The Matterhorn: An Iconic Swiss Wonder in Zermatt
Hidden away in the southwesternmost corner of Switzerland, surrounded by the majestic Bernese Alps, lies the small but charming town of Zermatt. However, it’s not the village itself that draws tourists by the thousands, but a towering giant that towers over it – the iconic Matterhorn. This formidable four-thousand-meter-plus summit has been a benchmark for mountaineers, outdoor enthusiasts, and Instagram-hungry travelers for decades. In this article, we’ll delve into the allure of the Matterhorn, its history, significance, and what makes this mountain so special.
The Matterhorn: Fact and Fiction
With a peak elevation of 4,478 meters (14,692 feet) and a distinctive pyramidal shape, the Matterhorn is one of the highest and most recognizable mountains on the planet. While this towering giant has inspired a wealth of artistic renderings, from paintings by artist J.M.W. Turner to the iconic Swiss chalet-style Matterhorn Mountain House, the truth remains that the mountain has proven a formidable challenge to anyone who dares to take on its slopes. Located on the border with Italy, the Matterhorn falls within the Swiss Alps UNESCO World Heritage Site and was even featured on the Italian 2-centesima coin from 1882 to 1929, further solidifying its mythical status.
Troll or Treasure? The Early Days of the Matterhorn
The Matterhorn owes its name to a traditional term used by shepherds in the Aost Valley, "Mata Jur," which referred to the mountain’s appearance to a mythical creature said to guard the valley’s fertility. The first documented mentions of the mountain date back to the 4th century, and numerous expeditions attempted to claim its summit throughout history – none of which succeeded… until 1865 when Edward Whymper became the first to scale it, albeit at the fatal cost of four companions caught in a fatal accident half-way up the slope. Since then, climbers worldwide have attempted to conquer its daunting peaks, driven as much by the promise of triumph as by a glimpse of the breathtaking 5,000-meter deep Engadine Valley from atop the summit.
Gondola Rides to the Top
So you don’t have to abandon all hope of catching sight of the Matterhorn as a mere mortal; we’ve got you covered with an array of adrenaline-curing gondola options! The Matterhorn express, a high-altitude gondola from Breuil-Cervinia Village in Italy, brings viewers closer to the heart of the mountain than they have ever been before – to within 100 meters or 330 feet! Should you prefer a panoramic sunset or sunrise experience atop Allalin, the Magerenke cableway’s breathtaking views of the towering peaks will leave your tongue in awe. To conquer the Matterhorn Glacier for an unforgettable ice hike in summer, the Solvo glacier cableway transports gondola riders at mind-boggling speed: over 2 meters/s, or 20 fps! And if speed – as in, high-G force – is not already an adrenaline rush: all-terrain vehicles allow extreme downhill enthusiasts to charge on their own, guided either from the top station through winding trails or starting high above the village!
And once you’ve gotten into the Matterhorn frenzy here in Zermatt:
– Visit the unique & only Matterhorn Zermatt Summit Train – Ride a train to a real Matterhorn summit from mid-May to mid-Nov – Hike the Swiss-Canto trail – Go mountaineering – & simply, take in an incredibly unforgettable experience.
Enjoy capturing and sharing your once-ever-experience of taking stunning images of the mountain of Zermatt for fellow explorers, sharing life moments, and preserving breathtakingly beautiful memories.
Share Your Matterhorn Pictures Zermatt
Download image The Matterhorn – Zermatt [OC] [2560×3840] by DCreeden