Schwarzsee at a glance
Schwarzsee lies directly below the Matterhorn. The Matterhorn Express cable car climbs from Zermatt at 1,620 metres via Furi at 1,867 metres to the Schwarzsee station at 2,583 metres. The line continues to Trockener Steg at 2,939 metres, where you change for the Glacier Paradise.
The lake itself is small and often looks very dark, and its name means Black Lake. The draw is the setting: a chapel and trails that start close to the lift. It is also the starting point for the walk to the Hörnli hut, the base for the classic Matterhorn climb.
When the cable car runs
The Schwarzsee stop was closed this autumn, and two official sources disagree about the reopening.
| Period | Status |
|---|---|
| 13 June to 27 September 2026 | Furi to Schwarzsee runs (summer 2026) |
| 28 September to 13 November 2026 | Only shuttle cabins from Zermatt via Furi to Trockener Steg, no stop at Schwarzsee |
| From 14 November 2026 | Matterhorn Express via Schwarzsee runs again according to the winter timetable |
| From 28 November 2026 | Date shown for Schwarzsee tickets in the online shop |
The timetable says 14 November, the online shop says 28 November. Treat 28 November as the safe date and check the timetable before you travel in between. The Peak Pass also covers the ride to Schwarzsee.
Matterhorn tours and tickets
Glacier Paradise and Gornergrat tickets, day trips from Zurich and Geneva and other ways to reach the Matterhorn, with live prices.
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Prices for Schwarzsee
Adult fares from Zermatt. Winter 2026/27 means 1 November 2026 to 30 April 2027, summer 2027 means 1 May to 31 October 2027.
| Ticket | Winter 2026/27 | Summer 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Zermatt to Schwarzsee, single | CHF 33 | CHF 35 |
| Zermatt to Schwarzsee, return | CHF 53 | CHF 70 |
| Furi to Schwarzsee, return | CHF 39 | – |
| Afternoon return, from 2:30 pm | CHF 43 | CHF 56 |
The single fare from Furi to Schwarzsee is CHF 22 in winter 2026/27. A Half Fare Card, GA or Swiss Travel Pass gives 50 % off the cable car. For comparison, in summer 2026 a return cost CHF 61 in May, June, September and October and CHF 67 in July and August. Those prices end on 31 October 2026, and the lift does not stop at Schwarzsee until mid-November anyway.
The chapel Maria zum Schnee
The small chapel stands next to the lake at 2,552 metres, about five minutes on foot from the station. Mountaineers traditionally stop here after climbing the Matterhorn. The patron's feast is on 5 August, with masses at 6:00 am, 8:30 am and 10:00 am, the last with a choir.
The lake reflects the peak only in still air, which is more likely early or late in the day, so look at the webcams before you go up. The chapel is small, so keep quiet if a service is on.
Trails from Schwarzsee
The three routes are very different. Pick by experience, not by view.
| Trail | Length | Time | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hörnliweg (no. 27) to the Hörnli hut | 4.3 km | 2 h 15 min up, 693 m ascent | Difficult (T3) |
| Matterhorn Glacier Trail from Trockener Steg | 6.6 km | 2 h, 363 m | Medium to demanding |
| Lärchenweg (no. 28) to Furi | 4.4 km | 1 h 40 min, 773 m descent | Downhill |
More trails and distances are in our hiking guide.
Hörnli trail: only for experienced hikers
The Hörnlihütte stands at 3,260 metres and is the starting point of the classic Matterhorn ascent. It was renovated in 2015 for the 150th anniversary of the first ascent. The path from Schwarzsee is rated difficult. It is meant for people who are sure-footed, fit and free of vertigo.
Allow about 2 hours 15 minutes uphill. The operator names July and August as the best time. Opening times of the hut for 2026/27 were not confirmed, so do not plan to eat or sleep there without checking. Look at the weather and path conditions before you set off.
Matterhorn Glacier Trail
A more interesting walk than its price suggests.
The Matterhorn Glacier Trail runs from Trockener Steg via Hirli to Schwarzsee. It is 6.6 kilometres long, takes about 2 hours and covers 363 metres of height. The operator rates it as one of the more demanding walks and counts 23 information stations along the Furggletscher. In summer it is open from June to September. From December to April it is possible only with a mountain guide, on snowshoes.
A combination ticket covers Zermatt to Trockener Steg and Schwarzsee back to Zermatt, so you can walk the trail one way. If you want to go on to the glacier, see our guide to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
More from Zermatt
Mountain trips that combine well with Schwarzsee.
Schwarzsee: frequently asked questions
How much is the cable car to Schwarzsee?
A return from Zermatt costs CHF 53 in winter 2026/27 and CHF 70 in summer 2027. The single fare is CHF 33 and CHF 35. The afternoon return from 2:30 pm costs CHF 43 in winter 2026/27.
When does the Schwarzsee cable car reopen?
The timetable shows the Matterhorn Express stopping at Schwarzsee again from 14 November 2026, while the online shop shows tickets from 28 November 2026. Check before you travel in between.
Can I walk to the Hörnli hut?
Yes, if you are sure-footed, fit and have no fear of heights. The Hörnliweg takes about 2 hours 15 minutes uphill and climbs 693 metres. It is a mountain trail of grade T3, not a walk for beginners.
How far is the chapel from the station?
About five minutes on foot. The chapel Maria zum Schnee stands next to the lake at 2,552 metres.
Is the Matterhorn Glacier Trail open in winter?
From December to April only with a mountain guide, on snowshoes. The summer walking season is June to September.