The Wetterhorn, seen from Grindelwald.

The first ascent of the Wetterhorn (3708m, 12,166ft) in 1854 is generally regarded as the beginning of Alpine mountaineering. Prior to that event, mountains were regarded with fear and superstition, and the idea of climbing them just for the sake of climbing, was an alien concept. The early alpine ascents were primarily done in the name of science, but it did not take very long before the motivation changed to personal ambition, national pride, or just a basic sense of adventure. And, thankfully, it is still with us.