Matterhorn
Zermatt, Swiss Alps
Known by serious mountaineers as one to conquer, or to chocolate eaters as the former face of Toblerone, the Matterhorn is one of the most famous European mountains. Its pyramid-like peak may look perfect, but it's a place that only mountaineers or serious climbers can scale. However, everyday sightseers, skiers, and hikers can revel in its magnificence from the surrounding mountainsides, which straddle both Switzerland and Italy.
The Basics
Zermatt is the easiest starting point for a Matterhorn tour, but it’s also possible to explore the mountain on a day trip from Zurich, Lucerne, Geneva, Montreux, or from Stresa, Italy, across the border. Ride the cable car to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, where views span the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps; take the cogwheel railway to the peak of neighboring Mount Gornergrat for a spectacular view of the Matterhorn; or visit the Matterhorn Museum in Zermatt.
Things to Know Before You Go
You can purchase combination tickets for the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and the Gornergrat railway.
Hiking or climbing around the Matterhorn is only recommended for experienced mountaineers, and with assistance from and a certified mountain guide.
The alpine village of Zermatt (the gateway to the Matterhorn) is car-free, and can only be reached by train or electric shuttle buses.
How to Get to There
The Matterhorn is located in the Swiss Alps, close to the border of Italy and just southwest of Zermatt. From Zermatt, trains and cable cars run to the surrounding peaks—to reach the Matterhorn, take the cable car from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Valley Base Station, a 45-minute journey via Furi, Trockener Steg, and Schwarzsee.
When to Get There
The Matterhorn is impressive sight any time of year—it’s possible to visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise all year round. The most popular times to visit Zermatt and the surrounding peaks are either in July and August, a popular time for hiking and outdoor activities, or from December to March, when the ski season is in full swing.
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
At a dizzying 12,740 feet (3,883 meters), the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is Europe’s highest summit station. After the thrilling ride on Europe’s highest aerial cableway, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view of famous peaks (including Jungfrau and Mont Blanc), explore the icy sculptures of the Glacier Palace, or have lunch at the mountaintop restaurant. Additional activities include year-round skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing excursions, snow tubing, and hikes to the summit of The Breithorn mountain range.
What is the best way to see the Matterhorn?
The best way to see the Matterhorn is to travel to Zermatt, the small ski resort town below the mountain. From Zermatt, you can enjoy views up to the Matterhorn and also take the Gornergrat cog railway up to the panoramic viewpoint at the summit of the Gornergrat.
How much does it cost to go to the Matterhorn in Switzerland?
The cost of going to the Matterhorn in Switzerland depends on the viewpoints visited and the season, as well as your use of the many reduction cards/passes that can provide deep discounts. Return tickets for adults bought online through the official website range from CHF$64 to CHF$101.
Is Matterhorn in Switzerland worth visiting?
Yes, visiting the Matterhorn in Switzerland is worth doing if you enjoy mountain scenery, mountain climbing, ski resorts, and cog railways. There are multiple options for experiencing the Matterhorn and its surrounding Alpine areas, from relaxing in Zermatt to being whisked up mountain tops for views of the Swiss icon.
How long do you need at Matterhorn?
While it depends on what you plan on doing in the mountains, most visitors find that a few hours is enough time to see the Matterhorn. This includes the travel time on the Gornergrat cog railway, 3S Cable Car, or Rothorn cable car for a return trip to their respective viewpoints.
Is the Matterhorn cable car included in the Swiss Travel Pass?
No, the Matterhorn cable cars are not free with the Swiss Travel Pass. Instead, the pass provides a 50 percent discount on the Gornergrat cog railway, 3S Cable Car, and Rothorn cable car. The Swiss Travel Pass does include free train travel to Zermatt from Montreux and St. Moritz.
Can you do the Matterhorn without a guide?
No. You should not attempt to climb the Matterhorn without a guide. Finding the route is very challenging without intimate knowledge of the mountain. The climb requires considerable physical fitness and experience climbing mountains with crampons and handling technical ascents.
Ways to explore
If you want to see the Matterhorn, the two main mountain bases are Zermatt in Switzerland and Breuil-Cervinia in Italy. Zermatt probably has more to offer sightseers, with more tourist-focused lookout points such as the Gornergrat and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise along with greater scope for hiking. However, Breuil-Cervinia offers stellar views from the Plateau Rosa and more affordable accommodations.
There are also more opportunities for guided adventures from Zermatt, with paragliding, cycling, and even helicopter experiences in the mix, along with guided hikes and ski expeditions.
Accessibility
Viewing platforms on the Gornergrat and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise are wheelchair accessible, as is the Plateau Rosa gondola station, accessed via Breuil-Cervinia.
Age limits
Children under the age of 3 can’t travel on the final stretch of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car due to its high altitude.
What to pack
Camera, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
What to wear
Long pants, layers including a waterproof or windproof jacket
Not allowed
Cars aren’t allowed in Zermatt.
Amenities
The Hornlihutte (mountain hut) for accommodation and meals on the Matterhorn itself; eateries, hotels, gondolas, and mountain trains in Zermatt and Breuil-Cervinia
Address
For mountaineers who come to scale the Matterhorn, the access points are the Hornlihutte from Zermatt or the Carrel hut from Breuil-Cervinia. Sightseers and skiers should head to Zermatt or Breuil-Cervinia.
Driving
For Zermatt, leave your car at Täsch, where there are parking garages by the Matterhorn Gotthard station. In town, many accommodations offer pickups by electric carts or horse-drawn carriages. For Breuil-Cervinia, take the A5 Turin-Aosta highway and exit at Chatillon/Saint Vincent. You can drive and park in the town.
Public transportation
Once in Zermatt or Breuil-Cervinia, gondolas and mountain trains take over. From Zermatt, the Matterhorn is visible all around, but views are arguably the best from the Gornergrat summit. From Breuil-Cervinia, take the gondola to Plateau Rosa.
Best times to visit
Board the train or gondola after breakfast for the best chance of crowd- and cloud-free Matterhorn photos.
Best days to visit
The weather dictates the best day to visit; opt for a clear, sunny day to see the Matterhorn at its most majestic.
Best months to visit
June through September are optimal for hiking, while the main ski season runs from December through April. March offers slightly lower prices and sunny yet snowy weather.
Special events
Zermatt Unplugged in April takes place on the mountainside, and features live rock music against a Matterhorn backdrop.
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