During one of my recent “travels” on Google Earth (yes, I do that often… somehow I can’t live without travelling all the time!) I’ve spent some time looking into panoramic content from 360 Cities. They have now collected an incredible amount of 360° panoramic photos, uploaded from talented amateur photographers from around the world, that let you explore the globe from your armchair with a stunning immersive experience. The picture below shows the panorama from Gornergrat hotel in Zermatt (Switzerland). If you want more, then try out The Louvre in Paris (France), Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque in Isfahn (Iran) or Ile Aux Canards Coral Reef in Noumea (New Caledonia). Bon (virtual) voyage!

Switzerland’s Valais is without doubt one of the most fascinating regions of the Alps. In particular, the surroundings of Zermatt offer many breathtaking excursions that let you enjoy the spectacular views of Matterhorn and Monte Rosa (two of the highest peaks in the Alps). The first trek I personally suggest is the one to Hornlihutte, a mountain hut just under Matterhorn (click here to read the review on the Zermatt-Hornlihutte trek, also published on AlphaHutte). If you’ve already been to Hornlihutte, you definetely have to visit Monte Rosa Hutte which, as the name suggests, is on Monte Rosa. Just to maps things out: Matterhorn is south-west of Zermatt whereas Monte Rosa is south-east. It follows that from Matterhorn you enjoy great views of Monte Rosa and viceversa. This review describes a very nice one-day trek to Monte Rosa Hutte departing from Zermatt and caracterized by mixed terrain hiking including parts on glaciers and moraines as well as traditional dirt trails. More »

Matterhorn is without any doubt the most spectacular peak in the Alps. Located between Switzerland and Italy and famous for its particular shape that looks like a horn, it’s also one of the most climbed mountain-tops in the world. This review describes a very nice one-day trek that starts from Zermatt (in Switzerland’s Valais), reaches Hornlihutte where most of expeditions on Matterhorn depart and goes back to start point running through a valley lateral to the one where Zermatt lies. More »