Hello, Lykkers! Everyone knows the Matterhorn. Its jagged silhouette draws millions to Zermatt each year, and its reflection in Lake Riffelsee is one of Switzerland's most iconic images.

But Zermatt has another side—quieter, less photographed, and often overlooked by travelers rushing from one famous viewpoint to the next.

For Lykkers willing to slow down, these six spots offer a different kind of Alpine discovery.

<h3>The Smaller Lake Beyond Riffelsee</h3>

Most visitors stop at Riffelsee, take the reflection photo, and head back to the train. But just a short walk further along the trail lies Kleiner Riffelsee, a smaller lake that sees a fraction of the crowds. The view of the Matterhorn from here is equally striking, and on calm mornings the reflection is just as clear.

Because it sits slightly off the main path, you can often have the spot to yourself. The walk between the two lakes takes only minutes, making it an easy addition to any Riffelsee visit. A round-trip train ticket to Rotenboden, the stop for both lakes, costs about US$50 (prices may vary), and the short trail between them is free to walk.

<h3>Grindjisee: The Forest-Framed Mirror</h3>

While Stellisee and Riffelsee get most of the attention, Grindjisee offers something the others don't: the Matterhorn framed by trees. Located along the Five Lakes Walk, this small lake sits among dense forest, and the mountain's reflection appears through gaps in the branches rather than across an open expanse. The result feels more intimate and secluded.

The trail to reach it passes through wildflower meadows and quiet woodland, and the lake itself is rarely crowded. For photographers, the northern shore offers the most stable composition. The Five Lakes Walk is free to hike, though you will need a cable car ticket to reach the trailhead, which starts from about US$60 for a round trip (prices may vary).

<h3>Gornerschlucht: A Canyon Minutes from Town</h3>

Most visitors to Zermatt never realize that a dramatic gorge sits just a short walk from the village center. Gorner Gorge has been carved by the Gornera River over thousands of years, creating a narrow canyon with turquoise water and striking rock formations. Wooden walkways suspended above the rushing river let you explore the gorge from different angles.

The trail is short, easy, and accessible for families. Because it requires no train ticket or cable car, it's one of the most affordable experiences in Zermatt—and one of the most unexpectedly beautiful. Entry to the gorge costs about US$6 per person (prices may vary), and the walk from town takes roughly 30 minutes.

Gornerschlucht

<h3>Moosjisee: The Milky Lake</h3>

Not every lake in Zermatt is about reflections. Moosjisee, another stop on the Five Lakes Walk, has a distinct milky-white color caused by glacial sediment suspended in the water. The lake serves as a reservoir, used for generating power and making snow, but that doesn't diminish its strange beauty.

The trail here passes through a former glacial area, and benches along the way offer views toward the Matterhorn and Weisshorn. It's a quieter, more contemplative stop than the famous reflection lakes. Access is included in the Five Lakes Walk cable car ticket, so no separate entry fee applies.

<h3>Dossen Gletschergarten</h3>

Below Riffelsee, the trail descends toward Furi and passes through Dossen Glacier Garden, a natural monument where you can see what glaciers leave behind when they retreat. Polished rock slabs, glacial potholes, and unusual rock formations reveal the area's icy history.

There's a rest area with a children's playground, making it a good pause for families. The nearby suspension bridge over Gorner Gorge adds a touch of adventure to the descent. This area is free to explore, with no entrance fee.

Dossen Gletschergarten

<h3>The Valais Blacknose Sheep</h3>

In summer, the slopes around Zermatt become grazing grounds for Valais Blacknose sheep—distinctive animals with black faces and curly wool that have become unofficial mascots of the region. They can often be spotted near the trails around Stellisee and Grünsee. Unlike the Matterhorn, these encounters can't be planned or predicted.

But when they happen, they add a living, breathing element to the Alpine landscape that photographs of the peak can't capture. Spotting them costs nothing beyond your trail access.

<h3>Final Thoughts</h3>

Zermatt rewards those who look beyond the postcard. The famous views are worth the journey, but the quieter corners—a smaller lake, a forest-framed reflection, a gorge carved by ancient water—offer a different kind of memory. These six spots don't require special permits or extraordinary effort. They simply ask for a little curiosity and a willingness to wander off the main path.