How about a close encounter with Switzerland’s biggest celebrity? We are, of course, talking about the Matterhorn (4’478 m), a world-famous peak that lies on the border between Switzerland and Italy.

It is not even in the top five highest peaks in the Swiss Alps, and yet, thanks to its distinctive and easily recognisable shape, it attracts hundreds of climbers and thousands of tourists with cameras every year.

The first ascent of the Matterhorn

The first to stand on its summit was the seven-man team of Edward Whymper, then a 25-year-old British mountaineer, and this took place on 14 July 1865. Unfortunately, during the descent four people died, falling into the abyss. Only Whymper and the Taugwalders (father and son, alpine guides) returned from the summit.

In contrast, the first Polish ascent of the Matterhorn was made in 1894 with companions, Marian Smoluchowski (physicist, mountaineer and mountaineer).

To this day, climbing the Matterhorn is a very demanding undertaking, only possible for experienced mountaineers and preferably in the company of a professional guide.

There are many routes to its summit. The most frequented, and considered the easiest, is the north-east ridge of Hörnli, where the base camp is the hut of the same name.

In this article, however, I will not be offering you a climb to the top of the Matterhorn, but just the route to the Hörnli hut. This is an ideal option for mountain hikers who want to get at least a little bit of a feel for the mountain.

A few words about Hörnlihütte

Hörnlihütte mountain hut has a long history. It was built in 1880 under the supervision and on the initiative of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC), Monte Rosa Section. Since its inception, it has served many climbers as a starting point for climbing the Matterhorn and as a shelter in case the weather changes. Initially, it had only 17 beds to offer. Since then, it has been extended and rebuilt several times and now offers more than a hundred beds.

Route to the hut

We started our hike to Hörnlihütte at the Schwarzsee lake, which was reached by the “Matterhorn – Express” gondola lift from Zermatt. At the top, the landscape is quite rugged, dominated by bare rock and snow-capped peaks. In sight, of course, is the Matterhorn and the destination of this route – the Hörnlihütte hut. I must admit that the view is very motivating when going uphill.

I should point out that the section from Hirla to the hut is marked in blue. However, do not be afraid of this route, as the path is very well prepared and no climbing equipment is required. Of course, fitness is needed as the route, although short, is not the easiest. The altitude also does its part. In addition, you need to be very careful, especially on the sections where there is icy snow. It is very slippery and it is not difficult to have an accident. Ropes attached to the rocks are helpful.

The return route, although it takes the same route to Schwarzsee, is absolutely not boring. After all, with the Matterhorn behind you, you can concentrate on other, equally beautiful peaks and glaciers.