Stiereggruine

Stiereggruine is what remains of the former Stieregg mountain hut, perched above the Lower Grindelwald Glacier (Unterer Grindelwaldgletscher) in the Bernese Alps, near Grindelwald, Switzerland. It combines a glacier view, a slice of Alpine tourism history and a very visible sign of a changing climate.

What is Stiereggruine?

The rocky terrace at Stieregg once held a popular viewpoint with a guesthouse. Today only ruins are left, and they can be seen from the area around the Bäregg mountain inn. Behind them the glacier tongue stretches out, strewn with debris-covered ice. The site shows how quickly a high-mountain landscape can change.

How did the place come about?

As early as 1821 a path led from Grindelwald up to Stieregg, roughly 600 metres above the valley floor. Travellers came to look at the glacier's famous "sea of ice". From 1823 a simple refuge stood at the end of the path.

In 1858 a guesthouse was built at nearby Bäregg. Avalanches destroyed it more than once, and it was rebuilt in 1868 and 1906. After another avalanche in 1940 it was not rebuilt, and the damaged walls were simply left standing.

Why did the hut disappear?

A new building went up at Stieregg in 1952. It served guests until 2005, when it had to be demolished. The glacial moraine beneath it had become unstable, and a large part of the terrace slid toward the glacier. Melting ice and thawing permafrost, which weakened the slopes, are named as the cause.

What is there today?

About 100 metres above the old hut stands Berghaus Bäregg, which dates from 2006. It is the easiest place to see the remains of the demolished Stieregg building, with the glacier behind them. The area is linked to the StiereggWalk trail, which connects Pfingstegg with this part of the valley, and to routes from Grindelwald to Bäregg.

Is there a hazard nearby?

Local expert Hans Rudolf Keusen has said that a meltwater lake could form in front of the glacier, holding as much as 10 million cubic metres of water. It is unclear whether it would pose a real danger, so the situation needs ongoing monitoring. The statement is undated, so check current conditions before you go.

Who is it for?

• Walkers looking for easier routes with a glacier view.
• Anyone curious about the history of Alpine tourism.
• Photographers documenting glacier retreat.

Frequently asked questions

Is Stiereggruine a working mountain hut? No. The building was demolished in 2005 and its remnants are now just part of the scenery. The neighbouring Berghaus Bäregg is open instead.

Where can I see the ruins from? From around Berghaus Bäregg, about 100 metres higher up.

Why was the building taken down? The moraine it stood on had become unstable because of melting ice and permafrost.

How long have people been coming here? A path from Grindelwald to Stieregg existed by 1821, and the first refuge was built in 1823.

Is the area safe? Slopes near the glacier can be unstable. Stay on marked trails and check local information before setting out.