The Matterhorn Museum in Zermatt, Switzerland, tells the story of the Matterhorn, from its origins in Africa and the dramatic first ascent, to the present day. The Zermatlantis exhibit reveals the story of Zermatt, the small farming village that became an internationally famous resort.
Zermatlantis is organized as an archaeological site. Visitors walk into the sunken 19th century-village of Zermatt, being unearthed by archaeologists. Walk-in houses relate their past, from agriculture and alpinism to modern tourism.
Zermatt's emblem is the Matterhorn. About 3,000 people from around the world attempt to climb the 4,478-meter peak every year. The Matterhorn was climbed for the first time on July 14, 1865 by a seven-man climbing team, headed by the English gentleman, Edward Whymper. Four climbers lost their lives in this attempt. The original rope, which was torn during the descent, is on display in Zermatt.
Anyone who climbs the Matterhorn is immortalized with a plaque affixed to a special stone wall. Climbers also become members of the Matterhorn Climbers Club.
The international ski area between Switzerland and Italy has 313 kilometers of ski slopes. An eight-seat cable car provides service between Furi and Riffelberg. It runs from Furi via Schweigmatten up to Riffelberg, where it joins the Gifthittli chairlift.
