Triangular. A rock tooth that soars into the sky. Standing alone on the horizon.
Attraction for alpinists, aesthetic emblem, mountain with ideal proportions. With rugged terrain, with enchanting light. With cloud plays and horizon discolorations. Getting fed up with the Matterhorn? Impossible.
At 4,478 meters above sea level, the majestic Matterhorn - probably the most famous mountain in Europe - extends in a breathtaking Alpine panorama. The free-standing landmark of Switzerland is located on the border of the western Swiss canton of Valais - between Zermatt and the Italian Breuil-Cervinia - and offers a paradise for all nature lovers with the romantic view of the surroundings.
The symmetrical pyramid shape, the rock tooth protruding into the sky and the light reflections in the surrounding mountain lakes make the landscape of the mountain region a unique natural spectacle.
Just as spectacular as the mountain itself is the story of the first ascent. On July 14, 1865, Edward Whymper, together with a group of Englishmen and two mountain guides from Zermatt, managed the ascent to the summit from Zermatt. The tragedy then occurred on the descent. A part of the rope party fell and only the two Zermatters, father and son Peter Taugwalder, and Edward Whymper himself survived. For this reason, the first ascent has been accompanied by rumors to this day. You can find more background information on this exciting story on this page or in the Matterhorn Museum next to the church in Zermatt.