The Matterhorn, the Icon of the Alps

With its almost unreal pyramidal silhouette, the Matterhorn towers above Zermatt and embodies the very archetype of the Alpine peak. At 4,478 m, this Swiss-Italian summit has attracted explorers, mountaineers, and dreamers for more than a century. A peak of magnetic beauty—both iconic and formidable.

Altitude

4478 m

Localisation

45.976° N / 7.658° E

A mythical and formidable peak

The Matterhorn (Matterhorn in German, Monte Cervino in Italian) is one of the most iconic peaks in the Alps. Its steep, icy north face has become a symbol of high-level mountaineering. While its beauty attracts many, its history also reminds us of the cost of risk: in 1865, the first successful ascent by Edward Whymper ended in tragedy, marking alpine history forever. Since then, the Matterhorn remains a coveted yet demanding summit, where every climb is a test of precision and courage.

1865

First ascent

Edward Whymper and his team reach the summit via the Hörnli Ridge. Four climbers die during the descent, marking a tragic moment in alpine history.

1931

First ascent of the north face

Brothers Franz and Toni Schmid complete the first ascent of the north face, a landmark in alpine history.

1965

Bonatti route

Walter Bonatti opens a direct and demanding route on the north face to mark the centenary of the first ascent.

1990

Destivelle’s winter solo

Catherine Destivelle becomes the first alpinist to solo the Matterhorn north face in winter.

2009

Sam Anthamatten’s extreme ski descent

The Valais guide completes an extreme ski descent of the east face, showcasing the rise of steep skiing.

2015

150 years of the Matterhorn

Climbing teams from around the world celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first ascent.

2021

Modern ascents

Between guided climbs, extreme challenges and eco-responsible approaches, the Matterhorn remains a testing ground for modern alpinism.

45.9763° N / 7.6583° E

Switzerland/Italy

4,478 m

official altitude

1865

date of the first successful ascent

over 500

recorded fatalities, a reminder of its danger

14 km

distance between the summit and the town of Zermatt

The 1865 tragedy

The 1865 tragedy

Der erste erfolgreiche Aufstieg endet tragisch: Ein Seil reißt beim Abstieg, und vier Bergsteiger kommen ums Leben, was die Geschichte des Matterhorns nachhaltig prägt.

The Matterhorn, a global icon

Its iconic silhouette has inspired logos, posters and even Disney Studios (the Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland). Proof that this peak transcends the world of mountaineering.

The Neighbors of the Matterhorn

Dent Blanche

Switzerland

4357 m

Weisshorn

Switzerland

4506 m

More than a mountain: an icon

The Matterhorn is more than a mountain: it is an icon. Its beauty, difficulty and history embody what it means to push beyond one’s limits. At Norton Peak, we see in the Matterhorn the embodiment of precision and boldness, values that guide our creations.

Summit access — From Zermatt

The classic route follows the Hörnli Ridge, accessible from the Hörnli Hut (3,260 m), the starting point for climbing teams. The ascent requires excellent physical condition and solid alpine experience.

“Every mountain has its meaning, but the Matterhorn stands alone, as if it were the very symbol of the Alps.”

Edward Whymper, Scrambles Amongst the Alps (1871)

Discover more summits

4506 m

Weisshorn

At 4,506 m, the Weisshorn is regarded by many as one of the most beautiful peaks in the Alps. Its slender profile and three perfect ridges make it an almost ideal pyramid, a symbol of balance and alpine purity.

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4357 m

Dent Blanche

At 4,357 m, Dent Blanche towers above the Hérens valley. An isolated peak with a sharp pyramidal silhouette, it embodies both elegance and the harshness of the Valais Alps. A true “solitary queen,” admired for its beauty and demanding nature.

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