Guggihütte SAC – Historic Alpine Hut & Eiger North Face Viewpoint

The Guggihütte SAC is a small, historic alpine hut perched directly below the Eiger North Face, above Grindelwald. Known primarily for its dramatic location and close-up views of one of the most famous alpine walls in the world, it serves as a short-stage hut, viewpoint, and mountaineering support shelter rather than a base for long alpine traverses.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Eiger massif / Grindelwald, Bernese Alps, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,791 m

  • Type: Serviced SAC alpine hut (with winter room)

  • Capacity: Approx. 25–30 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Guarded: usually June to September

    • Winter room: accessible outside the guarded season

  • Managed by: Swiss Alpine Club (SAC)

• Access & Approaches

  Access is short but steep, reflecting the hut’s position directly beneath the Eiger wall.

  • Main approach: From Eigergletscher (train station on the Jungfraubahn)

  • Ascent time: ~1.5–2 hours

  • Elevation gain: ~400–500 m

  • Terrain: Steep alpine trails, rocky steps, exposed sections

  • Difficulty: T3–T4

  Sure-footedness and comfort with exposure are required, especially in wet or snowy conditions.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Facilities are simple and in keeping with the hut’s compact size.

  • Dormitory sleeping with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals during the guarded season

  • Drinking water (managed supply)

  • Basic toilets

  • Limited electricity

  The winter room is basic and intended for autonomous use.

• Food & Atmosphere

  The atmosphere is intimate and mountaineering-focused.

  • Simple, hearty alpine meals

  • Guests include alpinists, climbers, and hikers

  • Evenings are quiet, often dominated by views of the Eiger wall

  The hut’s setting creates a strong sense of alpine history.

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Standard SAC hut prices

  • Discounts: SAC member discounts apply

  • Booking: Recommended, due to limited capacity

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Best Routes & Context

  The Guggihütte is relevant for:

  • Close-up observation of the Eiger North Face

  • Access to routes and approaches on the Eiger (for experienced alpinists)

  • Short alpine hikes and educational mountaineering trips

  • Photography and historical exploration

  It is not a primary summit base for classic routes.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to September

  • Conditions: Rapid weather changes, rockfall risk near the wall

  • Main risks: Exposure, storms, cold winds

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced alpine hikers

  • Mountaineers and climbers

  • Alpine history enthusiasts

  • Photographers

  • Not suitable for beginners or casual walkers

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,791 m, the Guggihütte SAC offers one of the most intimate encounters with the Eiger North Face available without committing to technical climbing. Its combination of history, dramatic exposure, and short but intense access makes it a unique destination within the Bernese Alps.