If you like adventure and enjoy breathtaking sceneries in the European context, there are two famous mountains that you should definitely climb: Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. Geographically, they are located in the Central Alps, and these mountains keep attracting hikers, adventurers and tourists too. In this article, we provide all the essential information for Australians planning to visit the stunning Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn, including where these iconic mountains are located and the best viewpoints to take in their breathtaking beauty.
What is Mont Blanc?
Rising to a startling height of 4,807 metres (15,774 feet), Mont Blanc—meaning “White Mountain” in French—is the highest mountain in the Alps and Western Europe. Located on the Mont Blanc Massif, a system of mountains situated in France, Italy, and Switzerland, it Sometime Known As Roof Of Europe Mont Blanc is characterized by vast glaciers and high frozen peaks.
Where is Mont Blanc?
Mont Blanc is located within a small region in Switzerland and sits on the Alps at the border of France and Italy. Approached close to Chamonix, France, it is regarded as the mountain’s gateway. Popular ski resort and mountain climbing base Chamonix attracts guests all year round.
- Country location: Mont Blanc is mainly situated in France, with its range extending into both Italy and Switzerland.
- Nearest city: The most significant settlement situated closest to the Savoie region is Chamonix, France which serves as a common gateway for people going to Mont Blanc.
- Coordinates: It is located at approximately 45.8326 degrees North and 6.8647 degrees East.
How to get to Mont Blanc from Australia
For those who want to see Mont Blanc, it is most sensible to fly to Europe available options. Generally, the best strategy is to land at the Geneva International Airport in Switzerland, which is about an hour’s drive from Chamonix, France. Chamonix can be easily accessed by bus, or a rented car from Geneva. Another alternative is to fly into Lyon or Turin which are also relatively near Mont Blanc.
- Best airport: Geneva International Airport, Switzerland.
- Travel time from Australia: Sydney and Melbourne to Geneva flights usually take 24 to 28 hours flight time depending on layover periods.
Where is the Matterhorn?
The Pennine Alps, a greater grouping of Alpine mountains, contain the Matterhorn. Nestled near the Italian border, Zermatt stands as Switzerland’s most popular tourist destination. On the southern side of the Matterhorn sits the kind Italian town of Breuil-Cervinia. Both locations offer convenient access to a range of activities like cable car excursions, hiking, and skiing together with stunning mountain views.
- Country location: The Matterhorn is located on the border of Switzerland and Italy.
- Nearest city: The closest town in Switzerland is Zermatt, while Breuil-Cervinia is the Italian counterpart.
- Coordinates: Approximately 45.9763° N latitude and 7.6586° E longitude.
How to get to the Matterhorn from Australia
Flying into Zurich International Airport in Switzerland is the best choice if you are heading from Australia to see the Matterhorn; else, you may fly into Milan Malpensa Airport in Italy. From Zurich, you might get a train to conveniently located, car-free Zermatt. Just a few hours by train or car, Milan, Breuil-Cervinia on the Italian side of the Matterhorn is.
- Best airports: Switzerland’s Zurich International Airport or Italy’s Milan Malpensa Airport.
- Travel time from Australia: Flights from Sydney or Melbourne to Zurich or Milan typically take 24 to 30 hours with layovers.
Comparison: Mont Blanc vs the Matterhorn
Although both Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn are soaring, magnificent mountains, they give different experiences to visitors:
- Mont Blanc, the highest summit in Western Europe, is a popular destination for experienced mountaineers. Its long-known hiking trails and skiing grounds are equally appealing. Mont Blanc’s base, Chamonix, is alive with seasonal events in winter and summer.
- The Matterhorn is the unique form of the Matterhorn appeals to both mountaineers and photographers equally. The closest Swiss town, Zermatt is a car-free community offering a real Alpine experience in tranquilly. The Matterhorn is also quite famous for influencing Alpine climbing development.
Best times to visit Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn
Though Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn are year-round vacation destinations, your interests will guide the optimum time to visit.
- Winter (December to February): In the winter, December through February, skiing and snowboarding are perfect pursuits. Chamonix which is centred around Mont Blanc and Zermatt which is famous for Matterhorn are some of the top class ski activities.
- Summer (June to September): The best time for activities such as climbing, walking or just enjoying the view is in the summer period between June and September. The sky is clear and the temperatures pleasant making it ideal for outdoor activities within the summer period.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can you climb Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn?
Among mountain enthusiasts, Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn hold significant popularity. Still, reaching either top requires exact planning as both current situations are challenging. While rookie climbers with appropriate help can ascend Mont Blanc much more easily, the Matterhorn is often considered as more difficult because of its pure, stony slopes.
2. Which mountain is more famous?
While both peaks are famous, the distinctive pyramid shape of the Matterhorn might be an immediate distinguishing factor. Mercantour is known as the tallest summit of Western Europe, but climbers too tend to be aware that it is quite famous as well.
3. Can you visit both Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn in one trip?
Given their close proximity—about 150 miles apart—Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn are visitable together. By automobile or train, Chamonix to Zermatt takes three to four hours allowing you to see both Alps in one journey.
Final thoughts
Australians who want to visit the most popular mountain ranges will find a range of attractions in Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. Anyone, regardless of their interest—be it skiing, hiking and simply soaking in the beautiful scenery—mountaining these peaks is always reaching out for one’s emotions. To both tourists and nature lovers these mountains encompassing the towering heights of Mont Blanc and the beautiful pyramid shape of Matterhorn are impossible to ignore.
