Rotenboden or Riffelberg hike to Riffelalp

Hi Swede4life,
I’ve attached the summer hiking map of Zermatt, you can see the hiking routes on it.
I have personal experiences only from Gornergrat to Riffelberg – that was quite easy – we walked there with my 5,5 years old child. We enjoyed it a lot, wonderful panorama to the Matterhorn.
Have a look at this thread, you might find it useful: http://www.myswissalps.com/forum/topic/zermatt-to-gornergrat-2.
I also recommend these pages: http://www.myswissalps.com/zermatt and http://www.myswissalps.com/zermatt/activities.
And here is the route description from Rotenboden to Riffelalp: http://www.myswissalps.com/hiking/rotenboden-riffelalp/route.
I hope that helps,
Ildiko

I would recommend the route I took – take the train to Riffelberg then hike up to Riffelsee – Rotenboden – Gornergrat.

Not very tough except for the ascent up to Gornergrat, I remember starting the hike around 9+ in the morning and finished it with a nice warming lunch in an bistro at the Gornergrat station.

If it’s a clear day, the view at Riffelsee and Gornergrat can blow minds for sure.

Also if you have more time in Zermatt, the hike from Schwarzsee – Trockener Steg (route 26 on the map shared by IIdiko) also gives special view of the Matterhorn and some of its geological history. It is slightly more challenging than Riffelberg – Gornergrat route in my opinion though.

Have fun!