The Matterhorn

The Matterhorn is one of the most iconic mountains in the world, located in the Swiss Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy. It stands at 4,478 meters (14,692 feet) and is known for its distinctive pyramid shape with four steep faces aligned with the cardinal directions. Swiss-Italian border, near Zermatt (Switzerland) and Breuil-Cervinia (Italy) 4,478 m (14,692 ft) FJuly 14, 1865, by a team led by Edward Whymper Hörnli Ridge (most popular), Zmutt Ridge, Lion Ridge, Furggen Ridge Composed of gneiss and granite, originally part of the African tectonic plate Zermatt, Gornergrat, Monte Rosa, Aosta Valley Climbing the Matterhorn The Matterhorn is a challenging climb due to its steep rock faces and rapid weather changes. The Hörnli Ridge is the most common route, requiring technical rock climbing skills and experience in high-altitude conditions. The Matterhorn symbolizes Switzerland and is often associated with Toblerone chocolate, which features the mountain in its logo. It attracts thousands of climbers and tourists yearly and is a major highlight of the Swiss Alps.