the Matterhorn, Switzerland

Matterhorn, Switzerland
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Matterhorn_from_the_north-east.jpg
Author: GammaCygni


Matterhorn (Italian: Monte Cervino, French: Mont Cervin) is the most famous mountain in Switzerland. It stands at a height of 4,478 m (14,690 ft) on the border between Switzerland and Italy, overlooking the Swiss resort village of Zermatt, in the Pennine Alps.

The Matterhorn is said to be one of the most challenging peaks for mountain climbers. It has four steep faces, each facing a cardinal direction. The north fase is the most difficult to climb.

The first successful ascend of the Matterhorn was done in 1865 by a team led by Edward Whymper. The party lost four members on their descent when they fell to their deaths. The north face was only conquered in 1931.

Today the Matterhorn has become a major tourist attraction for visitors to Zermatt, which offers one of the best views of it. Thousands of climbing expedition are organized to climb it every year. Between 1865 and 1995, 500 climbers have lost their lives on the mountain.

Although it is not the tallest mountain in Switzerland, it is certainly the best known and quite likely the most photographed mountain in the country. The Matterhorn remains an emblem and and icon of Switzerland and the Alps.

Matterhorn as seen from above Zermatt
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Autumn_Matterhorn.jpg
Author: Alps

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