In the summer on 1936, mountain climbers from all over Europe dream of being the first to climb the notorious Eiger North Face. The two best climbers in Germany, Tony Kurz and Andi Hinterstoisser, share this obsession. And they're convinced that they can make it even though many attempts to scale the ‘Murder Wall' have ended in tragedy. But the rewards outweigh the risks, with the promise not only of a hero's welcome, but Olympic Gold for the victorious climbers.

While preparing to climb the North Face, Toni and Andi unexpectedly meet Luise, Toni's first love. Now a journalist, she has come with her colleague Arau, a loyal Nazi, to report on the first ascent. Toni still loves Luise, but she seems to have fallen for the charming Arau. The disconsolate Toni begins his ascent of the North Face with Andi, closely followed by the two Austrians, Willy Angerer and Edi Rainer. A rapt crowd of onlookers and the international press observe from the terrace of the Grand Hotel below, including Luise who realises Toni is her one true love.

Soon the four Alpinists lose their advantage over the mountain and are forced to turn back: Willy is struck by falling rocks and the weather shifts; it seems as though the mountain will win again. While a dramatic struggle for survival rages on the North Face, Luise decides to rush to the aid of the man she loves. A race against time and the forces of nature begins…