The Matterhorn

About

The Matterhorn, a towering peak of 4 478 m (14 692 ft), is one of the most recognisable mountains in the world. Its perfectly symmetrical pyramid shape crowns the Pennine Alps along the Swiss‑Italian border, straddling the village of Zermatt in the canton of Valais and the Italian resort of Breuil‑Cervinia. The summit lies at the watershed between the Rhône and Po valleys, and the mountain’s four faces—north, east, west and south—present some of the most dramatic cliffs in the Alps. The first successful ascent, led by Edward Whymper in 1865, etched the Matterhorn into the annals of mountaineering history. Whymper’s tragic expedition, which lost four climbers on the descent, captivated the public imagination and spurred a generation of climbers to conquer the mountain’s steep ridges and faces. Over the decades, routes such as the Hörnli ridge (the traditional Swiss route), the Italian lion ridge and the North Face have challenged both elite alpinists and experienced trekkers, making the Matterhorn a synonym for pioneering climbing and adventure. Today the mountain remains a top‑tourist destination. The Gornergrat railway and cable‑car systems whisk visitors from Zermatt up to 3 100‑m elevation, where panoramic vistas of the Matterhorn and surrounding giants await. Day hikes, guided climbs, winter ski tours, and even virtual ascents via 360° panoramas cater to a wide range of visitors. The iconic “Little Matterhorn” is a favourite viewing point with webcam footage, and the nearby Matterhorn Museum offers a glimpse into the history of alpinism and the development of the region.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 3 hours