View of Riffelsee and Matterhorn, Zermatt, Switzerland

Inverted view of the Matterhorn from the surface of Riffelsee, Zermatt, Switzerland — Inverted view of the Matterhorn from the surface of Riffelsee

Gornergrat

Gornergrat has been one of Switzerland’s top excursion destinations since 1898. This observation deck sits on a rocky ridge in the Pennine Alps, east of the Matterhorn, with a stunning view of the Gorner Glacier to the southeast

Why visit Gornergrat? Besides the incredible mountain views, there are two main reasons: the chance to see Gorner Glacier, the second-largest glacier in the Alps, and the experience of riding Europe’s highest open-air cogwheel train.

Even if the Matterhorn is hidden by clouds, you can still admire the breathtaking Gorner Glacier from the other side of the observation deck. In fact, many visitors are blown away by the scenery before they even reach the top. The views along the train ride are spectacular, and the crisp mountain air is refreshing.

That said, Gornergrat might not be the best spot to see the Matterhorn (at least in my opinion), but it still offers an amazing view of the peak and an unforgettable experience overall.

To get to Gornergrat from Zermatt, hop on the cogwheel train. The ride takes about 30 to 35 minutes, with stops at Findelbach, Riffelalp, Riffelberg, and Rotenboden.

Wondering when to visit? It’s best to avoid Gornergrat if the forecast calls for poor visibility. You can check the current conditions on the Zermatt tourism website, which has a live webcam. In winter, the Gorner Glacier might be hidden under thick snow, but from late spring to autumn, it’s usually clear and easy to see.

Here are more incredible views you can enjoy at Gornergrat:

Gornergrat cogwheel train, Zermatt, Switzerland — Gornergrat cogwheel train

Gorner Glacier from Gornergrat, Zermatt, Switzerland — Gorner Glacier from Gornergrat

Check Gornergrat ticket prices now!

Schwarzsee

Schwarzsee sits west of Gornergrat, above the Gorner Glacier valley. This lake, located between the Matterhorn and Zermatt, marks the starting point for Matterhorn ascents and the Matterhorn Glacier Trail.

You won’t see the Matterhorn’s reflection in Schwarzsee because of its depth, but the still water often mirrors the Maria zum Schnee chapel, creating a picture-perfect scene. The chapel is a popular stop for Matterhorn climbers, who visit after their ascent to give thanks for a safe journey.

The best view of Schwarzsee is from the Matterhorn Glacier Trail, just south of the lake. On clear, calm days, you can see the reflection of the Maria zum Schnee chapel in the water, along with the peaks of Zinalrothorn, Wellenkuppe, and Ober Gabelhorn.

Before starting your hike to the Matterhorn or heading to the best viewpoint of Schwarzsee, take a moment to enjoy the view of Zermatt from the overlooks east of Hotel Schwarzsee. The area around the lake offers some of the most impressive views of Zermatt from above.

When is the best time to visit Schwarzsee? If you’re not hiking the Matterhorn, try going before sunset. As dusk sets in, you’ll get an incredible view of Zermatt glowing with lights in the valley below. Just be sure to check the cable car schedule so you don’t miss the last ride down—unless you’re planning to hike back.

How do you get to Schwarzsee? The easiest way is by cable car from Zermatt. The ride, which stops at Furi before reaching Schwarzsee, takes about 14 minutes.

Here’s what you’ll find more at Schwarzsee:

Schwarzee from Matterhorn Glacier Trail Zermatt Switzerland — Schwarzee from Matterhorn Glacier Trail

View of Zermatt near Schwarzsee, Zermatt, Switzerland — View of Zermatt near Schwarzsee

Dramatic view of an old house near Schwarzsee, Zermatt, Switzerland — Dramatic view of an old house near Schwarzsee

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

View from Klein Matterhorn, Zermatt, Switzerland — View from Klein Matterhorn

No list of scenic places in Zermatt is complete without Klein Matterhorn, the highest peak you can reach by aerial tramway. It’s the highest point you can visit without actually climbing the Matterhorn, making it a highlight of any trip.

So, why go? Even though the cable car ride costs over CHF 100, the views from the top are absolutely worth it, especially on a clear day. It’s the only place in Zermatt where you can see the tallest peaks of Switzerland, France, and Italy all at once. If you want a truly memorable experience, Klein Matterhorn is the place to be.

On a clear day, you’ll get a panoramic view of the entire Pennine Alps, along with Mont Blanc in France (4,810 meters) and Gran Paradiso in Italy (4,061 meters). But the real highlight is the south face of the Matterhorn, which you can see better from Klein Matterhorn than anywhere else in Zermatt.

Beyond the views, there’s more to experience. You can explore the Glacier Palace inside the mountain or watch a film in the Cinema Lounge. Klein Matterhorn is also home to the world’s highest 3S cableway, the Matterhorn Glacier Ride, which connects to another station linked to Zermatt.

To get to Klein Matterhorn from Zermatt, take the Matterhorn-Express to Furi, then a cable car to Trockener Steg, and finally, another cable car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

When’s the best time to visit Klein Matterhorn? It’s best to go on a clear, sunny day. But since it’s nearly 4,000 meters high, the weather at the top can be very different from the weather in town. Before heading up, check the live cameras on Zermatt’s website to make sure you’ll get the best views.

Here is an immersive 360-degrees view from Matterhorn Glacier Paradise:

Check Matterhorn Glacier Paradise ticket prices now!

Arbenbachfalls

If you’re looking for a scenic spot near Zermatt, Arbenbachfall is worth a visit. This 60-meter waterfall is located along the Edelweiss Path at its farthest point from Zermatt, in the Zmutt area. It offers great viewpoints with the northern face of the Matterhorn as a backdrop. Often overlooked, Arbenbachfall is one of Zermatt’s hidden treasures.

When is the best time to visit? Late spring is ideal since melting snow increases the water flow, making the waterfall more powerful. On sunny days, the mist from the cascade can create a rainbow, making the view even more impressive.

How can you get there? The only way to reach Arbenbachfall is by hiking 7.5 kilometers from Zermatt on an unpaved mountain trail. The hike usually takes between 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours. Here’s a breakdown of the route:

Höhbalmen

The Edelweiss Path in Zermatt takes you through several scenic spots and traditional hamlets, including Arbenbachfall and Höhbalmen.

So why visit Höhbalmen? Unlike some of the more popular destinations in the area, Höhbalmen is a quiet, less-traveled spot where you can take in the views of the surrounding 4,000-meter peaks. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the landscape.

In the summer, the area is mostly open meadows with scattered rocks, and if you’re lucky, you might see alpine wildlife like ibex and mountain goats. At 2,665 meters, Höhbalmen also offers one of the best views of the north face of the Matterhorn and the Hörnligrat ridge.

You can also virtually tour Höhbalmen using the Street View of Edelweiss Path below:

Below is a route you can follow to visit Höhbalmen from Arbenbachfall.

The Edelweiss Path is a round-trip hike that begins and ends in Zermatt. You can hike it in either direction, but it’s important to consider whether the trail’s difficulty matches your skill level. Here’s what you need to know about the Edelweiss Path to help you decide:

Click the box above the zoom (plus and minus) buttons to recenter the map.

Le Petit Village at Mürini Viewpoint

Zermatt during dusk (view of Matterhorn from Viewpoint Le Petit Village at Mürini), Zermatt, Switzerland — Zermatt during dusk (view of Matterhorn from Viewpoint Le Petit Village at Mürini

We’ve now reached the final scenic spot in Zermatt: Viewpoint Le Petit Village at Mürini. If you’ve been following my list of the 10 most scenic places in Zermatt, you’ll notice we’ve been exploring in a clockwise direction. Our journey began in Zermatt and will end here as well. We started with a sunrise viewpoint, so it’s only fitting to finish with a perfect spot for sunset.

Located in the northern part of Zermatt, Viewpoint Le Petit Village at Mürini offers a great perspective of the town with the Matterhorn towering in the background. The best time to visit is at sunset, when the lights of Zermatt start to glow, creating a beautiful contrast against the evening sky. Since this is a popular photography spot, consider arriving early to find the best angle for capturing both the town and the mountain.

Get the Best of Zermatt

Zermatt is more than just breathtaking views of the Matterhorn. Explore top experiences and hidden gems that will make your trip unforgettable. Plus, grab key tips to plan your perfect Zermatt trip!

Discover Zermatt & Its Top Experiences

Hidden Gems and Unique Experiences in Zermatt

Tips for Visiting Zermatt (non winter)

Looking for a way to explore Zermatt along with the rest of the Swiss Alps? Take a look at WanderIEurope’s two-week itinerary.

FREE 14-Day Switzerland Itinerary

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More Stunning Views Beyond Zermatt

Zermatt has some of the most famous views of the Swiss Alps, thanks to the Matterhorn, but there are other places in Switzerland with sights just as breathtaking—or even more so. Take Lauterbrunnen, for example. This stunning valley in the Jungfrau Region is said to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s vision of an elven realm in The Lord of the Rings. See it for yourself!

Discover Lauterbrunnen Valley

Here’s How You Can Explore Jungfrau Region

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