The Eiger is famous for its 5,900 ft north face of rock and ice - called Eigerwand or Nordwand - which is the biggest north face in the Alps.This huge face towers over the resort of Kleine Scheidegg at on the homonymous pass connecting the two valleys.The first ascent of the Eiger was made by Swiss guides Christian Almer and Peter Bohren (de) and Irishman Charles Barrington, who climbed the west flank on August 11, 1858.Considered amongst the most challenging and dangerous ascents, the north face was first climbed in 1938 by an Austrian-German expedition.But the Eiger has also become synonymous with tragedies involving climbers.Since 1935, the mountain has claimed the lives of at least 64 climbers, earning it the German nickname Mordwand, or "murder(ous) wall".Although the summit of the Eiger can be reached by experienced climbers only, a railway tunnel runs inside the mountain - and people can enjoy the views from windows carved into the rock face.