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Cemetery and memorial · Zermatt, Valais
Bergsteigerfriedhof
The climbers' cemetery, next to Zermatt's Catholic church, with about 50 graves of mountaineers from several countries who died in the mountains around the village, almost all in the 19th century.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Bergsteigerfriedhof
The Bergsteigerfriedhof lies next to the Catholic church of St. Mauritius, near Kirchplatz. It gathers about 50 graves of mountaineers from various countries who died in accidents on the Matterhorn, Weisshorn, Liskamm, Täschhorn, Obergabelhorn and the Monte Rosa massif.
Almost all the headstones date from the 19th century, and some from the early 20th. The guides Peter Taugwalder, father and son, who accompanied Whymper in 1865 and later died of natural causes, are also remembered there, and next to them is the headstone of Michel Croz, the guide who died on the descent.
Of the four who died in the first ascent, Hudson and Hadow are buried at Zermatt's Anglican church. The body of Lord Francis Douglas was never found.
Some headstones still receive flowers and candles from relatives and climbing companions. One of them, of an American young man, bears the phrase "I chose to climb" and the climber's red ice axe.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
15 to 30 minutes.
Best time
During the day, in silence. Combine it with a visit to the Matterhorn Museum, on the other side of the square.
How to get there
It is next to the Catholic church, on Kirchplatz, at the end of Bahnhofstrasse, about a 10-minute walk from the station.
Tip
It's a place of mourning: speak quietly and do not step on the graves. For those who want to understand the history of mountaineering in the village, the visit complements the museum.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Bergsteigerfriedhof
Where is the climbers' cemetery located?
Next to the Catholic church of St. Mauritius, near the Kirchplatz, in the center of Zermatt.
Who is buried in the mountaineers' cemetery?
About 50 mountaineers from various countries, who died in the mountains around Zermatt, almost all in the 19th century.
Is Whymper buried in Zermatt?
No. Whymper survived the first ascent. Of those who died in 1865, Hudson and Hadow are by the Anglican church, and Croz has a gravestone in the mountaineers' cemetery.