Aare Gorge in Switzerland 2025
An exciting 40-minute walk through the canyon
Best time: April–November
The Aare Gorge walkway is one of the best nature excursions in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. The Aare Gorge canyon was carved in limestone by the river Aare over 10,000 years ago. The narrow passage is 3-98 ft (1-30 m) wide and 1.2 mi (2 km) long. The dramatic experience is enhanced by towering cliffs up to 160 feet (50 m) in height. The maximum depth of Aare Gorge is about 656 feet (200 m). The attraction, located near the town of Meiringen, can be visited from April to October.
The 1-mi (1.6-km) path is constructed from metal and wood. A short section goes through a tunnel. Both entrances to the walkway are linked to the Meiringen-Innertkirchen railway. Visitors can exit the train either at Aareschlucht West station at the western end of the gorge or at Aareschlucht Ost station on the eastern side.
The hike through Aare Gorge is easy and suitable for all ages. It takes about 45 minutes, and visitors can go back to a station via the Lammi Pass hiking trail. A cafe and a kiosk are located near the entrance to the walkway. It's also possible to visit nearby Reichenbach Falls, famous for a scene where Professor Moriarty tried to kill Sherlock Holmes.