The most fun excursions in Virtual Reality (VR)
Due to the current coronavirus, it seems that travel and vacations are off the table for many people. Fortunately, in virtual reality, it is still possible to go to new places. And all you need for this is a VR headset and an internet connection. In this article, we make a selection of the best VR travel experiences so that you can enjoy the most beautiful places even during total lockdown.
Virtual outings
The virtual outings can be distinguished in passive and interactive visits. Some museums offer a virtual tour in the form of a video or Google Maps application, but there are also museums that have developed a complete virtual game. The virtual tours are generally good to view on a mobile or standalone VR headset (such as the Oculus Go), while the interactive museum applications need a PC VR headset (like the HTC Vive Cosmos).
Louvre Museum, Paris (Mobile VR / Oculus Go)
The Louvre, the world's largest art and antiquities museum, was forced to close its doors when Paris went into lockdown. And while you can no longer physically wander through the beautiful building, it is possible to get a complete virtual tour. All the most beautiful pieces from the collection are included, and the best part is; you don't even have to stand in line for it!
British Museum, London (Mobile VR / Oculus Go)
The famous museum of the British capital, in conjunction with Google Arts & Culture and over 2000 other leading institutions, is offering an interactive tour. Wander through time and click on various artifacts to view them up close, read their history, and hear more information with an audio guide.
Click here to follow the virtual tour through the British Museum
Icehotel, Lapland (Mobile VR / Oculus Go)
The company Light over Lapland has created a complete 360-degree experience for people who would like to travel to beautiful Lapland. With the 360-degree videos, viewers can visit the local arctic wilderness, meet local huskies and reindeer, go dog sledding and reindeer sledding, and even participate in a Northern Lights hunt.
Click here to view the various 360-degree videos through Lapland
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam (Mobile VR / Oculus Go)
We certainly cannot forget our own Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam in this list. Filled with masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, the Rijksmuseum is one of Amsterdam's most popular attractions. It is closed until June 1, but has just launched a new interactive experience, Rijksmuseum From Home, which allows you to virtually visit the home of Rembrandt's Night Watch and Vermeer's The Milkmaid.
In addition to the virtual tour through the Rijksmuseum, Google Arts & Culture also offers the opportunity to delve deeper into the history and art of the paintings. This virtual exhibition gives a detailed look into the history of art.
Click here to follow the virtual tour through the Rijksmuseum
The VR Museum of Fine Art (HTC Vive, Oculus Rift S)
The VR Museum of Fine Art takes you to a completely virtual museum where you can view the most beautiful paintings and works of art from history in peace and detail. With a PC VR headset and controllers, you can get so close to paintings and sculptures that you can even touch them!
Mona Lisa: Beyond The Glass (HTC Vive, Oculus Rift S)
You've never been this close to the Mona Lisa. Mona Lisa: Behind The Glass is an art project that delves deeper into the world's most famous painting. With the help of beautiful VR rendering, you are taken into the story of the Mona Lisa.
Dreams of Dalí (HTC Vive, Oculus Rift S)
Dream of Dali takes you into the mind of master artist Dalí. In a surreal journey through a beautiful environment, you can completely relax in a world that can only be made virtual.
