Matterhorn

The Matterhorn is arguably the most recognizable mountain on Earth, its near-perfect pyramidal shape piercing the sky above Zermatt. Standing 4,478 meters (14,692 feet) tall, it straddles the border between Switzerland and Italy. For visitors, the experience of seeing the Matterhorn is unforgettable, whether you catch it at sunrise when the first rays paint the summit in a rosy glow (the famous 'Alpenglow') or simply gaze up from the village streets. The mountain is a magnet for climbers, but most visitors admire it from below. Hiking trails around Zermatt offer countless viewpoints, and the Gornergrat Railway provides a spectacular panorama. The Matterhorn's distinctive shape has made it a global icon, appearing on Toblerone chocolate and countless postcards. Its north face, a sheer 1,000-meter wall of rock and ice, is one of the classic challenges of mountaineering.

Don't miss

• Witness the 'Alpenglow' at sunrise or sunset when the summit glows red
• Photograph the mountain from the iconic Kirchbrücke bridge in Zermatt
• Hike the 5-Seenweg (Five Lakes Trail) for reflective lake views of the Matterhorn
• Visit the Matterhorn Museum in Zermatt to learn about the first ascent
• Take the Gornergrat Railway for a panoramic view of the peak

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Matterhorn

Cheapest way inThe Best of Zermatt: Guided Small Group Village Walk4.8★ · 12 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$124 per personSee dates →Most bookedZermatt Paragliding Tandem Flight with Matterhorn View (20–25min)5★ · 226 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$380 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleGuided Hiking Half Day in Zermatt5★ · 24 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$406 per personSee dates →