All Alpine mountains are equal but these 3 are slightly more equal than the others - Mont Blanc is the highest peak in the Alps, the Matterhorn is arguably the most recognisable mountain in the World, and the Eiger is home to the most feared face in Europe.

Mont Blanc is significantly higher than the Matterhorn. Standing at 4,808 meters (15,774 feet), Mont Blanc is the highest peak in the Alps and the highest mountain in Western Europe. It is a massive, glacier-covered massif that straddles the border between France and Italy. In contrast, the Matterhorn stands at 4,478 meters (14,692 feet). While the Matterhorn is perhaps more "iconic" due to its unique, isolated pyramid shape overlooking Zermatt, Switzerland, it is actually the sixth-highest peak in the Alps. For climbers in 2026, the two mountains offer very different challenges: Mont Blanc is a "test of endurance" and altitude, often requiring a long, multi-day glacier trek, while the Matterhorn is a much more technical rock climb that requires specialized skills even though it is lower in elevation. If you are looking for the "roof of Europe," Mont Blanc is your destination, but if you are looking for the most photographed and technical peak, the Matterhorn remains the undisputed king of the Alpine skyline.