FlagSwitzerland · European Alps4,478 m (14,692 ft)

Matterhorn 3D Terrain Map & Relief Model

Interactive digital elevation model (DEM) for Matterhorn. Tilt, rotate, and inspect high-altitude summit ridges, glacial cirques, and approach routes in high-resolution 3D WebGL cartography.

INITIALIZING 3D TERRAIN RELIEF...Loading Copernicus & Mapzen Digital Elevation Model
⛺ High-Altitude Route Staging & Camp Profile:Ascent staging points across documented expedition routes
🏠Hörnli Hut (Base)3,260 m

The classic modern alpine hut at the base of the ridge, offering shelter and starting point for alpine ascents.

⛺Solvay Bivouac4,003 m

A tiny emergency shelter perched on a narrow rock ledge on the ridge, strictly for emergency bivy use.

⛺The Shoulder & Fixed Ropes4,200 m

The steep mixed headwall where heavy fixed ropes assist climbers over polished rock slabs and icy gullies.

Key Crux: Upper Moseley Slabs and the steep summit headwall
⛰️Matterhorn Swiss Summit4,478 m

The highest point on the narrow summit arête, marked by a metal cross overlooking the Italian summit and Zermatt valley.

🏠Breuil-Cervinia Base2,006 m

The historic Italian alpine resort at the foot of the Matterhorn's south face, gateway for all Italian Matterhorn approaches.

⛺Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi (Col du Lion)3,555 m

The standard high hut on the Italian Matterhorn route, perched on the historic Col du Lion where Carrel began his 1865 summit push.

⛺The Great Tower (La Grande Tour)4,000 m

The most demanding technical section of the Lion Ridge, a series of overhanging mixed pitches at the UIAA IV grade.

⛰️Matterhorn Summit (4,478 m)4,478 m

The narrow, corniced summit ridge shared by the Swiss and Italian approaches, with a small metal cross and 360-degree views of the Pennine Alps.

🧗 Vertical Relief ClimbTopographic
1,218 m(3,996 ft)

Total vertical rise from Hörnli Hut (Base) (3,260m) directly to the summit crest.

🧭 WGS84 CoordinatesDatum
45.9764° N, 7.6583° E

DMS: 45°58′35″ N, 7°39′30″ E. Verified against alpine geodesy baselines.

⛰️ Topographic ProminenceKey Col
1,042 m

The vertical drop to the lowest contour encircling the peak with no higher summit inside it.

❄️ Glacial Cirque BasinAlpine Relief
European Alps Glacial Field

Surrounded by lateral moraines, active icefalls, and high glaciated ridges feeding regional river systems.

Topographic Architecture of Matterhorn

The Matterhorn (Monte Cervino), at 4,478 meters (14,692 ft), is one of the most recognizable and dramatic pyramidal peaks in the world. Straddling the border between Zermatt, Switzerland, and Breuil-Cervinia, Italy, its four triangular faces match the cardinal points of the compass. Its historic first ascent by Edward Whymper on July 14, 1865, and the tragic fall of four teammates on the descent marked the end of the Golden Age of Alpinism.

Geographical & Glacial Context: Pennine Alps subrange of the Central Alps, presiding over the watershed between Zermatt in the Canton of Valais and the Valtournenche in the Aosta Valley.
First Ascent: July 14, 1865·Expedition Team: Edward Whymper, Lord Francis Douglas, Charles Hudson, Douglas Hadow, Michel Croz, Peter Taugwalder Sr., Peter Taugwalder Jr.