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Mountain lake · Zermatt, Valais
Schwarzsee
Lake at 2,583 m at the foot of the Hörnli ridge, with the chapel Maria zum Schnee on its shore. It is a stop on the Matterhorn Express cable car and the starting point of the trail to Hörnlihütte.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Schwarzsee
Schwarzsee, or the black lake, lies at 2,583 m on a southwest slope of Zermatt, near the base of the Hörnli ridge, which is the normal route up the Matterhorn. From the shore the mountain looks close, with the Hörnli ridge in front.
On the lakeshore stands the small chapel Maria zum Schnee. Nearby there is a hotel with a restaurant, next to the cable car station.
From Schwarzsee a trail starts that climbs to the Hörnlihütte, a refuge at 3,260 m from which climbers depart for the summit. The path is steep and stony and requires physical fitness and proper hiking footwear. Other trails descend back to Zermatt.
In the European winter, the Schwarzsee area is part of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise ski domain, and the lake is frozen.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 to 2 hours; half a day or more with a hike.
Best time
From July to September, when the trails are usually snow-free. Morning light illuminates the east face of the Matterhorn.
How to get there
Take the Matterhorn Express in the south of Zermatt, with a stop at Furi, to Schwarzsee. It is possible to combine this with a trip up to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, descending at Schwarzsee on the return.
Tip
Fit Schwarzsee into the same day as the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Only continue to the Hörnlihütte if you are in good shape, the weather is stable, and you have appropriate footwear. The cable car has maintenance closures: check operations before going up.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Schwarzsee
How do you get to the Schwarzsee?
By the Matterhorn Express cable car, which departs from the south of Zermatt and stops at Furi.
Can you hike to the Hörnlihütte from the Schwarzsee?
Yes, via a steep trail that climbs to 3,260 m. It requires physical fitness and stable weather.
Is there anywhere to eat at the Schwarzsee?
Yes, there is a restaurant by the lake and at the cable car station.