Monte Rosa Hut by Bearth and Deplaze at the Matterhorn

Rising to an altitude of 14,692 feet, the Matterhorn is probably the most striking sight in the Alps. Although not rising even close as high, the five-story Monte Rosa Hut — located in the shadow of the great mountain — has to be a close second.

With a prefab frame made from sustainable wood, the impressive Monte Rosa was built in 2009 and designed by Bearth and Deplaze to be a contemporary take on the innermost keep of a medieval castle.

Monte Rosa Hut (4 images)

Given its isolated location, the folks at Bearth and Deplaze wanted the winter to shelter to be as self-sufficient as possible and strategically placed its windows to capture warmth from the sun. In addition to heating the home through solar irradiation, the windows also provide stellar views that guests can take in while traveling up and down the home’s cascading spiraling staircase.

Just don’t bet on this baby ever being on Airbnb. You’ve gotta climb and put in some work to get there.

Meet your guide

Evan Bleier

Evan is a senior editor with InsideHook who earned a master’s degree in journalism from NYU and has called Brooklyn home since 2006. A fan of Boston sports, Nashville hot chicken and Kentucky bourbon, Evan has had his work published in publications including “Maxim,” Bleacher Report and “The Daily Mail.”