The 12th highest peak in the Alps, the Matterhorn (French name: Cervin) is the best-known mountain in Switzerland for its pyramid shape, immediately recognisable, and notably found in the logo of Toblerone chocolate. The conquest of the Matterhorn, which was believed to be unattainable, with the first ascent via the Hörnli Ridge, on 14 July 1865, marked the end of the Golden Age of Alpinism and the first great drama in Alpine history, since it would end, at the start of the descent, in the death of four of the seven members. Its north face, at 1,100 metres high, is one of the most dangerous faces of the Alps. Climbed for the first time in 1931, this feat earned Franz and Toni Schmid the Olympic Alpine Prize at the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The Line has depicted the silhouette from the heights of Zermatt.