Soar above glaciers and towering Alpine peaks on the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing, a remarkable journey connecting Switzerland and Italy in one unforgettable adventure.
There are few trips in the world where the journey itself is as memorable as the destination. The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing is one of them. Suspended high above glaciers, snow-covered peaks, and dramatic Alpine landscapes, this remarkable cable car connection links Switzerland and Italy in a way that was once only imaginable.
Officially inaugurated on 1 July 2023, the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing connects the famous Swiss mountain resort of Zermatt with the charming Italian village of Breuil-Cervinia. The project represents years of engineering innovation and has created the highest cable car border crossing in the Alps. For travellers seeking something truly extraordinary, it offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience two countries and one of the world’s most iconic mountain regions in a single day.
The adventure begins in Zermatt, a picturesque car-free village nestled beneath the legendary Matterhorn. From here, a series of modern cable cars transport visitors through a breathtaking landscape. The highlight is the Matterhorn Glacier Ride II, which carries passengers across the border between Switzerland and Italy at an altitude of nearly 3,500 metres. The entire one-way journey takes approximately 90 minutes, providing uninterrupted views of glaciers, rugged mountain peaks, and the silhouette of the Matterhorn.
Travelling aboard the state-of-the-art cabins is a comfortable and luxurious experience. Large panoramic windows allow guests to fully appreciate the scenery, while the smooth ride makes it accessible for all ages. For those undertaking a longer itinerary, a convenient luggage transport service is also available, allowing freedom from the burden of carrying bags through the mountains.
One of the greatest appeals of the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing is the opportunity to enjoy two distinct cultures in a single day. While Zermatt charms visitors with traditional Swiss hospitality, wooden chalets, and classic mountain cuisine, Cervinia offers a distinctly Italian atmosphere filled with a warm, cordial spirit and excellent food.
No visit to the latter would be complete without stopping for lunch. After descending from the cable car, visitors can enjoy a leisurely Italian meal while admiring the magnificent views of the Matterhorn, known in Italy as Monte Cervino.
A classic lunch might include homemade pasta, freshly baked pizza, or local specialities from the Aosta Valley, accompanied by a glass of Italian wine. Restaurants around the village centre and mountain terraces offer stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere, making lunch in Cervinia one of the highlights of the day. It is a wonderful contrast to the Swiss side and a reminder that crossing a border can mean discovering entirely different flavours and traditions.
Back in Zermatt, travellers should make time to visit the Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis, one of the region’s most fascinating attractions. Located in the heart of the village, the museum tells the story of the resort’s transformation from a remote mountain settlement into a world-famous destination.
Exhibits explore the dramatic first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865, local Alpine culture, traditional village life and the development of mountaineering in the region. Underground recreations of old Zermatt provide an immersive glimpse into the past, helping visitors better understand the mountain that has captivated explorers, climbers, and travellers for generations.
Asia Dreams Volume 59
Matterhorn Zermatt Bergbahnen
Schluhmattstrasse 123
3920 Zermatt, Switzerland
T: (+41) 279660101
E: info@matterhornparadise.ch
W: matterhornparadise.ch
IG: @zermattbergbahnen
