Hotel Belvedere ruins - where Eiger climbing began

How to Complete

3 steps curated by Wine Memories

1. ⛰️ 1

   Take the Train to Kleine Scheidegg

   adventure $$

   You'll pass directly below the Eiger North Face - the death wall that killed so many climbers whose stories you're about to encounter. From Grindelwald Grund station, take the cogwheel train to Kleine Scheidegg (CHF 35 return, 35 minutes), sitting on the right side for North Face views. When the train pauses at Eigergletscher station, look up at the window where a trapped climber once signaled for rescue.

   🔄 BACKUP: If trains are disrupted, the hike from Alpiglen station (2.5 hours) is historically appropriate - it's how the climbers approached.

   🍷 Log Memory
2. 📜 2

   Hike to the Ruins

   history Free

   The Hotel Belvedere (1907-1980s) is now a ruin - walls standing, roof collapsed, rooms open to the sky. Every major Eiger expedition from 1935-1938 stayed here. From Kleine Scheidegg station, follow the unmarked path northeast toward the Eiger for about 30 minutes. Walk slowly through the fragile ruins. Step through where the lobby was. Find what's left of the dining room. The Eiger fills every broken window.

   🔄 BACKUP: If you can't find the path, ask at Kleine Scheidegg station - they know.

   🍷 Log Memory
3. 📜 3

   Toast the Fallen

   history Free

   Bring a flask of grappa, whiskey, or whatever spirit feels right. In the ruins facing the North Face, pour a splash on the ground for the climbers who never came down. Anderl Heckmair planned the first successful ascent in this building. Toni Kurz ate his last meal here. Max Sedlmayer slept in a room that's now rubble. Sit quietly. Raise your flask to the mountain. Drink. Leave nothing behind except respect.

   🔄 BACKUP: If you forgot a flask, the silence itself is tribute enough.

   🍷 Log Memory

Insider Tips

• ✦

  The ruins are a 30-minute hike above Kleine Scheidegg station

• ✦

  Bring your own supplies - there's nothing there but ghosts

• ✦

  The basement still has broken furniture from the 1930s expeditions