'Both Grindelwald glaciers are melting fast. Once the glaciers were full of ice masses, but since 1850 there has been a constant disappearance of the ice masses in Grindelwald glaciers,' lamented Meuli.

'At the current rate at which the glaciers are melting, experts predict, three quarters of Switzerland's glaciers will disappear in the next few decades. The appeal of the Alps will change. No one knows how tourists will react to this,' he added.

Talking about the role of Bern University in conducting climate research, rector Urs Wurgler said the university had been conducting research over a broad front, long before climate change was on everyone's lips.

'Designing i-phones as a climate guide is part of our expansion in sensitising people on climate change. We have taken upon ourselves the responsibility to generate awareness among masses about climate change,' he said.

German tourist Ingrid Joseph congratulated the university for coming up with the multimedia guide.

'It is truly helpful for hikers. Along with being a companion in keeping to the right track, i-phones provide good lessons on climate change and its effect and how every individual can help save the environment,' Joseph said.

(Maitreyee Boruah can be contacted at m.boruah@ians.in)