The Matterhorn is easily one of the most well-known mountains in the world. Its appearances in movies, paintings, and written works, popularity with climbers, and visits from thousands of tourists from around the world define it as an iconic natural wonder.
Location and Shape
Situated in the Pennine Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy, the Matterhorn’s unique pyramidal shape and nearly symmetrical four sides make it stand out from its neighboring peaks. At a height of 4,478 meters (14, 692 feet), it towers over the village of Zermatt to the northeast and the Italian town Breuil-Cervinia to the South. East of the peak is Theodul Pass, a trade route dating back to the Roman Era. Due to its position on the main Alpine watershed, the mountain experiences fast and extreme weather changes which have contributed to its shape over the centuries.
Skiers and Climbers
The first ascent of the Matterhorn was made by Edward Whymper, an artist contracted by a London publisher to sketch the Alps. Along with two guides and fellow climbers Lord Francis Douglas, Charles Hudson, Douglas Hadow, and Michael Croz, Edward reached the North summit on July 14, 1865. Sadly, during their descent, four of the seven were killed. Every year over 3000 climbers attempt to summit primarily between July and September. Additionally, Matterhorn Ski Paradise hosts skiers from all over the world who come to ski the majestic slopes of the mountain’s foothills while enjoying the quaint village of Zermatt.
Representations in Art
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Sign up to our Free Weekly NewsletterNumerous artists and photographers have made the Matterhorn their subject over the years, notably German American oil painter Albert Bierstadt (1867-1897). During his many trips to Switzerland he depicted the peak in all its glory, most famously in his Sunrise on the Matterhorn housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Swiss poster artist Emil Cardinaux (1877-1936) was well known for his own renditions of the famous mountain along with numerous other local landmarks. The Matterhorn is said to be one of the most photographed mountains in history and can be seen in many galleries, photo books, and on postcards. Some well-known photographers who have embraced the mountain as their muse include Duilio Fiorille, Thomas Crauwels, and Nenad Saljic.
Film and Entertainment
In addition to visual art, several films and documentaries have been made about the Matterhorn. The film Third Man on the Mountain, adapted from James Ramsey’s novel Banner in the Sky, is based on the first ascent. A 2017 documentary series titled The Horn follows a team of medics and their rescue efforts from Zermatt into the Swiss Alps. Also popular is the Disneyland ride which features a bobsled-style roller coaster down the side of the peak. The Tomorrowland station offers a monorail taking park-goers past the replica should they choose to forgo the bobsled ride.
Books and Poetry
Writers have long romanticized the mountains in all genres. Matterhorn by Christopher Reich chronicles the fictional adventures of ex-CIA operative Robbie Steinhardt as he seeks to avenge his son, a journey that takes him into the Alps. Matterhorn: The Quintessential Mountain by Graeme Walker tells the story of the first climb and is one of many books about the peak and the brave people who have attempted to climb its challenging slopes. Along with fictional tales and non-fiction accounts, poets have also sought to capture some of the grandeur of the mountain over the years. Thomas Hardy, in his poem “To the Matterhorn”, commemorated the first ascent and death of four of the seven climbers.
