The present invention relates to a stacking device for the stacking and unstacking of square egg trays, supplied to under a stacking location, and to be discharged via a discharge conveyor, comprising: a receiving device for the successive receiving and carrying of egg trays, a stacking device located above the receiving device, comprising a passage that is suitable for transporting the platform loaded with an egg tray through it, and is defined by movable second carrying elements, a lifting device, comprising a platform for bringing an egg tray upward from the receiving device, wherein the stacking device is configured to cause an egg tray filled with eggs, to engage on an underside of a further egg tray the second carrying elements extend at least substantially horizontally and at right angles to the discharge transport direction and are configured to move in a horizontal plane in the transport direction away from each other and toward each other.

The invention also relates to a method for stacking and unstacking egg trays.