5Solvay Hut, Switzerland
Perched on the slopes of the Matterhorn, one of the most iconic peaks in the Swiss Alps, the Solvay Hut is one of the highest-altitude mountain refuges in the world. At an elevation of 4,003 meters (13,133 feet), this small wooden cabin is accessible only to experienced climbers. It was built in 1915 as an emergency shelter for mountaineers tackling the treacherous ascent of the Matterhorn.
Due to its extreme altitude and precarious location, the Solvay Hut offers one of the most isolated and dramatic views imaginable. There is no permanent human presence here, and it serves as a reminder of the dangers and beauty of high-altitude climbing. For those who reach it, the isolation of this tiny hut, perched on a jagged ridge with the vastness of the Alps stretching into the distance, is unparalleled.
