Schwarzsee
Schwarzsee features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Zermatt. Give it roughly ~45 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type nature
- Suggested visit ~45 min
- Zermatt Zermatt guide
About Schwarzsee
A small dark lake at 2,552 metres below the Matterhorn, with the little white chapel of Maria zum Schnee mirrored in its water, at the start of the Hörnli route up the peak.
The Schwarzsee, the 'Black Lake', is a small, dark mountain lake at 2,552 metres below the Matterhorn, reached by the Matterhorn Express gondola from Zermatt. On its shore stands the little whitewashed chapel of Maria zum Schnee, Our Lady of the Snows, thought to date from the early 18th century, which is mirrored in the still, dark water. The lake lies on the Swiss side of the Matterhorn, at the start of the Hörnli ridge, the mountain's usual climbing route.
By tradition the chapel was built after two men lost in fog on the nearby glacier vowed to raise a prayer house if they were saved, and climbers who have summited the Matterhorn still visit it to give thanks; its patron feast on 5 August brings an open-air Mass. From the lake and chapel there is a fine view of the Hörnli ridge and the hut high above, from where climbers set out before dawn. It is a summer-season spot; the chapel is closed in winter.
Did you know? The Schwarzsee, the 'Black Lake', lies at 2,552 metres below the Matterhorn, with the little chapel of Maria zum Schnee, thought to date from the early 18th century, on its shore.
How long is a visit to Schwarzsee?
Set aside roughly ~45 min for Schwarzsee. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Schwarzsee worth your time?
Schwarzsee is among the 13 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Zermatt, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Zermatt
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Schwarzsee and read more:
Day 2 of the Zermatt in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Schwarzsee
Preview the Zermatt tour free in the Gingerguide app.