Lamps illuminate the path of the first ascent on the famous Matterhorn mountain in Zermatt, Switzerland. Tomorrow marks the 150th anniversary of that maiden ascent, when British writer and climber Edward Whymper reached the peak of the Matterhorn with his rope team.

The mountain, which reaches 4,478m above sea level, is Switzerland's best-known peak but is also a dangerous mountain.

Only three climbers of the seven-man team survived the first conquest of the mountain. The rest, including a Scottish aristocrat, Lord Francis Douglas, fell to their deaths during the descent.

Over the past decade, an average of six climbers a year have perished on the peak, according to local media.