Aare Gorge

TL;DR: Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht) is a jaw-dropping 1.4km limestone canyon near Meiringen, Switzerland, carved by glacial meltwater over 10,000 years. Open April-October, it costs CHF 10 for adults and takes about 45 minutes to walk through. Accessible via easy walkways with handrails, it’s perfect for families, photographers, and anyone wanting to experience Switzerland beyond the typical alpine views. Budget 2-3 hours total including nearby stops.

Why You’ll Love Aare Gorge (Even If You’ve Seen Everything Else in Switzerland)

Let’s be honest—Switzerland has no shortage of stunning landscapes. But while everyone’s jostling for the perfect Matterhorn selfie, Aare Gorge remains one of those places that makes you stop and think, “Wait, how have I never heard of this?”

Picture this: you’re walking through a narrow limestone canyon where 80-foot walls tower above you, glacial-blue water rushes beneath your feet, and shafts of sunlight pierce through the narrowest gaps like nature’s own cathedral. It’s dramatic, it’s Instagram gold, and it’s way less crowded than Interlaken on a summer Saturday.

Located in the Bernese Oberland region near the charming town of Meiringen (yes, where meringue dessert was invented), this geological marvel has been quietly impressing visitors since opening to the public in 1889. Whether you’re traveling solo, with kids, using a wheelchair, or just looking for something different from the usual Swiss itinerary—this place delivers.

Getting There: Easier Than You’d Think

By Train

Switzerland’s legendary rail network makes reaching Aare Gorge refreshingly simple. Take a train to Meiringen station (direct connections from Interlaken, Lucerne, and other major cities). From there, you have two entrance options:

East Entrance (Aareschlucht Ost): 10-minute walk from Meiringen station or take the local bus to “Aareschlucht Ost” stop.

West Entrance (Aareschlucht West): Take the Meiringen-Innertkirchen bus to “Aareschlucht West” stop (about 10 minutes from Meiringen).

Pro tip: If you’re coming from Interlaken, the scenic train ride through the valley is already worth the trip.

By Car

Free parking available at both entrances—a rarity in Switzerland! If you’re driving from Interlaken, it’s about 30 minutes via Route 6. GPS coordinates: 46.7319° N, 8.2189° E for the East entrance.

Tickets & Practical Info

Opening Season: Typically early April through late October (weather-dependent—check ahead in shoulder seasons)

Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM during peak season (last entry 5:30 PM)

Admission:

• Adults: CHF 10
• Children (6-16): CHF 5
• Kids under 6: Free
• Swiss Travel Pass: 50% discount

Special Evening Hours: During summer, the gorge sometimes opens for magical evening illuminations—imagine the canyon walls lit up in changing colors. Check their website for “Night Gorge” dates.

The Walk: What to Expect

This isn’t a challenging hike—it’s more like a spectacular stroll. The entire walkway through the gorge is 1.4 kilometers (0.9 miles) and takes 45-60 minutes at a leisurely pace, though you’ll probably want longer for photos.

Accessibility Features

Here’s what makes Aare Gorge surprisingly accessible:

• Paved pathways the entire way
• Secure handrails along both sides
• Well-lit tunnels carved through the rock
• Relatively flat (minimal elevation change)
• Wheelchair accessible from the West entrance to about halfway through the gorge

The path is narrow in spots (about 1 meter wide), so there’s occasional two-way traffic navigation, but it’s well-managed and never feels cramped.

Walking Routes

One-Way Walk: Start at one entrance, walk through to the other, then take the bus or hike back (30-40 minutes uphill trail back to starting point).

Return Walk: Enter and exit from the same entrance—you’ll see different angles on the way back, and honestly, it’s worth experiencing twice.

Extended Loop: Combine the gorge with the riverside trail for a 2-3 hour loop that includes forests and mountain views.

What Makes It Special: The Geology Nerd Stuff (Made Interesting)

About 10,000-14,000 years ago, the Aare Glacier retreated, leaving behind massive amounts of meltwater. This water, carrying rocks and sediment, carved through limestone at a rate of about 20cm per year. That might not sound impressive until you realize these walls are over 200 million years old, and you’re literally walking through a testament to the raw power of water.

The gorge reaches depths of 200 meters (656 feet) in places, yet at its narrowest point, the walls are barely a meter apart. The turquoise water rushing below carries that distinctive glacial color from fine rock particles—nature’s own filter creating that surreal Caribbean-blue tint.

Look closely at the rock walls and you’ll spot potholes (circular holes carved by swirling rocks), erosion patterns that look like abstract art, and occasionally, fossils embedded in the limestone.

Best Times to Visit

Peak Season (July-August): Busiest but warmest—arrive early (before 10 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) to avoid tour groups.

Shoulder Season (May-June, September-October): Ideal conditions. Fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, and in spring you’ll see waterfalls at their most powerful from snowmelt.

Rainy Days: Actually fantastic. The increased water flow makes the experience more dramatic, and rain keeps crowds away. Just bring waterproof gear—you might get a bit of spray.

Winter: Closed to the public, but the gorge freezes into spectacular ice formations visible from outside viewpoints.

Photography Tips

This place is a photographer’s dream, but the narrow canyon and varying light can be tricky:

• Best light: Mid-morning (10-11 AM) when sun reaches down into the gorge
• Camera settings: Bring a wide-angle lens for the full canyon shots; higher ISO for darker sections
• Tripod: Allowed but consider how narrow the path is—a GorillaPod might be more practical
• Long exposure: That milky water effect works beautifully here (ND filter recommended)
• Phone photographers: Use HDR mode—the contrast between bright sky and dark canyon is extreme

Most Instagrammable spots:

• The narrowest section halfway through
• Any of the tunnel openings framing the gorge
• The platforms where you can shoot down to the rushing water

Combining with Nearby Attractions

Meiringen Town (5 minutes away)

Grab an authentic meringue dessert at one of the historic cafés, visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum (Arthur Conan Doyle set Holmes’ death at nearby Reichenbach Falls), or simply wander the charming alpine village streets.

Reichenbach Falls (10 minutes away)

Where Sherlock Holmes “died” in Conan Doyle’s stories. A funicular railway takes you up to impressive 250-meter waterfalls. Budget CHF 12-15 for the funicular.

Rosenlaui Gorge (30 minutes away)

Another stunning gorge, wilder and less developed than Aare. Great if you want a quieter, more rugged experience.

Grosse Scheidegg Pass (45 minutes)

One of Switzerland’s most scenic mountain passes, perfect for a half-day driving or hiking excursion.

Sample Itinerary: Aare Gorge in the morning (2 hours) → Lunch in Meiringen → Reichenbach Falls in the afternoon (2 hours) → Meringue and coffee in town.

What to Bring

Essentials:

• Sturdy walking shoes with good grip (the path can be wet)
• Light jacket (it’s cooler in the gorge, even on hot days)
• Water bottle (there’s a café at the East entrance, but bring water for the walk)
• Camera (obviously)

Nice to Have:

• Rain jacket or umbrella (spray from the water, especially after rain)
• Sunscreen (you’re outside more than you think)
• Snacks for kids
• Cash (some cafés prefer Swiss Francs, though cards widely accepted)

Family-Friendly? Absolutely.

This is genuinely one of the best family activities in the region. Kids love the adventure-feel of walking through tunnels and over rushing water, but it’s short enough that even younger children (4-5+) can manage without complaints. Strollers work from the West entrance partway through, though a baby carrier is more practical for the full experience.

The secure railings mean you can relax a bit (though supervise near the viewing platforms), and there’s enough visual interest to keep everyone engaged.

Accessibility for All Visitors

Visitors using wheelchairs or with mobility challenges can experience about half the gorge from the West entrance—the pathway is paved and relatively flat. While the full route includes some steps and narrower sections, the accessible portion still captures the gorge’s most impressive features.

Visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing will find the visual experience undiminished, and interpretive signage is available throughout. For visitors with visual impairments, the tactile experience of the cool air, mist, and rushing water is powerful, though the narrow path may require extra assistance.

Budget Breakdown

Solo Traveler:

• Gorge admission: CHF 10
• Train from Interlaken: CHF 13 (one-way)
• Lunch in Meiringen: CHF 15-25
• Total: ~CHF 50-60

Couple:

• Admission (×2): CHF 20
• Train (×2): CHF 26
• Lunch: CHF 40-60
• Total: ~CHF 90-110

Family (2 adults, 2 kids aged 8 & 12):

• Admission: CHF 30 (adults) + CHF 10 (kids) = CHF 40
• Train (family pass available): ~CHF 40
• Lunch: CHF 60-80
• Total: ~CHF 140-160

Insider Tips from Locals & Frequent Visitors

1. Start from the East entrance if you want the café/restaurant at the end of your walk rather than the beginning.
2. Combine with the Reichenbach funicular for a Swiss Travel Pass discount on both attractions.
3. Visit during “Night Gorge” events in summer—the illuminated canyon is otherworldly and less crowded.
4. Pack a picnic and use the riverside spots near the entrances—better value than restaurant meals.
5. Check weather history on the website—they post closure notices for storms or high water levels.
6. The uphill hike between exits is actually quite pretty through forest—consider doing it instead of taking the bus back.
7. Buy meringue supplies at Meiringen’s Frutal bakery to DIY the dessert at your accommodation for a fraction of café prices.

Common Questions Answered

Is it worth visiting if I’m only in the area for a day? Yes, especially if you’re already exploring the Interlaken/Jungfrau region. It’s different enough from the typical alpine scenery to justify the 2-3 hour detour.

Can I swim in the water? Absolutely not. The current is extremely powerful and the water is glacial-cold (around 4-8°C/39-46°F). Admire from the walkways only.

What if it rains? The gorge is actually more dramatic in rain—just bring waterproof gear. They only close for severe weather or dangerous water levels.

Is there phone signal? Spotty inside the gorge itself, but generally fine at the entrances and in Meiringen.

Can I bring my dog? Yes! Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. The pathway is suitable for most confident dogs.

The Verdict: Is Aare Gorge Worth Your Time?

If you’re doing the standard Switzerland tourist circuit—Interlaken, Jungfraujoch, Lucerne—Aare Gorge offers something refreshingly different without requiring expert hiking skills or a massive time investment. It’s accessible, affordable by Swiss standards, and visually stunning in a way that feels more intimate than the grand alpine vistas.

Perfect for: Photographers, families, anyone who wants natural beauty without strenuous hiking, geology enthusiasts, visitors looking for less-crowded attractions.

Skip if: You’re extremely short on time and prioritizing high-altitude experiences, have severe mobility limitations (though the partial accessible route is still worthwhile), or are visiting outside the April-October season.

For most visitors, Aare Gorge hits that sweet spot of being impressive enough to remember, accessible enough for anyone, and convenient enough to easily fit into a Switzerland itinerary. Plus, you get to say you walked through a 10,000-year-old gorge carved by glaciers—and that meringue in Meiringen? Pretty spectacular too.

Before You Go: Check the official website (aareschlucht.ch) for current opening dates, special evening events, and any weather-related closures. Have an amazing visit!