The Matterhorn, a name synonymous with the majestic allure of the Swiss Alps, stands as a testament to nature’s artistry. Its near-perfect pyramidal form, etched against the azure sky, is instantly recognizable, a visual shorthand for the grandeur and untamed beauty of the mountains. Ascending to a height of 14,692 feet (4,478 meters), it commands attention as the 12th-highest peak in the Alps, joining a select group of approximately 80 mountains exceeding the 4,000-meter mark.
The mountain’s distinctive shape is characterized by four sharply defined faces, each a sheer wall of rock and ice that rises dramatically from the surrounding landscape. This unique morphology sets it apart from its neighboring peaks, making it a focal point for mountaineers, photographers, and dreamers alike. While the Matterhorn is indelibly linked to Switzerland, famously emblazoned on the Toblerone chocolate bar, its geographic reality is more nuanced. The mountain straddles the border between Switzerland and Italy, a shared natural monument, though only its southern face resides within Italian territory.
For those seeking to experience the Matterhorn firsthand, Switzerland is the more common point of access, although the Italian side offers its own unique perspective. This complete guide aims to provide you with the essential information needed to plan your trip, choose the ideal base for your explorations, and discover the myriad of activities available around the Matterhorn throughout the year.
How to Get to the Matterhorn from Switzerland
Zermatt, nestled in the Swiss canton of Valais (Wallis), serves as the primary gateway to the Matterhorn. This charming village, perched at the foot of the mountain, is a car-free sanctuary. The absence of automobiles contributes to its tranquil atmosphere, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the alpine environment. Only small electric buses navigate the streets, providing a quiet and efficient means of transport within the town.
Visitors arriving by car must park in Täsch, a village located approximately 6 kilometers from Zermatt. From Täsch, a convenient 12-minute train journey transports travelers to Zermatt, offering a scenic prelude to the majestic views that await. The more common approach involves taking a train to Visp, followed by a one-hour ride to Zermatt. This train journey is an experience in itself, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss landscape. The tracks wind through verdant valleys, past charming villages, and alongside rushing rivers, providing a captivating introduction to the alpine region.
Regional trains depart from Visp every 40 minutes, ensuring convenient and frequent connections to Zermatt. Alternatively, travelers can opt for the Glacier Express, a legendary panoramic train that traverses some of the most spectacular scenery in the Alps. This iconic train journey connects St. Moritz to Zermatt, an eight-hour odyssey through a world of snow-capped peaks, deep gorges, and picturesque alpine meadows. Passengers can board the train at various stops along the route, tailoring their experience to suit their individual preferences.
Upon arrival in Zermatt, the Matterhorn remains several miles distant, but on clear days, its imposing silhouette dominates the skyline, visible even from the town center. A sophisticated network of incline railways, cable cars, and ski gondolas provides access to high-elevation viewing platforms, offering panoramic vistas of the mountain and the surrounding landscape. These platforms often feature restaurants and bars, providing opportunities for relaxation and refreshment, as well as trailheads for hikes further into the mountains or back down to Zermatt.
How to Get to the Matterhorn from Italy
On the Italian side of the Matterhorn (known as Monte Cervino), Breuil-Cervinia, situated in the Aosta Valley, serves as the closest town to the mountain. This resort town, specifically developed for alpine tourism, caters to both winter sports enthusiasts and summer adventurers. Access to Breuil-Cervinia is via a single road, the SR46, which connects to the broader Aosta region.
The interconnected system of ski lifts and gondolas above the town, known as Cervino Ski Paradise, offers access to a vast network of slopes and trails. Notably, this system connects to the Matterhorn system on the Swiss side, allowing for the unique experience of skiing between Italy and Switzerland during the winter months. In the summer, hikers can traverse the high-altitude border, enjoying stunning views and a truly international adventure.
Should You See the Matterhorn from Italy or Switzerland?
The decision of whether to approach the Matterhorn from the Swiss or Italian side depends on individual preferences and priorities. Zermatt offers a more comprehensive experience, particularly for those who are not avid skiers or hikers. The village boasts a rich history, reflected in its traditional architecture and charming car-free environment, creating an authentic alpine atmosphere.
However, Zermatt is generally considered more exclusive and expensive than Breuil-Cervinia. Switzerland, as a whole, tends to have a higher cost of living compared to Italy. Budget-conscious travelers might find the Italian side more appealing, offering a more affordable experience. Nevertheless, for the quintessential Matterhorn views and a truly immersive alpine experience, Zermatt remains the preferred choice.
Things to Do
The activities available around the Matterhorn are dictated by the season, as well as individual fitness levels and interests.
Winter
Winter is the peak season in the Matterhorn region, transforming the landscape into a vibrant ski arena, a network of slopes and ski lifts buzzing with skiers and snowboarders. The three main ski areas – Klein Matterhorn-Schwarzsee, Gornergrat-Stockhorn, and Sunnegga-Rothorn – offer a diverse range of terrain, catering to all skill levels. Sunnegga-Rothorn is particularly well-suited for beginners.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, a limited number of hiking and snowshoeing trails are maintained throughout the winter, providing opportunities to explore the snow-covered landscape. Snow parks offer dedicated areas for tubing and sledding, adding to the winter fun. While year-round skiing is possible on some of the highest slopes, the main winter ski season typically runs from November to April, depending on snow conditions.
Zermatt’s après-ski scene is renowned, with a plethora of bars and restaurants both in town and on the mountainsides, offering a lively atmosphere and opportunities to unwind after a day on the slopes.
Spring
Spring around the Matterhorn can often feel like an extension of winter, with ski slopes remaining open and snowfall a possibility at any time. However, the days grow longer and sunnier, and more trails become accessible for hiking and mountain biking. This is a favorable time for non-skiers to visit Zermatt, as the crowds thin out after March and hotel availability improves.
Consider a visit to the Matterhorn Museum in Zermatt to delve into the history of mountaineering in the region. Regardless of the activities planned, remember to pack warm layers, especially for mountain excursions, as temperatures can fluctuate significantly.
Summer
The summer season around the Matterhorn is a brief but vibrant period, characterized by pleasant temperatures at lower elevations, sunny skies, and abundant opportunities for outdoor activities. The same gondolas and lifts that transport skiers in the winter operate throughout the summer, providing access to excellent trailheads and panoramic Matterhorn viewing points.
A ride on the Gornergrat scenic cog railway is a must during the summer months, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Combine this with a hike to the Riffelsee, a high-altitude lake that reflects the majestic Matterhorn in its still waters, creating a picture-perfect scene. Daytime temperatures may reach the low 70s in July and August, but can still drop to the 40s at night, so appropriate clothing is essential.
Fall
As a shoulder season in the Alps, autumn presents a unique opportunity to visit the Matterhorn region, particularly for those seeking to avoid crowds or prefer activities other than skiing. Many cableways and pistes close for a few weeks during the fall, but hiking trails remain open, as do most in-town attractions and the scenic railways.
Consider exploring the Gorner Gorge, a stunning river cavern within walking distance of Zermatt, or take the Sunnegga funicular to its summit and hike back down into Zermatt, stopping for lunch at one of the cozy mountain huts in Findeln.
The Best Time to Visit the Matterhorn
Winter and summer are the most popular times to visit the Matterhorn, primarily due to the favorable weather conditions and the abundance of outdoor activities. However, these seasons also attract the largest crowds and come with higher prices. If skiing is your priority but you prefer to avoid the peak season rush and save money, springtime is an excellent option. For non-snow sports and sightseeing with fewer crowds, early fall offers the best balance of pleasant weather and reduced tourist traffic.
Where to Stay Around the Matterhorn
Zermatt and Breuil-Cervinia offer a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels, B&Bs, vacation rentals, and guesthouses. Zermatt boasts several renowned 5-star hotels, such as the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, located in the heart of town, and the Riffelalp Resort, accessible via the Gornergrat railway. Hotel Bellerive is a friendly 3-star option in the town center.
In Breuil-Cervinia, Saint Hubertus Resort is an upscale 4-star hotel with stunning Matterhorn views, while Hotel Marmore is a dependable 3-star choice located in the town center.
Tips For Your Visit
- Book accommodations and transportation in advance, especially during peak season.
- Pack for all types of weather, even in summer. The weather in the mountains can change rapidly.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes if you plan on hiking.
- Bring sunscreen and sunglasses, as the sun can be intense at high altitudes.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Be aware of altitude sickness and take it easy on your first day.
- Respect the environment and leave no trace behind.
- Learn a few basic phrases in German or Italian, depending on which side of the mountain you are visiting.
- Check the weather forecast before heading out for the day.
- Most importantly, enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Matterhorn!
