matterhorn

The Matterhorn is a mountain in the Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy. It rises to a height of 4,478 meters (14,692 feet) and is one of the most iconic and photographed peaks in the world, known for its distinctive four-sided, pyramidal silhouette that rises from the surrounding glaciers.

Geographically, the Matterhorn sits in the western Pennine Alps, with the Swiss base near the resort town of Zermatt in the canton of Valais and the Italian side in the region of Aosta Valley. The peak and its adjacent ridges are popular for mountaineering, glaciation, and alpine tourism. The summit is crested by four faces facing the cardinal directions, resulting in dramatic light and weather patterns.

The first ascent was accomplished on 14 July 1865 by a party led by Edward Whymper. The descent ended tragically when several members of the party were killed in an accident, a milestone that drew wide attention and prompted ongoing advances in climbing safety and technique. The standard ascent is via the Hörnli Ridge on the Swiss side, commonly starting from the Hörnli Hut; more challenging routes include the Zmutt Ridge on the Italian side and other routes on different faces.

Today the Matterhorn is a symbol of the Swiss Alps and a major tourist and climbing destination. The surrounding area around Zermatt offers year-round recreation, including cableways and ski facilities, with the mountain’s striking shape serving as a global emblem of alpine scenery.