Alpine Points of View - A Collection of Alpine Images

• Location
• Description
• Contents
• Introduction
• Sample Route
• Reviews
• Further Reading

The Schwarzee (Pennine Alps)

Nestling at the foot of the Matterhorn’s Hörnli Ridge, the oval-shaped Schwarzsee is probably the most visited lake in the Pennine Alps of Switzerland, thanks to its ease of access by cable car from Zermatt. It will be a rare summer’s day when its banks are not crowded with picnic parties, or tourists gazing dreamily into the water. On its north shore stands the tiny chapel of Maria zum Schnee, which was built in 1780 as an offering of thanks by travellers who survived a storm nearby, while the mountain whose reflection is being cast in the water below the chapel is the Ober Gabelhorn, its great south face being the main feature on show. Between the lake and the Ober Gabelhorn lies the Zmutt valley, and a delightful series of trails descend into it, providing on the way abrupt but foreshortened views of the Matterhorn’s north face. On the descent through the valley a path visits both Stafelalp and Zmutt, finally entering Zermatt in about three hours. This makes a very fine walk with memorable views throughout.