Tag Archives: Edward Whymper

Triumph and Tragedy

Posted on Tue, 14 July, 2015 by LensScaper

Today, 14 July 2015, is the 150th anniversary of the first ascent of the Matterhorn – the iconic unmistakable mountain that dominates Zermatt and has made that resort famous across the world and brought it extraordinary wealth. The mid-nineteenth century … Continue reading →

Posted in MountainScape, Swiss Alps - Summer | Tagged , , , , , | 28 Comments

Old Zermatt

Posted on Wed, 9 April, 2014 by LensScaper

Until the mid 19th century Zermatt was a poor rural village whose inhabitants earned a scarce living working the land. Visitors were rare. Then the Alps were discovered by intrepid explorers and the upper classes, and one by one the … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture & Buildings, Skiing - Zermatt | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Edward Whymper – a portrait of the climber as a young man

Posted on Wed, 13 February, 2013 by LensScaper

Whymper’s name is indelibly intertwined with Zermatt and The Matterhorn as a result of his part in the tragic first ascent of the mountain in 1865. I have already written at length about Whymper and his links with Zermatt in … Continue reading →

Posted in Art and Scultpure, Climb and Trek | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Whymper, the Matterhorn, and the Monte Rosa Hotel

Posted on Fri, 27 January, 2012 by LensScaper

Here’s a question: What is the link between Edward Whymper, the Matterhorn and the Monte Rosa Hotel? If you’re knowledgeable about the history of Alpine Mountaineering or have been to the Alps then you probably know Edward Whymper made the … Continue reading →

Posted in Climb and Trek, Eclectica, Swiss Alps - Summer, The Human touch | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments