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Introduction
The Matterhorn is a striking pyramidal peak standing at 4,478 metres (14,692 ft) in the Pennine Alps, straddling the border between Switzerland and Italy. Renowned as one of the most distinctive mountains in the Alps, it is often considered Switzerland's most famous landmark. The mountain's four steep faces rise above surrounding glaciers and face the four compass points, creating its iconic silhouette. Despite not being the highest peak in the Alps (ranking as the 12th highest in Western Europe and 10th highest in Switzerland), the Matterhorn attracts approximately two million visitors to Zermatt annually. First conquered in 1865, the mountain continues to be a popular climbing destination with about 3,000 climbers reaching its summit each year. The Swiss-German name 'Matterhorn' derives from 'Matte' (meadow) and 'horn' (peak), while it is known as Monte Cervino in Italian and Mont Cervin in French.
Activities and Attractions
The Matterhorn, with its iconic pyramid-shaped peak, offers a wealth of activities and attractions for visitors throughout the year. From scenic hiking trails to breathtaking viewpoints, this majestic mountain provides unforgettable experiences for travellers of all abilities.
Hiking Trails
Five Lakes Trail
This beautiful trail takes you past five alpine lakes, each offering unique perspectives of the Matterhorn. The route winds through wild nature, showcasing the intact flora and fauna of the Valais.
Stellisee
The first stop rewards hikers with an unrestricted view of the Matterhorn and, when there is no wind, a perfect reflection of the mountain on the water surface. This lake is particularly popular among photographers, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Grindjisee
The second lake allows you to marvel at the Matterhorn behind larch trees and their reflection in the water. This lake features unusual flora due to raised bogs, making it a special place for flower enthusiasts. The surrounding area is rich in Alpine flowers, including gentians and edelweiss.
Grünsee
Named for its green water, this lake offers an unobstructed view of the mountain panorama. It's an ideal spot for a break, though swimming isn't recommended due to the cold mountain spring water. The area around Grünsee is known for its rugged beauty, with rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation.
Moosjisee
Unlike the other lakes, Moosjisee was created specifically for electricity generation and snow grooming. Fed by the Findel Glacier, it has a distinctive milky blue colour from the glacier alluvium. The contrast between the blue water and the surrounding green meadows is particularly striking.
Leisee
The final lake is popular with families as it's shallow enough for summer swimming. It features a playground, barbecue area, and a raft for crossing the lake. The Alpine panorama and Matterhorn reflection make it a photographer's dream. On warm days, it's not uncommon to see people picnicking by the shore.
Matterhorn Glacier Trail
One of the easiest and most scenic hikes in Zermatt, this 6.8 km point-to-point trail offers spectacular views of the Matterhorn. It's mostly downhill, making it suitable for all ages and ability levels.
Trail Statistics:
- Distance: 6.8 km (4.25 miles)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Total Descent: 580 metres
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Season: June through September
- Starting point: Trockener Steg (2,910 metres)
- Ending point: Schwarzsee (2,535 metres)
The trail weaves between alpine lakes and provides close-up views of the Matterhorn. Along the way, you'll pass barren rocks and numerous smaller glacial lakes. After about 40 minutes, you'll encounter glacier caves which dramatically demonstrate climate change as they gradually melt.
The best time to hike is in the morning, ideally starting by 9 am when lighting on the Matterhorn is perfect and crowds are minimal. It's advisable to finish by 1 pm to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
The trail also offers opportunities to spot local wildlife, including marmots and ibex. Information boards along the path provide insights into the geology and glaciology of the area, making it an educational experience as well.
Matterhorn Trail
This 7.3 km trail takes you below Schwarzsee lake through the mountains and past the foot of the north face of the Matterhorn. The descent to Furi presents constantly changing landscapes with far-reaching views of the Swiss Alps.
Trail Statistics:
- Length: 7.3 km (4.5 miles)
- Duration: 2 hours (downhill walk)
- Highest point: 2,587 metres
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Season: June to October
- Starting point: Schwarzsee
- Destination: Furi
This trail offers a more challenging experience than the Glacier Trail, with some steep sections and loose rocks. Hikers are rewarded with stunning views of the Matterhorn's north face and the opportunity to see Alpine flora up close. The path passes through areas of Alpine meadows, rocky terrain, and even small patches of snow in early summer.
Matterhorn Tour
For the truly adventurous, the ultimate hike around the Matterhorn spans 147.3 km. This difficult route begins in Randa and proceeds anticlockwise around the pyramid-shaped peak, revealing the mountain's many different facets. With over 10,000 metres of ascent and descent, this challenging trek requires approximately 60 hours of hiking time.
The Matterhorn Tour is typically completed over 7-10 days, with overnight stays in mountain huts or small villages along the way. This hike offers a comprehensive experience of the Matterhorn region, including diverse landscapes, cultural encounters in Swiss and Italian villages, and the chance to witness the mountain from all angles.
Hikers on this tour should be well-prepared with proper equipment, including sturdy hiking boots, warm and waterproof clothing, and sufficient food and water. It's advisable to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak season.
Gornergrat Panorama Trail
While not directly on the Matterhorn, this trail offers some of the best views of the iconic peak along with 29 other 4,000m+ mountains.
Trail Statistics:
- Length: 6.1 km (3.8 miles)
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Starting point: Gornergrat (3,089m)
- Ending point: Riffelberg (2,582m)
The trail begins at the Gornergrat railway station and descends gently to Riffelberg. Along the way, hikers are treated to panoramic views of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa massif, and the Gorner Glacier. The path is well-maintained and suitable for families, though the high altitude can make it challenging for some.
Mountain Attractions
Schwarzsee
This small lake located next to the Schwarzsee station offers one of the best viewpoints of the Matterhorn. Visitors can walk down to the lake to see the chapel "Maria zum Schnee," a popular pilgrimage site for locals and tourists alike. The chapel, built in 1590, is a serene spot for reflection against the backdrop of the majestic mountain.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
A must-visit attraction that can be combined with hiking the Matterhorn Glacier Trail. From here, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Alps. The complex includes Europe's highest cable car station at 3,883 metres, a restaurant, and a cinema lounge. The Glacier Palace, an ice cave with beautiful ice sculptures, is another highlight.
Hörnlihütte
This mountain hut can be reached via a detour from the Matterhorn Glacier Trail. The trail junction at Hirli offers the option to hike to Hörnlihütte, providing another perspective of the magnificent Matterhorn. The hut serves as the starting point for climbers attempting to summit the Matterhorn and offers basic accommodation for those who want to experience a night in the high Alps.
Zermatt Sign
Located between the gondola station and Schwarzsee, this is a popular photo spot with the Matterhorn as a backdrop. Visitors can use their gondola tickets to take photos at the automated photo station. The large "ZERMATT" letters make for a memorable souvenir photo with the iconic mountain in the background.
Sunnegga Paradise
While not directly on the Matterhorn, this viewpoint offers one of the best panoramas of the mountain. Accessible via a funicular from Zermatt, it's an excellent starting point for several hikes, including the Five Lakes Trail. The area also features a marmot watching station where visitors can observe these charming Alpine creatures in their natural habitat.
Rothorn
Another excellent vantage point for viewing the Matterhorn, accessible via cable car from Zermatt. The summit station at 3,103 metres offers a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding peaks. There's a restaurant at the top where visitors can enjoy a meal with a view.
Getting There and Around
To reach the iconic Matterhorn, make your way to the charming village of Zermatt, which serves as the perfect base for exploring this majestic peak. Zermatt is a car-free town, so if you're driving, you'll need to park in the nearby village of Täsch and continue your journey via shuttle train. Once in Zermatt, you have several options to get closer to the Matterhorn. The Gornergrat railway offers a spectacular journey up to a vantage point at 3,130m with breathtaking views of the mountain. Alternatively, you can take cable cars to the summits of the Rothorn or Klein Matterhorn—the latter being the highest cable car station in Europe. For those planning to climb the Matterhorn itself, you'll need proper acclimatisation, with most guided ascents following the Hörnli Ridge route from Zermatt. This challenging climb requires previous alpine mountaineering experience and typically involves a six-day programme with IFMGA-certified guides, costing approximately 3,500-4,500 CHF depending on the package.
Best Time to Visit
Summer Season (June to September)
Summer is widely regarded as the most popular and best time to visit the Matterhorn and its surrounding areas. During these months, you'll enjoy:
- Warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours
- Higher chances of clear skies for optimal viewing
- Lush green meadows adorned with colourful alpine flowers
- Fully accessible hiking trails across the stunning landscapes
July through September is particularly ideal for hiking enthusiasts, as trails higher in the mountains, such as Hörnlihütte, may not open until July due to snowmelt.
Winter Season (November to April)
The winter months transform the region into a winter wonderland, perfect for:
- Skiing opportunities from late November through early May
- Year-round skiing at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (though slopes occasionally close in summer)
- Adventure activities, with November to December being ideal months
Shoulder Seasons
If you prefer to avoid peak tourist seasons, consider:
- April, May, or October for quieter town experiences
- Early autumn, when most lifts and trails remain open until snowfall
However, spring (particularly early spring) is generally not recommended as most trails, lifts, and restaurants are closed, though you'll encounter fewer crowds.
Time of Day
For the best viewing and photography opportunities, visit the Matterhorn in the morning, ideally before noon. After midday, the sun sets behind the mountain, affecting visibility and photo quality.
Weather Considerations
It's worth noting that the Zermatt valley can experience unpredictable weather and become completely socked in at any time of year. When planning your itinerary, consider adding at least one buffer day as insurance against rain or poor visibility.
For the most favourable conditions at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise specifically, the period between May and November offers milder weather and operational cable cars for summit access.