Schwarzsee

Schwarzsee above Zermatt is a small alpine lake in the Swiss canton of Valais, sitting at roughly 2,550 m right beneath the Matterhorn. A chapel and a cable car station stand beside it, and the trail to the Hörnli hut, the standard approach to the summit, begins here. Do not confuse it with the Schwarzsee in the canton of Fribourg, which is a different lake altogether.

How do you get to Schwarzsee?

Take the gondola from Zermatt up to Furi, then change to the second cable car, which ends at the lake. The first departures from Furi leave only in the morning, between about 8:10 and 8:50 depending on the month, so check the timetable before you set out. From the station it is a few minutes on foot to the water and the chapel.

You can also arrive on foot. The Matterhorn Glacier Trail links Trockener Steg with Schwarzsee and explains how the retreating glacier shaped the plants and animals along the way.

What is there to see at the lake?

The main draw is the view. The pyramid of the Matterhorn reflects in the water of a shallow hollow, and on a clear day this is among the most photographed scenes in the Alps. On the shore stands the little chapel of Maria zum Schnee. Local tradition links it to travellers who were saved from fog near the Theodul Pass, and climbers still stop here to give thanks after coming down from the mountain.

Refreshments are available at the station, and the area suits day trips that need no technical gear.

Which trails start from Schwarzsee?

• Hörnlihütte: about 8.5 km round trip, roughly 4.5 hours. Past the lake there is a short, steep climb, then another towards Hirli, and around an hour and a half to the hut. The path is demanding, partly exposed and crowded in high season.
• Larch Walk: around four hours along the mountainside towards Hermettje, returning to Furi. A calmer choice if you want to avoid steep stretches.
• Longer outings: combining Schwarzsee with Zmutt adds about 1,000 m of climbing and takes real effort.

When should you visit?

Summer and early autumn work best, when the trails are clear of snow and the lifts run. Mornings bring fewer visitors and a better chance of a clear Matterhorn; clouds often gather around the peak later in the day.

Frequently asked questions

Can I reach Schwarzsee by cable car? Yes, by gondola from Zermatt via Furi. The upper station is next to the lake.

How high is the lake? Sources give between roughly 2,550 and 2,580 m above sea level, so bring a warm layer even in July.

Is the hike to the Hörnli hut easy? No. It is a difficult, partly exposed trail that calls for fitness and sturdy footwear.

Is there a chapel at the lake? Yes, Maria zum Schnee, right on the shore. It is one of the landmarks of the spot.