6 Interesting Facts About The Towering Peak Matterhorn, Europe

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The towering peak of Mt. Matterhorn is full of interesting facts that make it one of a kind in the world. Matterhorn is one of the most recognizable peaks in all of Alps and often called as the ‘peak in the meadows’ in German.

Location of Matterhorn Mountain

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Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. The Matterhorn stands on the border of Switzerland and Italy, straddling the main watershed.

The Matterhorn's names, Cervino and Cervin, possibly relate to 'forest' in Latin or 'deer' in Italian/French.

Height of Matterhorn Mountain

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This is the highest summit in the Alps and Europe at 4,478 m (14, 692 ft).

This prominent, near-symmetrical pyramidal peak features four steep faces, each facing a cardinal direction.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. The Matterhorn ranks 6th in the Alps and Europe, 5th in Valais and Switzerland, and 3rd in the Aosta Valley and Italy.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. The Matterhorn: 12th highest peak in the Alps per the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation.

First Ascent of the Matterhorn Mountain

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Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. The first ascent on July 14, 1865, ended tragically with only 3 of 7 climbers surviving.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Over 500 climbers have died on the Matterhorn. A metal cross at the peak commemorates them.

Materhorn Museum Zermatlant located in the resort town of Zermatt below the peak, houses exhibits related to the first fateful ascent.

The Cardinal Directions

The Matterhorn's sides face north to Zermatt, south to Breuil-Cervinia, west to the Swiss-Italian border, and east to Gornergrat.

Igloo Village at the Base

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Zermatt's Iglu-Dorf boasts the world's largest snow igloo resort, 43 feet wide and 34 feet high.

Women Who Battled It Out

Lucy Walker became the first woman to summit the Matterhorn on July 22, 1871, wearing a flannel skirt.

Quick Facts on Matterhorn

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The climb to Matterhorn is quite demanding. It takes about 6 hours up and five hours down. A fountain in Zermatt is dedicated to Ulrich Inderbinen, who was 89 years old during his last ascent. The mountain image printed on the popular Toblerone chocolate bars in 1960 is Matterhorn.

Mount Matterhorn is the most-photographed mountain in the world. It has become the iconic emblem of the Swiss Alps and a part of the Swiss Federal Inventory of Natural Monuments. Do visit this iconic mountain to soak in its gigantic Swiss aura.