Discover the Matterhorn: Switzerland’s Most Photographed Mountain

Rising majestically to 4,478 meters (14,692 feet), the Matterhorn is one of the most iconic mountains in the world. Located in the Swiss Alps near the Italian border, its pyramid-shaped peak has inspired generations of climbers, artists, and travelers. Whether you're gazing at it from the charming resort town of Zermatt, skiing beneath its shadow, or ascending nearby peaks for a better view, the Matterhorn never fails to impress.
 

As your tour guide, I invite you to explore not just the mountain, but the culture, adventure, and scenic beauty that surrounds it.

📍 Quick Facts About the Matterhorn

Height: 4,478 meters (14,692 feet)

Location: Valais Canton, near Zermatt, Switzerland

First Ascent: July 14, 1865 by Edward Whymper

Famous For: Iconic shape, Toblerone inspiration, alpine climbing

Nearby Town: Zermatt (car-free resort town)

Best Viewpoints: Gornergrat, Klein Matterhorn, Sunnegga, Riffelalp

🗺️ How to Get to the Matterhorn

The gateway to the Matterhorn is the town of Zermatt, a car-free alpine village that can be reached by:

🚆 Train: Take the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn from Visp or Brig

🚗 By Car: Drive to Täsch, then park and take a shuttle train to Zermatt

✈️ Nearest Airports: Zurich, Geneva, Milan

Once in Zermatt, explore the Matterhorn via a network of cogwheel trains, cable cars, and hiking trails.

🌟 Top Attractions and Activities Around the Matterhorn

🏔️ 1. Gornergrat Railway

Hop aboard the Gornergrat cogwheel train for one of the most scenic rail journeys in Europe. The summit station at 3,089 m offers a jaw-dropping panoramic view of the Matterhorn and 29 other 4,000-meter peaks.

📸 Iconic view of the Matterhorn reflected in Riffelsee (Lake Riffel)

Great for sunrise or sunset visits

🚡 2. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (Klein Matterhorn)

Ride the highest cable car in Europe to Klein Matterhorn at 3,883 meters. From here, you can access year-round skiing, the Glacier Palace, and a stunning observation deck.

Don’t miss the 360° views over the Swiss, French, and Italian Alps

Ideal for high-altitude snow sports and glacier exploration

🌄 3. Sunnegga – Rothorn Paradise

Accessible by funicular, Sunnegga offers family-friendly hiking trails, mountain biking, and access to the Five Lakes Walk, which includes Stellisee, where the Matterhorn reflects beautifully in calm waters.

Great picnic and photo opportunities

Perfect for summer hikes with panoramic views

🥾 4. Hiking and Mountaineering

From gentle panoramic trails to alpine climbs, Zermatt is a hiker’s paradise.

Popular hikes:

Five Lakes Walk – Picturesque, accessible for most levels

Hörnliweg Trail – Leads to Hörnli Hut, base camp for Matterhorn climbers

Matterhorn Glacier Trail – Passes below the glacier with informational panels

⛷️ 5. Skiing and Snowboarding

The Zermatt-Cervinia ski area spans Switzerland and Italy, offering over 360 km of slopes. Skiers enjoy year-round access thanks to the glacier.

Best snow reliability in the Alps

Suitable for all levels, from beginners to experts

🧊 6. Glacier Palace

Deep inside Klein Matterhorn, the Glacier Palace is an icy world with tunnels, sculptures, and even a slide made entirely of ice.

Family-friendly and fun in all seasons

Magical atmosphere under the glacier

🛍️ 7. Explore Zermatt Village

Zermatt itself is a charming, car-free village filled with wooden chalets, gourmet restaurants, upscale shops, and traditional Swiss culture.

Visit the Matterhorn Museum to learn about the mountain’s climbing history

Try local delicacies like raclette, fondue, and rösti

📸 Best Viewpoints of the Matterhorn

💡 Photo Tip: For the perfect reflection shot, arrive at Stellisee or Riffelsee early in the morning when the wind is calm.

🗓️ Best Time to Visit the Matterhorn

🏨 Where to Stay in Zermatt

🏔️ Luxury

The Omnia – 5-star mountain lodge with spa and Matterhorn views

Mont Cervin Palace – Historic luxury with gourmet dining

🛌 Mid-Range

Hotel Matterhorn Focus – Modern design, near Klein Matterhorn lift

Hotel Aristella – Cozy, Alpine-style hotel with excellent service

💰 Budget

Youth Hostel Zermatt – Affordable with great views

Hotel Bahnhof – Simple, clean, ideal for hikers and backpackers

🍽️ Where to Eat with a View of the Matterhorn

Chez Vrony – Gourmet dining with Matterhorn views

Findlerhof – Scenic and delicious alpine cuisine

Restaurant Adlerhitta – Great for après-ski or hiking lunches

🧠 Interesting Facts About the Matterhorn

The Matterhorn inspired the Toblerone chocolate bar shape.

It’s been featured in Disney theme parks as the Matterhorn Bobsleds ride.

Over 500 climbers have died attempting to summit it, making it one of the deadliest mountains in the Alps.

The mountain has four faces, and the north face is the most photographed.

🎉 Local Events and Festivals

Zermatt Unplugged (April) – International acoustic music festival

Zermatt Folklore Festival (August) – Traditional costumes and music

Swiss Food Festival (Summer) – Tasting events and culinary tours

Matterhorn Ultraks (August) – Mountain running competition

📋 Sample 2-Day Itinerary for the Matterhorn Region

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Arrive in Zermatt by train from Visp

Explore the village and visit the Matterhorn Museum

Take the Gornergrat train for panoramic evening views

Day 2: Adventure & Glacier

Morning ride to Klein Matterhorn (Matterhorn Glacier Paradise)

Explore Glacier Palace, observation deck, and maybe try summer skiing

Hike down to Trockener Steg or enjoy lunch at a mountain restaurant

🧳 What to Pack for the Matterhorn

Warm layers (weather changes quickly)

Sturdy hiking boots or snow boots

Sunglasses and sunscreen (glare from snow and ice)

Lightweight backpack for day trips

Camera or smartphone with zoom lens

✅ Travel Tips for Visiting the Matterhorn

Check weather forecasts – clouds can obscure the summit

Start early for the best light and fewer crowds

Buy lift passes in advance, especially during high season

Use Swiss Half Fare Card or Travel Pass for transportation discounts

Altitude awareness – drink water and rest if needed

🏞️ Why You Should Visit the Matterhorn

The Matterhorn isn’t just a mountain—it’s a symbol of Swiss pride, an icon of alpine beauty, and a place that captures the soul of adventure. Whether you want to marvel at its perfection from afar or climb its legendary slopes, the experience will stay with you forever.

From glacier viewpoints to cozy chalets and thrilling hikes to quiet lakes, the Matterhorn region offers something for every kind of traveler.