Eiger Glacier | Grindelwald

Information

Landmark: Eiger Glacier
City: Grindelwald
Country: Switzerland
Continent: Europe

Eiger Glacier, Grindelwald, Switzerland, Europe

The Eiger Glacier (Eigergletscher) is a prominent alpine glacier situated on the western flank of the Eiger in the Bernese Alps. It sits directly above the Kleine Scheidegg pass.

Visual Characteristics

The glacier is defined by its steep, heavily crevassed ice falls and blue-tinted seracs. It descends from the high ridges of the Eiger and Mönch toward the Eigergletscher station. The terrain is a mix of perennial ice, dark limestone cliffs, and grey moraine debris. The view from the site provides a direct perspective of the Jungfrau and the glacial plateau of the Eletsch.

Location & Access Logistics

Access is primarily via the Jungfrau Region transport network.

Eiger Express: A tricable gondola from the Grindelwald Terminal reaches the Eigergletscher station in 15 minutes.

Wengernalpbahn: Visitors can take the rack railway from Grindelwald or Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg, then continue one station further (approx. 5 minutes) on the Jungfraubahn.

Hiking: The Eiger Trail starts at the Eigergletscher station and descends toward Alpiglen (approx. 2.5 hours).

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Eigergletscher station (2,320m) served as the primary construction base for the Jungfrau Railway tunnel between 1896 and 1912. Geologically, the glacier is a hanging glacier, meaning it terminates high above the valley floor on steep rock faces. Like most Alpine glaciers, it has experienced significant recession over the last century, leaving behind massive lateral moraines.

Key Highlights & Activities

Jungfraujoch Gateway: The station is the final transfer point before the train enters the 7km tunnel through the Eiger and Mönch.

Eiger Walk: A theme trail descending from Eigergletscher to Kleine Scheidegg (approx. 1 hour) featuring the "Chilchli" (a former railway substation) and a memorial to climbers.

Viewing Platform: The station terrace offers views of the glacier's ice tongue and the rock faces where the Eiger North Face begins.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The Eigergletscher station complex includes a panoramic restaurant (Restaurant Eigergletscher), a specialized chocolate shop, and public restrooms. It features high-density 5G cellular coverage. The station and restaurant areas are fully wheelchair accessible via the Eiger Express and internal elevators.

Best Time to Visit

Morning visits offer the clearest views of the glacier before afternoon convection clouds typically develop. In winter, the site is a central hub for the Jungfrau Ski Region. In summer, it is the optimal starting point for high-alpine hikes that avoid steep uphill gradients.

Facts & Legends

For decades, the Eigergletscher station housed a world-famous kennel for Siberian Huskies used for polar expeditions and rescue work on the Jungfraujoch. A verified historical fact: the "Station Eigergletscher" contains the original workshops and forge used by the miners who carved the tunnel into the Eiger.