Zermatlantis Matterhorn Museum
Zermatt, Swiss Alps
Make your trip to the mountains even more enriching with a visit to Zermatlantis, aka the Matterhorn Museum. This site focuses on the triumphs and tragedies of the mountaineers who have been drawn to climb one of the world’s most dramatic and dangerous peaks, and also traces the development of Zermatt from farming village to the alpine tourist town it is today.
The basics
Don’t be fooled by the museum’s small, contemporary-looking glass exterior: Most of the museum is underground, and there’s a fair amount to see. Recreated houses and interiors reveal how life in Zermatt was different around 150 years ago, and there’s a multimedia room that shows segments from a film about the Edward Whymper–led first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865.
You can visit the museum independently, or as part of a guided Zermatt walking tour that provides greater context on the town and its famous mountain.
Things to know before you go
An audio guide is available in English and other languages. The site is considered wheelchair-accessible. There are on-site restrooms, lockers, and a small gift shop that sells souvenirs and books. Dogs are not allowed inside.
How to get there
The Matterhorn Museum is in Zermatt’s Kirchplatz, which is the central town square. It’s about a 5-minute walk from the train station if you stroll along the Bahnhofstrasse, the main street that leads straight through town. Or, you can take one of Zermatt’s electric buses or even a horse-drawn carriage ride to get there.
When to get there
You can visit the Matterhorn Museum any time of year except for most of November. During this low-season month, many of Zermatt’s tourist attractions, restaurants, and cable cars close for a few weeks. Aside from November, the museum is open daily for limited hours, from mid-afternoon until early evening.
The Mountaineers Cemetery
Many visitors combine a visit to the Matterhorn Museum with a quick stroll around the nearby Mountaineers Cemetery. This site is dedicated to the mountaineers from around the world who have perished on the mountain, and some of their stories are noted on the epitaphs. You’ll find it in the garden of St. Mauritius Church, which is only a couple of minutes away.
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