Riffelalp, Mountain hotel and hamlet in Zermatt, Switzerland.
Riffelalp is a mountain station and hotel at 2,222 meters elevation near Zermatt, situated on a rocky ridge. The complex features wooden buildings with guest rooms and facilities that fit naturally into this alpine setting.
The location developed in the late 19th century as European mountain enthusiasts discovered this elevation and sought shelter here. Its growth followed the rising interest in mountaineering and Alpine climbing during that era.
The name comes from the rocky ridge that rises prominently at this location. Throughout the area, you see wooden buildings in traditional mountain style that reflect daily life at this elevation.
You reach the location by cogwheel train from Zermatt, since the town is car-free. The journey takes about half an hour and climbs steeply through different vegetation zones.
The site has an outdoor swimming pool at one of Europe's highest elevations, which stays open year-round with heated water. Swimming in warm water while surrounded by snow-capped peaks creates a striking contrast that few places can offer.
Location: Zermatt
Address: 3920 Zermatt
Phone: +41279660555
Website: http://riffelalp.com
GPS coordinates: 46.00167,7.75053
Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:05
Switzerland holds a range of five-star hotels spread between alpine peaks and lakeshores. In Zermatt, several large properties offer direct views of the Matterhorn, including the Riffelalp Resort at 7300 feet (2222 meters). In cities like Zurich, Geneva and Basel, you find 19th-century buildings often set by the water. The Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel has stood on the Rhine since the 12th century. In Lausanne and along Lake Geneva, several palaces face the lake. Hotels in the Bernese Oberland sit in Interlaken, Gstaad and Engelberg, surrounded by mountains and valleys. On Lake Lucerne, the Hotel Schweizerhof in Lucerne and the Park Hotel Vitznau stand right by the shore. The Bürgenstock Hotel perches on a rock ledge above the lake. In Ticino, around Lugano and Locarno, buildings show Mediterranean facades and gardens with palms. Villa Honegg near Ennetbürgen offers a sweep of lake and mountain from its terrace. Most of these houses have restaurants with multiple stars, wine cellars and wellness areas. Some feature indoor and outdoor pools, others historic salons or modern spa facilites. The Suvretta House in St. Moritz and the Grand Hotel Kronenhof in Pontresina sit above 5600 feet (1700 meters) and are ringed by ski terrain. In Crans-Montana and Gstaad, you find smaller resorts with alpine character.
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