The Matterhorn is Switzerland's most recognizable peak and a true icon of the Alps. Standing at 4,478 meters with its distinct pyramid shape, it is widely considered the most photographed mountain on Earth.

It’s captivating from every angle—whether you’re seeing it while hiking, from a ski slope, or from a panoramic viewpoint. The Matterhorn simply has a way of staying with you long after you’ve left.

A bit of history and names:

The name comes from two German words: "Matte" (meadow) and "Horn" (peak).

The town at its base, Zermatt, follows the same logic, originating from "Zur Matt"—meaning "at the meadow."

On the Italian side, the mountain is known as Monte Cervino.

The first ascent: Triumph and tragedy

Until the mid-19th century, the Matterhorn was considered unclimbable. Local legends even spoke of spirits guarding its slopes, and every attempt to reach the top ended in failure.

That changed on July 14, 1865, when British climber Edward Whymper and his team of seven finally reached the summit. However, the victory was bittersweet: during the descent, a rope snapped, and four climbers fell to their deaths.

This story quickly spread around the world, turning Zermatt into a global sensation. From that moment on, a new era began, and the Matterhorn became a magnet for climbers and travelers from every corner of the globe.

One of the main and most impressive viewpoints in the Alps. We will reach it via the Gornergrat Bahn cogwheel railway in just under 30 minutes.

At the summit:

Large panoramic terrace with views of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa.

3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat — the highest hotel and restaurant complex in Switzerland.

Astronomical observatory and numerous photo spots.

Hiking and walks:

Rotenboden - Riffelsee: The most popular trail leading to Lake Riffelsee, famous for the Matterhorn’s reflection in its waters.

Downhill hike: If the weather is nice and you're up for a bit of walking, we can hike down one station from Rotenboden to Riffelberg. It’s a very pleasant downhill path that takes about 40–50 minutes, allowing us to enjoy the mountain air and the views at a slower pace.

The ascent to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise passes through several scenic stations, each serving as an excellent viewpoint. At any of these stops, you can step out to take photos, go for a walk, or enjoy a hot chocolate or mulled wine before catching the next lift to continue your journey.

1. Furi (1,867 m) The first major intermediate station.

Views: A spacious platform overlooking forests and waterfalls with the Matterhorn visible from a beautiful valley perspective.

Activities: In summer, you can walk across the Furi suspension bridge or visit the Gorner Gorge. In winter, it is a great spot for sledding or winter hiking.

2. Schwarzsee (2,583 m) One of the most beautiful and significant stops on the route.

Highlights: The "Maria zum Schnee" chapel (a symbol for climbers) and Lake Schwarzsee (Black Lake), which reflects the Matterhorn.

Photos: An excellent viewing platform to see the Matterhorn almost "face-to-face."

Trails: The starting point for many iconic trails, including the hike to Hörnli Hut (the base camp for Matterhorn climbers).

3. Trockener Steg (2,939 m) The main transfer hub and the heart of the mountain region.

From here, we will take the final leg to the summit in the futuristic 3S cable cars.

Glacier Palace: Tunnels, halls, and ice sculptures carved deep inside the glacier.

360° Panorama: Views of 38 four-thousand-meter peaks and 14 glaciers.

Three Countries: On a clear day, you can see the peaks of Switzerland, Italy, and France.

After exploring Zermatt, we will head up to one of the peaks.

And after If time permits, we will visit the village of Blatten

We will take a walk to the small but incredibly authentic village of Blatten:

Traditional architecture: All the wooden houses stand on "legs" — stone pillars with special flat stone discs designed to protect grain and food supplies from mice.

Local materials: The roofs are covered with heavy slabs of local gneiss, a dark and durable stone that gives the houses their characteristic look and is perfectly suited for the harsh mountain climate.

Atmosphere: The vibe here feels as if you have stepped back several centuries in time.

This pleasant and easy hike to Blatten will be rewarded with a cozy break. You can choose to enjoy cheese fondue, an aperitif, or a full lunch in a traditional restaurant with a stunning view of the Matterhorn.

Take train back to Lucerne at 06:37 PM.

Upon the final transfer in Bern, your guide will assist you with the train to Lucerne and then continue her journey to Zurich, where she resides.