There are four routes up the Matterhorn which are climbed relatively regularly. All can be climbed from Zermatt. By far and away the most frequented is the North-East or Hörnli Ridge (AD III-). This was the line of the first ascent and it is not unusual to see 100 mountaineers per day attempt it in the summer season.

Yes, the Matterhorn can be climbed, but in 2026, it remains one of the most technical and physically demanding peaks in the Alps, requiring a high level of fitness and mountaineering experience. While it is not "impossible" for a determined beginner, it is absolutely not a "trekking" peak; it involves steep rock scrambling and exposure that can be terrifying for the uninitiated. The vast majority of successful summiters hire a certified UIAGM mountain guide, usually through the Zermatt or Breuil-Cervinia guide offices. The most common route is the Hörnli Ridge (Zermatt side), which takes approximately 8-10 hours round trip. Preparation is key: climbers should spend several days acclimatizing to the altitude and practicing technical rock climbing on neighboring 4,000-meter peaks before attempting the Matterhorn itself. Even with a guide, the mountain demands respect; weather can change in minutes, and rockfall is a constant hazard. For those who reach the top, the reward is a 360-degree view of the Swiss and Italian Alps, cementing their place among the elite group of adventurers who have stood atop the "Mountain of Mountains."