Whether you hike along it, take the railway to its villages or just enjoy the view from Grindelwald below, this famous peak in the Bernese Alps is not to be missed.
Visit the Eiger, a special place high among the snowy mountaintops in Switzerland. One of the most iconic peaks in the world, it sits alongside the Mönch and Jungfrau. This trio, nicknamed the Ogre, Monk and Maiden, are revered among locals and tourists alike.
The Eiger is notorious for its North Face. Look up to see it soaring nearly vertical 5,900 feet (1,800 meters) into the air, an object of fear and fascination among mountain climbers. It is known as the “Mordwand” (murderous wall), a pun on its German name Nordwand, because of the dozens of climbers who have lost their lives here.
Locate “The White Spider,” a distinct feature on the North Face. Snow-filled cracks extend from an ice field near the top, resembling the spindly legs of a spider.
Hop on the Jungfrau Railway in the village of Kleine Scheidegg at the base. Take the railway to the Eigerwand station, which sits inside the North Face. Get out and enjoy spectacular views through windows carved into the rock. From here, continue up the mountain to Jungfraujoch, which is the highest railway station in Europe.
While only the world’s best climbers attempt the North Face, you can still experience it casually. The Eiger Trail snakes along the mountain for 3.5 miles (5.7 kilometers). It begins at the Eigerglestscher railway station, midway up the Eiger. You will pass metal ladders in the rock that climbers use to access the mountain face, but the trail takes a much flatter route. Enjoy gorgeous vistas of the Alps and the valleys of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen below. The trail ends near the Alpiglen train station. For a longer hike, continue for about 90 minutes until you reach Grindelwald.
Sitting in the shadow of the North Face, Grindelwald is known as Eiger Village. This charming resort town provides a great base for your exploration of the Eiger. It has a great variety of shops, restaurants and accommodations.
No matter what season you visit, the Eiger’s peaks always remain snowcapped. Weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers for flexibility for varying temperatures.