Platthorn, Alpine summit in Valais, Switzerland

The Platthorn is a 3,345 m summit in the Pennine Alps of Valais, standing close to the 61 m higher Mettelhorn above the Mattertal, northwest of Zermatt and southwest of Täsch. It is joined to the Mettelhorn by the Furggji Pass, and its normal route from Zermatt crosses no glacier.

The Platthorn (3,345 m) lies above the Mattertal northwest of Zermatt and southwest of Täsch, joined to the 61 m higher Mettelhorn by the Furggji Pass (3,166 m). Its normal route leaves Zermatt (1,608 m) through the Trift valley to the Trift mountain inn (2,337 m), continues to the pass and reaches the summit over rocky ground without climbing; unlike the Mettelhorn, no glacier is crossed. A second Platthorn stands above Eisten at 3,246 m.

The normal route starts in Zermatt and passes the Berggasthof Trift at 2337 m, a mountain inn reached in about two hours through the Trift valley. From there the path continues to the Furggji Pass at 3166 m before the final half hour over rocky ground to the summit.

Visitors climbing this peak need mountain experience and proper gear including sturdy boots and technical equipment for glaciated terrain. Access to the mountain is best arranged through established routes and mountain huts located near common starting points.

The normal route avoids any glacier crossing, unlike the neighbouring Mettelhorn, so the Furggji Pass approach stays on rock and alpine hiking paths. A second, lower Platthorn (3246 m) rises above Eisten, a name visitors often confuse with this summit.