Matterhorn is an instantly recognizable, mystical, majestic and fascinating mountain in Switzerland, which is considered by many to be the most often photographed mountains in the world. Lying on the border between western Swiss canton of Valais between Zermatt and the Italian resort of Breuil-Cervinia, the iconic 4478 m (approx 14700 ft) Matterhorn Mountain with symmetric pyramid shape is perhaps the most recognizable mountain in Europe.
- It is also called as Monte Cervino in Italy and Mont Cervin in French. The meaning of Matterhorn, a German word, is “the peak in the meadows,” where Matte means “meadow” and and Horn means “peak”;
- Its four faces are towards, North, East, West and South. The north side faces Zermatt Valley and the east overlooks Gornergrat Ridge, both in Switzerland, while the south face points toward the Italian town of Brueil-Cervinia and the western side overlooks the Swiss-Italian border.It remains almost snow less through out the year because its faces are very steep. The snow instead feeds the glaciers that lie at the foot of each face.
- It was first climbed on 14th July 1865, Edward Whymper and his team completed the first ascent of the Matterhorn after others had made several unsuccessful attempts. However, on the descent, four climbers fell to their deaths.
- by the route that is most commonly used today, which is from Hornli Ridge above the village of Zermatt in Switzerland. Although, About 3000 people a year attempt to climb, many have to turn back because it requires a great deal of strength and stamina to climb. The other major route is from the Italian side.
- Renowned as a winter ski area, the lower slopes of the Matterhorn Mountain also excellent for hiking in summer with stunning views, larch forest, alpine meadows and mountain tarns. One of the most amazing view is from Gorner Grst ridge across the Gorner Glacier with the back drop of Monte Ross, the Dorn, the Breithorn and the Matterhorn behind.
- The ridge can be reached by foot or by the Railway.
- The Schwarzsee, or Black lake, to the north of the mountains is a worthwhile destination in itself and also offers closer views of the mountain and spectacular views across the valley, too. The high meadows have lovely alpine flora in spring and are home to marmots and range of alpine birds.