Most mountains are hard to draw. The Matterhorn is not. Its four faces meet in a steep, almost symmetrical pyramid that stands clear of everything around it, and you can sketch it with a single line and have people know exactly what it is. This guide covers the mountain, its 1865 first ascent, the design on the back of our Matterhorn pieces, and the best ways to see it from Zermatt, with when to go and what to wear.
How high is the Matterhorn, and where is it?
The Matterhorn rises 4,478 metres in the Pennine Alps, on the border between Switzerland and Italy, above Zermatt on one side and Breuil-Cervinia on the other (Britannica).
- Height: 4,478 m
- Location: Switzerland and Italy border, above Zermatt
- Normal route: the Hornli ridge
- Getting there: Zermatt is car-free, reached by train
It is not the highest peak in the Alps, or the most difficult. It is the most recognisable, and the shape is the reason.
Why is the Matterhorn so famous?
The Matterhorn is famous for its shape and its history. A few things set it apart:
- The form: a near-symmetrical horn that stands alone, unmistakable from any side
- The light: it catches the first and last sun, which is why it is so photographed
- The story: a first ascent that ended in tragedy and changed climbing
What is the design?
The design on the back of the Matterhorn hoodie and tee maps the peak’s ridgelines by hand, the summit route picked out in red. We drew it plainly on purpose. The silhouette is already one of the most efficient pieces of design in nature, and our job was mostly to get out of its way.
Who climbed the Matterhorn first?
A party led by Edward Whymper reached the summit on 14 July 1865. On the way down the rope broke and four of the seven men fell to their deaths. People often mark that day as the end of the golden age of alpinism, the years when the great Alpine peaks were being climbed for the first time. The mountain has never quite shaken the story.
How do you see the Matterhorn from Zermatt?
Seeing the Matterhorn is easy, which is part of its appeal. Zermatt is car-free and reached by train, and the best viewpoints are a railway or cable car away.
Photo by Jean-Paul Wettstein via Pexels
The viewpoints worth planning around:
- Gornergrat railway (3,089 m): a cog railway straight up to a wide-open view
- Stellisee and Riffelsee: the still lakes that hold the famous mirror reflection at dawn
- The Five Lakes Walk: an easy half-day hike past several reflecting lakes
- Klein Matterhorn / Glacier Paradise (3,883 m): the highest cable-car station in the Alps
- Sunnegga: a quick funicular up for a sunset view
When is the best time to go?
Zermatt is a two-season resort, so the best time depends on what you want:
| Season | Months | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | June to September | Hiking, the lake reflections, clear skies |
| Autumn | October | Quiet, golden larches, crisp air |
| Winter | December to April | Skiing with the Matterhorn as backdrop |
What to wear, and where the design fits
Even in summer the high viewpoints are cold and exposed, so pack for mountain weather:
- Mid layer: a warm brushed-cotton or fleece top for the early train up
- Shell: a windproof layer for the ridgelines
- Extras: hat, gloves and sunglasses, even in July
The Matterhorn Cotton Heritage hoodie is the warm layer for a dawn train to Gornergrat and the days afterwards; the garment-dyed tee is the everyday piece that carries the mountain home. Both wear the ridgelines across the back.
If the Matterhorn pulls you in, read about Everest, where the line on the design is the actual route, and K2, the mountain climbers respect even more.
See the full design and both pieces in the AukCliff collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is the Matterhorn?
4,478 metres, on the border between Switzerland and Italy, above Zermatt on the Swiss side and Breuil-Cervinia on the Italian side.
Why is the Matterhorn so recognisable?
Its four steep faces meet in a near-symmetrical pyramid that stands clear of the peaks around it, so it can be identified from almost any direction. It is one of the most photographed mountains in the world.
When was the Matterhorn first climbed?
On 14 July 1865, by a party led by Edward Whymper. Four of the seven climbers died on the descent when a rope broke, one of the most famous accidents in mountaineering.
What is the best place to see the Matterhorn?
From Zermatt, the classic viewpoints are the Gornergrat railway, the reflection in lakes like Stellisee and Riffelsee, and the Five Lakes Walk. Klein Matterhorn gives the highest cable-car view in the Alps.
Do you need to climb to see the Matterhorn?
No. Zermatt is a car-free resort reached by train, and most viewpoints are reached by railway, cable car or short hikes. You can stand in front of the Matterhorn without any climbing.
Last updated: June 2026
Written by Stephen Milner, founder of AukCliff
