Zermatt and the Matterhorn: a photo and décor guide for lovers of the Swiss Alps

The Matterhorn: the unmissable icon of the Swiss Alps

The Matterhorn is undoubtedly the most photographed peak in the Alps. With its instantly recognizable pyramidal silhouette, rising to 4,478 meters on the Italian-Swiss border, it embodies alpine majesty in all its splendor.

From Zermatt , a car-free alpine village nestled in the heart of Valais, the Matterhorn offers breathtaking panoramas at every hour of the day. Whether you're a passionate photographer or simply enjoy mountain photography , this legendary peak never ceases to inspire.

Zermatt: a paradise for mountain photographers

Why is Zermatt so photogenic?

Zermatt combines several unique advantages:

• Unobstructed views of the Matterhorn from many points in the village
• Authentic Alpine architecture with its traditional wooden chalets
• The Gornergrat Railway offers spectacular panoramic views at an altitude of 3,089 meters.
• Exceptional light thanks to the altitude and the purity of the air
• Year-round accessibility to capture the Matterhorn in all seasons

Discover our complete collection of photos of Zermatt to explore all facets of this iconic village.

The best photo spots in Zermatt and around the Matterhorn

1. The Gornergrat Railway – The Ultimate Panoramic Experience

The Gornergrat train is an unmissable experience. In 33 minutes, it takes you from Zermatt (1,604 m) to the summit of the Gornergrat (3,089 m), offering spectacular views of the Matterhorn and 29 peaks over 4,000 meters.

Our photo of the Matterhorn's reflection in the Gornergrat train captures this unique experience in black and white , perfect for a clean and elegant decoration.

Also check out our mountain train photo collection for more alpine railway shots.

2. The Matterhorn Glacier – Mountaineering and glacial landscapes

The Matterhorn glacier offers unique perspectives on the north face of the summit. Teams of climbers progressing along winding tracks in the snow create striking photographic compositions.

Our black and white photo of the Matterhorn glacier captures the essence of mountaineering and the grandeur of the glacial landscapes of Valais.

3. The Last Glimmers on the Matterhorn – The Spectacle of Twilight

The phenomenon of alpenglow (alpine glow) transforms the Matterhorn into a pyramid of fire at sunset. The last rays illuminate the rocky ridges, creating a spectacular contrast with the darkening sky.

Our photo of the last light on the Matterhorn immortalizes this magical moment in a timeless black and white rendering.

For more inspiration on alpine sunsets, see our article Sunset in the mountains: the most beautiful photo spots in the Alps .

4. The village of Zermatt – Alpine authenticity

The village itself offers numerous photogenic viewpoints: picturesque alleyways, traditional chalets, and of course, the Matterhorn as a backdrop. The ban on motor vehicles preserves the authentic atmosphere and air quality.

Tips for photographing the Matterhorn

The best seasons

• Winter (December-March) : Pristine snow, crystal-clear light, spectacular alpenglow. Cold temperatures but often clear skies.
• Summer (June-September) : Flowering meadows, edelweiss, soft evening light. Ideal for hiking and high-altitude viewpoints.
• Autumn (October-November) : Warm colours, morning mists, fewer tourists. Magnificent low-angled light.

Recommended equipment

To capture the Matterhorn in all its splendor:

• Wide-angle lens (16-35mm) for panoramas
• Telephoto lens (70-200mm) to isolate the summit
• An essential tripod for long exposures and sunrises/sunsets.
• Polarizing filter to intensify the blue of the sky and reduce reflections

Magical Hours

The golden hours offer the best light:

• Sunrise : First light on the east face of the Matterhorn (around 6-7am in summer)
• Sunset : Alpenglow on the west face (around 8-9pm in summer, 4-5pm in winter)

Incorporate the Matterhorn into your interior design

Black and white: a timeless choice

Black and white photographic prints of the Matterhorn bring timeless elegance to your interior. This aesthetic choice emphasizes the shapes, contrasts, and texture of the rock faces, creating an art gallery atmosphere.

Discover our full article Mountain photo prints in black and white: a gallery style for your living room for more inspiration.

Where should you place your painting of the Matterhorn?

• Living room : Above the sofa or on a main wall to create a majestic focal point. Recommended sizes: 100x70 cm or 120x80 cm.
• Office : To inspire calm and determination. The Matterhorn symbolizes ambition and perseverance. See our collection of mountain photo prints for offices .
• Chalet : In the entrance or living area to enhance the alpine ambiance. Browse our selection of mountain photo prints for chalets .
• Bedroom : For a calming and contemplative atmosphere before sleep.

Formats and compositions

The Matterhorn lends itself to different formats:

• Portrait format : Emphasizes the verticality and pyramidal shape of the summit
• Landscape format : Incorporates the alpine setting and the village of Zermatt
• Panoramic format : Captures the entire Alpine range. See our collection of panoramic mountain photo prints .

Our photo paintings of the Matterhorn and Zermatt

Explore our Matterhorn Photos collection and our Zermatt Photos collection to discover all of our available prints.

All our prints are produced on premium Dibond aluminum composite panels , a rigid and durable material that faithfully reproduces details and contrasts. Each print is ready to hang and carefully delivered throughout Europe.

To learn more about this exceptional medium, consult our guide Mountain photo frame in aluminium: the complete guide to choosing the right one (2025) .

Discover the Swiss Alps beyond Zermatt

Switzerland is full of other exceptional photographic destinations:

• Grindelwald and the Eiger : Mythical North Face and Landscapes of the Bernese Oberland
• Lake Lucerne : Alpine reflections and traditional architecture
• Landwasser Viaduct : A railway masterpiece in Graubünden
• Jungfraujoch : The "Roof of Europe" at 3,454 meters

Explore our complete collection of mountain photos in Switzerland and our Swiss Alps Photos collection .

FAQ – Zermatt and the Matterhorn

What is the best time to visit Zermatt and photograph the Matterhorn?

Winter (December-March) offers exceptional conditions with pristine snow and crystal-clear light. Summer (June-September) allows access to high-altitude viewpoints and longer days. Autumn is ideal for avoiding crowds while enjoying beautiful light.

How to get to Zermatt?

Zermatt is accessible only by train from Täsch (parking is mandatory) or Visp. The village is car-free, preserving its authenticity and air quality. The train journey is an integral part of the Alpine experience.

What format should I choose for a photo of the Matterhorn?

To highlight the Matterhorn's verticality, choose a portrait format (70x100 cm or 80x120 cm). For a panoramic view including Zermatt, opt for a landscape (120x80 cm) or panoramic (150x50 cm) format.

Why choose black and white for a painting of the Matterhorn?

Black and white highlights the shapes, textures, and contrasts of the Matterhorn. This timeless choice creates an art gallery atmosphere and blends easily into any decorating style, from modern to classic.

Do you offer customized projects for professionals?

Yes! For hotel projects, professional spaces, specific formats, or rights transfers, contact us via our Contact & Quote page. We also support decoration projects for chalets and luxury residences.

Discover our complete collection of Matterhorn photo prints now and bring the majesty of the Swiss Alps into your home.