Matterhorn
Ideal: Ideal for nature, mountain views, photography, and Alpine atmosphere.
The near-perfect pyramid shape of the 4,478-metre summit is no accident: four separate glaciers carved all four faces at once to produce this form. The first ascent was made on 14 July 1865 by Edward Whymper's party, but on the descent a rope broke and four of the seven died; this disaster is considered the event that closed mountaineering's golden age. Cars cannot enter Zermatt at its foot — access is only by train from Täsch. The triangular shape of Toblerone is said to come from this peak.
Quick facts
- Elevation
- 4,478 m
- Material
- metamorphic rock
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Did you know?
Why did the first ascent of the Matterhorn end in tragedy?
On the 1865 first ascent the rope broke during the descent and four of the seven-man party died. The disaster caused a sensation across Europe and remains a turning point in mountaineering history.
Why is the mountain so sharply shaped?
Four separate glaciers eroded its four faces at once, carving a pyramid-like "horn". The rock at the very summit actually belongs to the African plate, pushed up over the European plate.
Why are there no cars in Zermatt?
The village is closed to petrol vehicles; transport is by small electric buggies and train. Visitors leave their cars in the village below and arrive by rail.
Why go?
- To see the Swiss Alps' most recognisable mountain view
- To build nature, hiking, and photo routes around Zermatt
- To feel Alpine atmosphere at its strongest
Travel tip
Always check the weather — in cloud the Matterhorn may not appear and the experience drops sharply.
