It lies at an altitude of 3,159 metres above sea level, which makes it the second highest railway station in Europe.

Located just behind the south-east face of the Eiger, the station's principal purpose is to allow passengers to observe the view of the glacier Ischmeer (lit.

The building of the line this far had depleted the railway company's finances, and for the next seven years, Eismeer was to remain the upper terminus.

[2][5] The station also enables access of the Mittellegi Hut via a tunnel that leads out onto the Challifirn glacier.

[6] As a consequence, it is also a frequent starting point for ascents of the Eiger via the Mittellegi Ridge.