Travel Plan
The Matterhorn

Home Switzerland Zermatt The Matterhorn

ATTRACTION GUIDE · ZERMATT

The Matterhorn

The world's most famous mountain: a 4,478-metre pyramid of rock towering over Zermatt.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
1 hour
Entry
Free (viewing); lifts paid
Best time
Sunrise
Area
Zermatt

The famous pyramid peak at 4,478 m, visible from all over the village.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Zermatt, Valais

  • To Zermatt: Zermatt is car-free: drive or take the train to Täsch, then the shuttle train (12 minutes).
  • Viewpoints: Kirchbrücke bridge in the village, Gornergrat, Riffelsee and Sunnegga.
  • From Zurich: About 3.5 hours by train.

The story of the Matterhorn

The Matterhorn rises 4,478 metres on the border between Switzerland and Italy. Its four faces point almost exactly to the compass directions, giving it its famous shape.

It was first climbed in 1865 by a team led by Edward Whymper; four climbers died on the descent. Today it is the symbol of Switzerland, and many visitors simply come to see it glow at sunrise.

Best time to visit

Best season

June–September for hiking; December–April for snow.

Best time of day

Sunrise, when the peak glows orange.

Clouds

The peak often hides in cloud; stay at least two nights.

Tips before you go

  • Watch it glow pink at sunrise from the Kirchbrücke bridge.
  • Watch sunrise from the Kirchbrücke bridge in Zermatt.
  • Visit the Matterhorn Museum to learn about the first ascent.

Best hotels near the Matterhorn

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

The Omnia

Modern mountain lodge on a rock above Zermatt.

See prices

Riffelalp Resort 2222m

Mountain resort with Matterhorn views.

See prices

Grand Hotel Zermatterhof

Historic hotel in the village centre.

See prices
All hotels near the Matterhorn

What's around the Matterhorn

  • Zermatt villageCar-free resort.
  • GornergratCog railway viewpoint.
  • Matterhorn MuseumHistory of the mountain.
  • HinterdorfOld wooden barns.

Questions travellers ask

How high is the Matterhorn?

4,478 metres.

Can I drive to Zermatt?

No, park in Täsch and take the shuttle train.

Where is the best view?

From Gornergrat, Riffelsee or the village bridges.

More in Zermatt

Gornergrat railway

Gornergrat railway

Read the guide
Riffelsee

Riffelsee

Read the guide
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

Read the guide
Five Lakes Walk (5-Seenweg)

Five Lakes Walk (5-Seenweg)

Read the guide
Back to the Zermatt guide
Travel Plan · The Matterhorn Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure