New Zealand flag projected onto Matterhorn in Swiss Alps

New Zealand's flag lights up the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps.
New Zealand's flag lights up the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps. Photo credit: Zermatt Tourism

New Zealand's flag stood proud this week as it was projected onto the slopes of the 4478m Matterhorn mountain in Switzerland.

The Swiss town of Zermatt is using its world famous landmark to spread a message of hope during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The town has been displaying different messages onto the mountain every night and as the sun set on Wednesday night local time, it was our red and blue southern cross that was reflecting off the rocky white snowy slopes of Matterhorn.

The mountain, which is one of the tallest in Europe, is said to be the most photographed mountains in the world.

And, as well as photographs, the mountain slopes are streamed live online to thousands of people every day, meaning it wasn't just the locals who got to see the New Zealand flag towering hundreds of metres into the air.

The NZ Embassy of Switzerland said it was "a solidarity action during these difficult days."

"With this action, Zermatt Tourism wants to express solidarity with the New Zealand population and hopes that the signal will give them hope and strength to survive the crisis well."