Which mountain range is home to the Matterhorn?

The Matterhorn is in the Alps, specifically the Pennine Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy. Its instantly recognizable, near-symmetrical pyramid rises above Zermatt in Switzerland and Breuil-Cervinia in Italy, making it one of Europe’s most famous mountain landmarks.

The summit reaches 4,478 meters. The mountain’s four steep faces point roughly toward the cardinal directions, and its shape was sharpened by glacial erosion. Although most of the Matterhorn lies in Switzerland, its southern face is in Italy, and the mountain straddles the Alpine watershed and international boundary.

The first successful ascent took place on July 14, 1865, led by Edward Whymper. The expedition reached the summit, but four climbers died during the descent, making the climb a defining and tragic event in mountaineering history. The Matterhorn is sometimes mistaken for Mont Blanc, but Mont Blanc is a separate Alpine peak and is the highest mountain in the Alps.