| What it is | Crevasse at a glacier's head |
| Forms where | Moving ice separates from static ice/rock |
| Significance | A crux of many alpine routes |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
From German Berg (mountain) and Schrund (crack or cleft).
A bergschrund is the crevasse that forms at the head of a glacier where the moving glacial ice pulls away from the stationary ice or rock above. Often deep and bridged by snow, the bergschrund is a classic obstacle and crux at the start of many alpine climbs, sometimes requiring a tricky crossing.
The name is German: Berg (mountain) + Schrund (cleft).
Why it matters
It separates moving ice from static ice or rock and is frequently the technical crux of an alpine route — crossed via a snow bridge or a steep wall.
Bergschrund vs crevasse
It’s a specific crevasse at the glacier’s head — see crevasse vs bergschrund.
Frequently asked questions
What is a bergschrund?
A bergschrund is the large crevasse at the very top of a glacier, where the actively flowing ice separates from the static ice or rock frozen to the mountain above. It marks the boundary between moving and stationary ice and is often deep and wide.
What's the difference between a bergschrund and a crevasse?
A bergschrund is a specific crevasse — the one at the head of the glacier where moving ice pulls away from static ice or rock. Ordinary crevasses form throughout the glacier as it flows over uneven ground. So every bergschrund is a crevasse, but in a particular place.
How do you cross a bergschrund?
Often by finding a snow bridge or a narrow point, sometimes by climbing down into and out of it, or by tackling a steep ice or snow wall on its upper lip. Bergschrund crossings can be the technical crux of an alpine route and may require belaying and ice tools.
Sources
- Glacier features — American Alpine Club