The Matterhorn is the sharply pointed Swiss landmark often called the Toblerone mountain.
The pyramid-shaped peak rises to 4,478 metres in the Pennine Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy. Its four steep faces point roughly toward the compass directions, while four ridges separate them and create the mountain’s instantly recognizable outline.
Edward Whymper and his team made the first successful ascent on 14 July 1865 from the Swiss side. The expedition ended tragically when four climbers died during the descent after a rope broke. The first ascent helped establish the Matterhorn as a major symbol of alpine mountaineering.
The mountain inspired the triangular peaks shown on Toblerone packaging, although the company’s relationship with the Matterhorn has changed over time. The Matterhorn is not the highest mountain in the Alps; that distinction belongs to Mont Blanc. Its fame comes from its distinctive shape, climbing history, and setting above Zermatt.