Matterhorn (Switzerland) – Location, History, Facts

The Matterhorn is a 4,478-metre pyramidal mountain in the Pennine Alps, on the border between Switzerland’s canton of Valais and Italy’s Aosta Valley.

Matterhorn, Switzerland.

Country: Switzerland
Coordinates: 45.9764° N, 7.6586° E

Matterhorn overview

The Matterhorn is a 4,478-metre pyramidal mountain in the Pennine Alps, on the border between Switzerland’s canton of Valais and Italy’s Aosta Valley. Its four-sided profile is widely recognized in Swiss imagery, and its climbing history gives it a prominent place in Alpine mountaineering.

Matterhorn coordinates

Matterhorn is commonly mapped at approximately 45.9764° N, 7.6586° E, or 45.9764, 7.6586 in decimal degrees.

Degrees: 45.9764° N, 7.6586° E

Decimal: 45.9764, 7.6586

Where Matterhorn is located

Above Zermatt in the Swiss canton of Valais, the Matterhorn forms part of the main Alpine ridge separating Switzerland and Italy. Its summit, at approximately 45.9763° N, 7.6586° E, overlooks the Mattertal valley to the north and the Theodul Glacier and Valpelline region to the south.

Why Matterhorn is important

The Matterhorn’s pyramidal form is significant in Alpine culture and mountain geomorphology. Its stacked tectonic nappes and glacially sculpted profile have attracted scientific study, while its triangular silhouette inspired the logo used by the Toblerone chocolate brand.

The mountain is also closely associated with the history of Alpine climbing. During the mid-nineteenth-century first ascent by Edward Whymper’s party, four members died on the descent. It remains a focus of climbing, geological investigation, hazard research, and commemoration.

Natural features of Matterhorn

The Hörnli, Lion, Zmutt, and Furggen ridges meet at the Matterhorn’s pointed summit, producing its near-pyramidal form. Its metamorphic and sedimentary rocks record complex Alpine tectonics; incision and glacial activity have exposed them in steep cliffs and couloirs. Rockfall-prone slopes and persistent snowfields on sheltered aspects complete the mountain’s visible terrain.

Environment, protection, and monitoring of Matterhorn

The Matterhorn area is covered by Swiss federal environmental legislation and cantonal administration. Authorities, regional agencies, alpine research centers, mountain clubs, and scientific institutions monitor rock stability, periglacial processes, glacier interactions, and other physical changes as part of conservation, hazard assessment, and broader Alpine research.

Matterhorn facts

A mid-nineteenth-century first ascent of the Matterhorn by Edward Whymper’s party became historically notable when four members of the party died during the descent.
The Matterhorn reaches 4,478 metres in elevation and occupies a prominent position on the border between Switzerland’s Valais canton and Italy’s Aosta Valley.
The triangular silhouette of the Matterhorn inspired the logo used by the Toblerone chocolate brand.
Four principal ridges on the Matterhorn are named Hörnli, Lion, Zmutt, and Furggen, creating its near-pyramidal appearance.
Swiss federal and cantonal authorities include the Matterhorn area in ongoing geological monitoring and regional conservation and research programs.

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