No, we did not climb the Matterhorn. This article is about getting on Klein Matterhorn which is a nearby peak that serves as a perfect viewpoint to admire the real Matterhorn Mountain.
Firstly, getting a Swiss travel pass makes life, and commuting around postcard-perfect Switzerland, smooth and easy. You can take the rail to Zermatt and book an electric cab to your accommodation. Zermatt is a car-free town. Private vehicles are only allowed until Tasch, which is located 5 kilometers from Zermatt. Electric vehicles are only used for business. Inside Zermatt, you can walk, cycle or use public transport to move around.
We had a lift that took us from point A to the accommodation next to ours. It is advisable to check with your accommodation provider about the nearest lift available or select another accommodation that has these amenities nearby. Otherwise, you have a lot of walking to do!
Matterhorn is a very difficult mountain to climb. But, if youβre visiting Switzerland, you will want to go to Zermatt, a small but pretty town that houses this majestic mountain.
PS: Have you heard of the famous Swiss chocolate called βTobleroneβ? As Switzerlandβs famous landmark, the Matterhorn has been on its packaging since 1970.
Matterhorn is also one of the most photographed mountains in history. It is located on the border of Zermatt in Switzerland and the Aosta Valley region of Italy. This 4478-metre-high, near-perfect pyramid-shaped elevation not only makes this iconic landmark one of the highest summits in the Alps and Europe but also makes it one of the most dangerous mountains in the world. Since 1865, around 500 people have died while climbing or descending it due to improper preparation, unfavourable weather conditions, falls, rockfalls, etc.
So, yes, we are not helping you climb the Matterhorn but letting you know how you can really enjoy the Matterhorn from Klein Matterhorn. Though no fixed level of fitness is required for this experience, it is not recommended for travellers who are under 3 or with specific health conditions like recent surgeries, chronic illnesses, pregnancy, etc.
If you are not in a hurry, you can easily take around 4 hours to have a meal, visit the glacier paradise, make angels in the snow, enjoy the views of Matterhorn from the observatory deck and click plenty of pictures. To avoid wasting time standing in the queue to purchase tickets, buy your ticket here.
You will need to travel by 3 gondolas (cable cars) to get from the base (Furi at approximately 5500 feet) to the top (Matterhorn Glacier Paradise). It will take approximately an hour.
You just jump onto another gondola that goes to the next station.
You reach a large snowy area to jump in. The kids will have a ball of a time there. You can create angels in the snow. There are other activities there though they were closed when we reached near closing time. Sadly, we did this part last.
Here you can sit and have a meal at the restaurant. You can get outside and click some pictures in the snow if no clouds hinder your view. You can also get into Italy from the Italy exit.
On this level, you will also want to check out the ice palace called the Glacier Palace. There are many ice sculptures to admire in this palace. You will also find the border of Switzerland and Italy with the respective flags on either side.
Outside the restaurant, you will find a path leading to a flight of stairs that take you up to the 360-degree observatory deck. Here, you will find the holy cross with Jesus Christ on it. On the right of the cross, you will see the popular Matterhorn, Switzerland’s famous mountain.
The last ride back to base will be around 1630 hours. So, plan accordingly.
The views were beautiful. The experience was amazing. The feeling was overwhelming. We even tasted snow for the first time. Our suggestion before you plan your trip to Klein Matterhorn is to check the weather conditions as the lift timings and other activities depend on it. To completely bask in the Matterhorn experience, you may want to keep your mornings free, start early and get up there on time. If the weather permits you will have a splendid time just like we did.
Any questions? Do ask us.
Feature image courtesy https://www.zermatt-tickets.com/
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39 Comments
I absolutely loved this detailed post! Switzerland has always been on my bucket listβmainly for its dreamy snow-covered landscapes, just like in the movies. Absolutely loved your pictures. Seems you had enjoyed fully. But this post just gave me yet another reason to make it happen soon! Manifesting π
All the best, Pamela!
I have been in love with Matterhorn ever since I was introduced to Toblerone. Your adventure is giving me major FOMO!
Beautiful pictures Cindy. Matterhorn must have been adventurous and I would love to visit it someday. Family and their happy faces are surely a blessing.
That’s a great description and lovely pictures! And I didn’t know that the mountains on Toblerone are Matterhorn!! It’s even shaped like a mountain range π
Oh this blog beautifully captures the essence of experiencing the Matterhorn from Klein Matterhorn. The detailed descriptions and tips make it feel like I’m right there with you. Thank you for sharing this adventure!
You’re welcome, Jeannine!
Such amazing pictures and great information in this post too. Switzerland is any traveller’s dream and Matterhorn is a must-see. Would love to visit here someday!
You should, Varsha.
Ah, the Toblerone mountains!! π Thank you for the beautiful travel tales. These stunning photographs with your wide smiles make me want to visit the place immediately.
You should, Shalini!
This was such a fun and detailed read! I love how you covered everything from the gondola ride to the breathtaking views and even tasting snow for the first time, I did that too π what a special experience! Definitely bookmarking this for when I get to visit Switzerland.
Wowo…what a place Cindy. I wish I can visit at least once here. I am amazed how you reach at that peak and enjoyed so much. Once I did Rohtang Pass and I was out of energy. You did awesome job to enjoy and create beautiful, step by step write up for travelers. Love your all pictures. ππ
Thank you, Neeta! Eating healthy helps!
Aye! You’re in Schengen so often I feel like we’ve crossed paths at least once π
Btw, Matterhorn is on our Spring itinerary this year, so thanks for these helpful tips π
Anytime, Manali! I would’ve recognized you if we had crossed paths. Hahaha!
I started envying you now! You make travel sound so dreamy and I started to shiver looking at you all lying on the snow. I like the way you give details for travelers and make it all sound so easy to reach and return too.
It is easy if we research online and follow the rules there, Chandrika. That’s what I’ve learnt in most places.
Cindy I would like to call you a sensible and elegant fashionista who know when, where and how to look to deliver a sense of charmness in the people looking at you. See I m smiling π looking at you as your presence in form of pics in this blog made it happen. Coming to travelog…. I m fedup of appreciating your skills and expertise in this arena…. what to say …. you are fantastic as always…. keep exploring and keep entertaining π
Hahahhaa! Samata, you are sweet!
Wow Cindy, You make traveling sound like a dream. Love how you not only explore but also share such amazing detais with beautiful pix. Klein Matterhorn looks like the perfect way to admire the real Matterhorn without the tough climb. A meal with that view, snowy pictures and even a quick step into Italyβsounds like an adventure. Definitely adding this to my Europe bucket list.
Thanks, Anjali. You should!
You are indeed an inspiring traveller and I must say a very good photographer. I loved every pictures from your travel blogs.
Thank you, Kanchan! I try my best!
This is such a wonderfully compiled post with some incredible travel memories. That eating snow picture is the best.
Yeah, that was my son’s idea!
Swiss lands are bestowed with beauty with open arms by Mother Nature. You literally took us to the Mount Matterhorn with your photos
I’m glad you liked the tour, Aditya!
Love the detailed post about this. Visiting Switzerland is one of my bucket-list, simply because of its snow and all like how they show in movies.
But this post for sure gave me one strong reason for it.
Cindy, this is fab. I am totally floored by that Glacier Palace. I really hope that I can visit this town. I love the idea of car-free town.
Yes, it is lovely, Ambica. You should try and visit at least once.
This was such an immersive and detailed post. Thank you! Your descriptions were so vivid that it made me feel like I was experiencing Klien Matterhorn firsthand. It sounds breathtaking and after reading it, i am definitely adding it to my bucket list.
I loved how your blog breaks down the Matterhorn experience so effortlessly, making it easy for travelers to plan their visit.
What a useful review for Matterhornπ Now that you mentioned I looked up my toblerone chocolate cover lying in my fridge. I like the way you share about your travel making it easy peasy for travellers to enjoy their trip and not make many faux pas.
Thanks for appreciating, Harjeet.
Such an amazing traveler you are! You.not only have fun but also make time to create such awesome writeups about your journeys and beautiful places you cover. Matterhorn is definitely on my Europe bucket list.
Thank you, Ratna!
Looking at all those grinning faces , I can fathom how thrilling the view of Matterhorn must have been. Thanks for sharing this Cindy. At least it is a virtual tour and your travelogues are so informative and enriching.
Thank you, Preeti.