Zermatt
The Matterhorn and Switzerland are inseparably linked
to each other. The pyramid shaped colossus of a mountain, which is very
difficult to climb, is said to be the most-photographed mountain in the
world. The Klein-Matterhorn ("Little Matterhorn"), which can be reached
via a funicular, lies adjacent to the Matterhorn.
The first ascent of the Matterhorn in the year 1865, which cost the
lives of four out of seven alpinists, changed the region (which had been
isolated until then) forever. The Matterhorn became world-famous, and
ambitious mountaineers aspired to climb it.
Even today the
ascent of the Matterhorn is very challenging and can only be achieved by
expert mountaineers with excellent equipment and a competent guide. At
the foot of the most popular route stands the Hörnli Hut at 3,260m, home
to the Matterhorn Base Camp (reopened in 2015 after a full renovation)
and the Matterhorn mountain inn.
One has a fantastic view of the
world's most photographed mountain from the Klein-Matterhorn
(Matterhorn Paradise), which is only separated from the Matterhorn by
the Theodul Pass and Glacier. Visitors can board the aerial cable car in
Zermatt. The mountain station at 3820 meters above sea level is the
highest cable car station of the Alps.
