Riffelhaus 1853 Zermatt

Hotel Riffelhaus is living testimony to the golden age of mountaineering. Mountain climbing and hotel history were written here.

In 1853, the hotel on the Riffelberg was the second hotel in Zermatt. It opened even before the Gornergrat railway was built. The beams and stones were hauled up the mountain by mules and using a lot of manpower.

Over the course of the decades, the initial mountain climber accommodations developed into a comfortable mountain hotel, without losing the atmosphere of the pioneering days.

The impressive alpine world starts directly in front of the hotel. In winter, there are the slopes, in summer, a stunning sea of blooms of alpine flowers that grow only here, and you will be awed by their masses and beauty.

Here, hundreds of kinds of flowers blossom better than anywhere else in the Alps. A lot of sunshine and little rain make for a dazzling display of colourful blooms.

With the renovation, the Hotel Riffelhaus presents one of the most beautiful sun terraces in Zermatt and a wellness landscape with a unique view of the Matterhorn. Those who like Swiss cuisine are in paradise at the Restaurant Riffelhaus.

The “new” Hotel Riffelhaus offers many inviting places to linger. When you first enter your room, you will be astonished at the level of design and comfort we put into the room, here in the heart of the mountains, using completely natural materials.

The impressive alpine world starts directly in front of the hotel. In winter, there are the slopes, in summer, a stunning sea of blooms of alpine flowers that grow only here, and you will be awed by their masses and beauty.

Here, hundreds of kinds of flowers blossom better than anywhere else in the Alps. A lot of sunshine and little rain make for a dazzling display of colourful blooms.

This is the perfect place for anyone looking to experience nature and the mountains. Hotel Riffelhaus is an ideal point of departure for long hikes and first climbing experiences. But it is also the perfect place for mountain lovers who have less sporty ambitions.

With the reconstruction, the hotel has created one of the most beautiful sun terraces in Zermatt, a spa centre from where there is an unrivalled view of the Matterhorn and newly renovated rooms offering a lot of stylish alpine touches.

Good to know

When you are our guest here at the Riffelhaus 1853, we provide you with personal assistance for any of your questions. For the sake of simplicity, we have compiled information on some of the most important things. We are at your service at any time for any other questions you may have.

Travel to Zermatt
Zermatt is a car-free village. Cars already start their holidays five kilometres away from Zermatt, at the car park in Täsch. From Täsch, the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway runs in 20-minute intervals to Zermatt. A taxi service is also available on request.

From the international airports of Zurich-Kloten and Geneva you can also reach your destination in a few hours. After changing trains in Visp, you can reach Zermatt by the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn in about 1 h 10 min.

Train ride at 2,500 metres above sea level
Once you arrive at the Zermatt station, cross the Bahnhofstrasse and take the Gornergrat Bahn, which will bring you to the Riffelberg station, in the heart of the Alps at around 2,500 metres above sea level, in approximately 30 minutes.

We are happy to help you transport your luggage from the station to the hotel. Please let us know the exact time of your arrival. The path from the railway station to the hotel is a wide, unpaved mountain path.

In summer, it is possible for people with impaired mobility or wheelchair users to travel on, but it is somewhat difficult. In winter when it snows, however, the path is no longer wheelchair-accessible.

Your own four walls

Many places at the Hotel Riffelhaus invite you to relax: in the lounge, the restaurant, the ski bar or, of course, the spa centre. When you first enter your room, you will be astonished at the level of design and comfort we put into the room, here in the heart of the mountains, using completely natural materials.

Junior Suite
The suite offers a dream view of the Matterhorn from the balcony or terrace. Natural materials, lots of wood and of course the unbeatable view create a relaxing ambience.

Breathtaking view of the Matterhorn from the balcony or the terrace and modern furnishings with a lot of wood and alpine charm. A double bed consisting of two single mattresses and sofa bed, shower/WC, hairdryer, bathrobe, slippers, desk, safe, TV/radio and telephone.

Delicious Swiss cuisine

The menu contains the classic dishes: cheese fondue, Käseschnitte (cheese toast) and rösti. The rösti in Restaurant Riffelhaus is the favourite dish of many of our regular guests.

The ingredients are simple: potatoes, salt, pepper and, if desired, onions, with the deluxe version having some bacon too – and that’s it. However, preparing rösti at 2,500 metres above sea level is actually an art.

Dried beef specialities from the Valais region
Dried beef has been produced in the Valais region for centuries. The best cuts of beef are laid in herbs and spices before being air-dried for between 5 and 16 weeks.

Each producer has their own recipe. Guests at the Riffelhaus can sample the very best that the local meat driers have to offer: exquisite dried beef, cured and smoked hams, various types of sausage – the perfect appetizers to pair with a glass of wine from the Valais region.

The new old “ski room”
For decades, ski instructors had their drinks in the ski room. The room was then used solely as a storage room for many years. As part of the major renovations that took place in 2014, the ski room in the Riffelhaus was redesigned as a cosy bar. Join your companions for a mountaineer-style aperitif.

This special cocktail was invented by Francis Sibson, an enthusiastic mountain climber and British physician: “red country wine and Swiss champagne combined in equal proportions”.

A tasty concoction that apparently even restores your energy. Sibson belonged to the rope team of the first climbers to conquer the Liskamm in 1861.

Water from our own source

Anyone in Hotel Riffelhaus wishing to quench their thirst can also drink water from the hotel’s own source. The amount of water available varies depending on the time of year. In February, there are approximately 15 litres per minute, and in July/August, approximately 150 litres per minute.

Whirlpool with view of the Matterhorn
The expanded spa facilities are the perfect complement, both in winter and summer, to all outdoor activities around the Riffelhaus.

As you soak in the warm waters of our outdoor whirlpool, you might just catch your mind wandering to the sunny climes of Africa. That is no strange idea, but rather one directly inspired by the geology of the Matterhorn.

Geology: background information
In 2004, the geological atlas of Switzerland added page 107, the Matterhorn map. In it, reference is made to the peak of the Matterhorn consisting of African rock and marine deposits/sediments.

That may appear odd, but is easily explained by scientists.The reason for this is the collision of the European and African continental plates causing the Alps to begin their formation around 45 million years ago.

Celebrate a special occasion at a dizzying height

At Hotel Riffelhaus, the mountain landscape provides a spectacular backdrop for your event – a view that will help to create a unique atmosphere and make the occasion unforgettable.

Spoilt for choice
Do you already have an idea what you would like to have on the menu at your event? Let us know what you would like us to serve, and we will be delighted to put together a menu exactly according to your taste at the Hotel Riffelhaus.

The happiest day of your life

The bride and groom are standing before the most majestic of mountains, the Matterhorn. The wedding guests in the Riffelhaus are enjoying a wonderful party. It is your dream wedding! We will take care of everything – all you need to do is say “I do”.

Just like the happy couple’s love, memories of this wonderful day will last an eternity: experience unforgettable moments at the Riffelhaus. We have put together some very special offers for your big day.

Ceremony on the Riffelberg in the “Bruder Klaus” chapel
The Riffelberg chapel “Bruder Klaus” stands on a hill in the shadow of the Matterhorn, at a height of 2,590 metres. From here, you will have an unforgettable panoramic view of the Matterhorn above and the valley below.

The chapel was consecrated in August 1961 by Arthur Elchinger, bishop of Strasbourg, and is owned by the burghers of Zermatt. It is dedicated to Nicholas of Flüe, the patron saint of Switzerland.

Architect Ferdinand Pfammatter developed the plans. The outline of the building is almost the same as that of the Weisshorn, the pyramid-like four-thousander on the other side of the valley.

Additional information for organising your wedding
The mountain chapel seats 50 guests and has space for the bride and groom and 6 witnesses. The chapel may only be used for free for wedding ceremonies by wedding parties who have booked a drinks reception and meal in the Riffelhaus.

Breaks are essential to top performance
Are you planning a customer event or a corporate outing and looking for a suitable programme? A walk or hike in the mountains with a private guide, a half-day’s skiing (also available in summer!) or a snowshoe tour – what did you have in mind?

DESTINATION ZERMATT
The greatest mountain of them all. The magnetic draw of the Matterhorn can be felt worldwide and has made Zermatt famous internationally as a holiday destination. But the people of Zermatt have managed to prevent it from losing its feel of a village.

There have been no cars on the streets of Zermatt for many years. And, bustling though the shops may be on the main street of Bahnhofstrasse, it is never far to the edge of the village. From there onwards, it is the towering mountains that set the pace. With 38 four-thousanders nearby, the peaks still command respect.

Mystical, majestic
The Matterhorn: no one can escape its fascination. Standing alone on the horizon, a magnet for alpinists, mountain with ideal proportions. Rugged rock with magical light.

Playing in a sea of clouds and horizontal colouring. On 14 July 1865, climbers stood on the summit of the Matterhorn for the first time in history. Seeing enough of the Matterhorn? Not possible!

Summer’s days in the mountains
There are plenty of ways of expending energy in the fresh, clean Zermatt mountain air: hiking (400 km of paths), climbing and mountaineering (easy via ferrata and 38 four-thousanders), mountain biking (100 km of trails), skiing (Europe’s highest all-year-round skiing region) or playing golf (9-hole course) – but there is also the option of doing nothing, and simply enjoying summer in the Zermatt mountains from the terrace at the Hotel Riffelhaus.

Winter pastimes
The Zermatt skiing area is Europe’s highest skiing region, with more than 360 kilometres of stunning pistes in both Switzerland and Italy. Lifts go up as far as the Klein Matterhorn, at 3,883 metres above sea level.

Lovers of the snow can enjoy the area even without skis, as this sun-drenched mountain region offers plenty of magnificent views and even more mountain restaurants with glorious sun terraces.

Sniff the mountain air
The Matterhorn from every angle. The Zermatt Alpine landscape has magic powers, and we have exciting ideas – for an eventful day or a wonderful evening. Do you want even more mountain? Stay at the Riffelhaus, facing the Matterhorn.

Gourmetticket
The Gornergrat Gourmet Ticket combines an experience in the great outdoors with culinary delights. Experience the idyllic winter hiking trails, the highest sledding run in Switzerland and a gourmet menu featuring Valais specialities.

Dining with the Stars
Whether it is a romantic dinner or an evening excursion with the family on the Gornergrat, when you choose ‘Dining with the Stars’, you will enjoy a star gazing tour followed by an all-you-can-eat Chinese fondue. Be prepared for a mystical experience that will never fit on a postcard.

Arrival: Since 1898, Europe’s highest open-air rack-and-pinion railway has been making its ascent from Zermatt to Gornergrat. The journey passes through deep gorges and rich green Swiss pine forests. Guests will reach the Riffelberg station in just 23 minutes. From here, a short footpath leads to the mountain hotel Riffelhaus 1853.

Overnight stays: Treat yourself to a wonderful relaxing stay in the mountains. Stay the night.

The Matterhorn and more

The imposing mountains of Zermatt are truly awe-inspiring, but are not just for winter sports – they are easily accessible via the Gornergrat Bahn, even during the snowy winter months. The cog railway dependably climbs its way up into the high mountains every day.

A 30-minute journey brings you to the Riffelberg station, just a short walk from the Riffelhaus. Another 15 minutes’ walking will take you to the Gornergrat and the Kulmhotel.

Being close to the Matterhorn and feeling the power of the mountains is something that you should do more than once a year, and certainly at least once in your life! We have put together the Gornergrat 360 experience package to allow you to see the mountain of mountains from very different angles.

A stay of 3 nights is included in the basic offer: 2 nights at the foot of the Matterhorn at an altitude of 1,600 metres above sea level in the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, followed by a choice of 1 night in the Riffelhaus 1853 the highest four-star hotel in the Alps, situated at 2,500 metres above sea level and with fantastic views of the Matterhorn, or 1 night at the 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat at 3,100 metres above sea level, where you can almost reach out and touch the magnificent mountains, including the Matterhorn.

We would also be more than happy to put together your own personal package for you.

For example, you can extend your stay in the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, the Riffelhaus 1853 or the 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat, or perhaps stay for 1 night in each of the three hotels (offer subject to availability and season).

Also included as part of this package:

• A journey through time: Entry to the Matterhorn MuseumZermatlantis
• Transport to the Riffelberg or Gornergrat: Return transport to your chosen mountain hotel with the Gornergrat Bahn
• Transfers on your day of arrival and departure in our horse-drawn carriage or electric bus from the Zermatt railway station to the Zermatterhof and back to the Gornergrat Bahn valley station
• Welcome drink at the Zermatterhof and the mountain hotel of your choice
• Fresh fruit, mineral water and wine to welcome you upon arrival
• Generous breakfast buffet
• Wireless Internet in your room and in all public areas
• Culinary pass
• Kettle, Ronnefeldt tea service, Nespresso coffee machine and capsules
• Mineral water and soft drinks from the minibar at the Zermatterhof
• Use of the spa, i.e. unlimited access to the pool, steam bath, saunas, ice grotto and gym

At the Riffelhaus 1853:

• 4-course evening meal
• Complimentary soft drinks from the minibars on each floor
• Use of the spa centre: free access to the sauna, steam bath, outdoor whirlpool and relaxation room

At the 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat:

• 4-course evening meal

Skiing in spring
Lots of snow, even more sun – and it’s warmer! The glistening of the sun on the snow will propel even late risers out of bed early. And at the Riffelhaus, the slope starts right outside the hotel door. The ultimate ski-in, ski-out hotel. The Riffelhaus has beautiful rooms too!

Website: www.riffelhaus.ch

Rooms: 25

Price: from 308 EUR per night