The Matterhorn

The Matterhorn is the most famous mountain in the Alps and the very symbol of Switzerland, a near-perfect pyramid of rock rising in splendid isolation to 4,478 metres above the car-free resort of Zermatt. Its dramatic, instantly recognisable silhouette, mirrored in the Riffelsee lake and glowing at sunrise, draws hikers, skiers and photographers from across the world.

The landscape

• The peak itself - the iconic pyramid rising above Zermatt.
• The Gornergrat railway - the cog railway to a grandstand view of the peak.
• The Riffelsee reflection - the classic mirror image of the Matterhorn in the lake.
• Car-free Zermatt - the mountain village at its foot.

When to go

Summer for hiking, the high trails and the reflection lakes; winter for world-class skiing. The peak is often veiled in cloud, so allow a few days for a clear view, best at sunrise when it glows.

Good to know

The peak is often shrouded in cloud, so a clear view is never guaranteed on a short visit; allow a few days. Zermatt is car-free but expensive, and the cable cars and railways add up. Switzerland is costly, and this is one of its priciest corners.

Nearby

The high passes and resorts of the Valais spread around; the Italian side at Cervinia lies over the ridge.

Key facts