description Eiger North Face (Nordwand) Overview
The Eiger North Face, known as the Nordwand, is a prominent limestone cliff in Switzerland’s Bernese Alps. It stands at approximately 1,800 meters and gained notoriety through its challenging climb first completed in 1938. The face's extreme exposure to weather conditions and steep gradient have historically made it one of the world’s most dangerous climbing routes, attracting experienced alpine climbers seeking a significant technical challenge.
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Eiger North Face (Nordwand) ranks #24 of 306 in the Cliff ranking, behind Tre Cime di Lavaredo, ahead of Amalfi Coast Cliffs.
help Eiger North Face (Nordwand) FAQ
Why is the Eiger North Face often called the 'Murder Wall'?
The Eiger North Face, or Nordwand, earned the ominous nickname 'Mordwand' (Murder Wall) due to its extreme difficulty, frequent avalanches, and falling rocks. At least 64 climbers have died attempting to scale the sheer 1,800-meter limestone face since the 1930s.
When was the first successful ascent of the Eiger North Face?
The first successful ascent of the Nordwand was completed in July 1938 by a team of four climbers: Anderl Heckmair and Ludwig Vörg from Germany, and Heinrich Harrer and Fritz Kasparek from Austria. The perilous four-day climb took place before the outbreak of World War II.
Where is the Eiger North Face located?
The cliff is located in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland, towering above the town of Grindelwald. The peak itself reaches an elevation of 3,967 meters, with the unbroken North Face stretching down to the base.
What is the 'White Spider' on the Eiger North Face?
The 'White Spider' is a massive, ice-filled couloir high up on the Eiger North Face that resembles a spider when viewed from a distance. It is one of the most dangerous sections of the climb, as it is highly prone to massive rockfalls and cascading avalanches.
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