Last updated on April 5th, 2025
The Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht) is one of Switzerland’s most impressive natural wonders. This narrow canyon near Interlaken features walkways built right into the rock walls, putting you just above the rushing turquoise waters. The 1.4-kilometer path through the gorge takes only about 45 minutes to complete, plus more time to stop and take photos.
We loved watching the glacier-fed water flow beneath us as we followed the Aare Gorge canyon walk. The contrast between the smooth, carved rock walls and the bright blue water creates a scene that’s hard to capture in photos but unforgettable in person. The walkway is well-maintained and while it’s rated as moderately challenging, most people can handle it without trouble. About half of the gorge is accessible for strollers and wheelchair-bound visitors.
When we visited the Aare Gorge in early fall, we entered from the eastern side and took our time exploring. The middle section was my favorite part – the gorge narrows dramatically and the sound of rushing water echoes off the walls.
The path is open from spring through fall, with the best views usually in May when the snowmelt increases the water flow and both entrances are open to allow you to walk the entire length.
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Discover the Aare Gorge
The Aare Gorge is a natural wonder near Interlaken in Switzerland. It’s a narrow river canyon carved by the Aare River over thousands of years.
Trail Overview
When you visit, you’ll walk on 1.4 kilometers of pathways. About 1 km of that are wooden boardwalks built right into the rock walls and secured by steel girders. These paths take you through narrow sections (sometimes just 1-2 meters apart) where the rock walls tower up to 200 meters above the rushing river below.
The rest is part asphalt, part gravel through tunnels and caves. The entire walk takes about 45 minutes at a casual pace but we took almost an hour to stop to take photos and appreciate the beauty surrounding us.
The gorge is filled with striking blue water from glacier runoff. This color looks almost unreal when you see it in person – especially when sunlight hits it just right. The walkways are secure and well-maintained. They get quite close to the rushing water in some spots, giving you a thrilling perspective of the river’s power as it cuts through the limestone.
You can enter from either the western or eastern entrance. The entire western half of the route is relatively flat, making it great for all fitness levels. It is also accessible for most visitors, as it is stroller and wheelchair-friendly
The path at the eastern end is considered a little more challenging, but it’s manageable for most visitors. It requires a climb up stairs to get to the start. If you prefer not to do any uphill climbing, but are ok with walking down stairs, I recommend that you enter via the western entrance and exit via the east.
Many travelers think the western section has the most impressive views, but I thought the more natural feel of the path at the eastern end was special. You’ll also encounter small waterfalls at this end.
Points of Interest
As you walk through the gorge, several fascinating features stand out. Near the western entrance, you’ll see impressive rock formations shaped by thousands of years of water erosion.
The “Cathedral” section midway through the gorge features a wider opening where sunlight streams in, creating beautiful reflections on the blue-green water. This spot is perfect for photos.
Stop for a while at the “Thundering Waters” area where the gorge narrows dramatically and the river rushes through with impressive force. The sound alone is worth stopping for.
Other highlights include:
- Natural springs seeping from rock walls
- Unique plant life clinging to the stone
- Information boards explaining the geological history
- The glacial pothole formations carved by swirling water
Some More Details
- Length: 1.4 km (about 1.1 miles)
- Walking time: 40-50 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Location: Near Meiringen in the Bernese Oberland
It’s cool inside and gets damp in places from spray, so bring a light jacket even on warm days. We had to use our rain jackets, as we encountered light rain in the beginning and parts of the walkway are not sheltered.
The walkways are well-maintained, but some sections can be narrow and wet. If you’re visiting with young children, consider a baby carrier instead of a stroller. There are secure railings throughout the entire path for you to hold on if you feel you need to. The gorge is well-lit, including in the tunnel sections.
Photography is allowed and encouraged throughout the gorge. Pets are not allowed.
It’s an affordable trip that you won’t need a full day for – a half-day is plenty to explore the entire gorge as well as the Reichenbach Waterfall nearby.
The gorge can get crowded at peak times during summer months and the narrow parts make it less pleasant to navigate with people passing you in both directions. Consider getting there early or visiting close to the end of the day.
Planning Your Canyon Walk of Aareschlucht
Preparing for your Aare Gorge adventure will make your experience more enjoyable. The right timing, proper gear, and knowing what to expect can help you get the most out of this natural wonder.
Best Time to Visit
The Aare Gorge is typically open from mid-April to early November, but these dates can change depending on weather conditions. The eastern entrance doesn’t open until May, so you have to enter and exit from the west. Summer (June-August) offers warmer temperatures but attracts more tourists. It’s a quieter experience in late spring (May) or mid-fall (October).
The gorge looks different throughout the seasons – spring brings rushing water from melting snow, while fall offers more peaceful flows and beautiful surrounding foliage.
Morning visits (before 10 am) usually mean fewer crowds. Weekdays are also less busy than weekends. The walkway takes about 45 minutes to complete, but I suggest planning at least an hour to stop and enjoy the views.
Evening Lighting at Aare Gorge
If you’re planning your trip for summer, you may want to pencil in a Friday or Saturday night visit for July or August. From 6:30 to 10:00 pm, the gorge transforms into something straight out of a fairytale.
What makes this experience so unique is how they illuminate the dramatic rock formations and rushing waters after the day-trippers have gone home. The atmosphere is simply magical as twilight settles and the lights create stunning reflections on the water’s surface.
For these special evening visits, you’ll enter through the West Entrance and follow the path to the gravel and sand banks in the middle of the gorge. After soaking in the illuminated splendor, you’ll simply return along the same path back to your starting point.
Travel to the Gorge
The Aare Gorge has two entrances – east and west – both offering different experiences.
West Entrance (Meiringen side): More accessible from Interlaken and Lucerne and has more parking. It’s a 30-minute walk from Meiringen train station. OR you can switch to the local Meiringen–Innertkirchen train for a 2-minute ride to Aareschlucht West station, and from there it’s just a 10 minute walk on a paved road to the west entrance.
East Entrance (Innertkirchen side): Slightly less crowded and closer to the most rugged parts of the gorge. The same local train continues on to the east entrance station (Aareschlucht Ost). From there it’s a 10-minute walk to the east entrance of the gorge – you cross the Aare river on foot and climb for a short period to get there.
The east entrance is served by both the train and a local bus from Meiringen and the journey is a bit shorter by bus. Check the SBB online portal for train and bus schedules and pick the option that makes the most sense for you.
You can enter from either side and walk through, or go in and out the same way. The local bus and train make it easy to return to your starting point if you walk one-way. The same bus also connects to the Willigen, Klinik Reichenbach stop, which is the base station for the Reichenbach Falls funicular.
For enthusiastic hikers, there’s the Lammi Pass that’s a signposted public hiking path to take you back to the west entrance. It will take you about an hour.
Here’s the official brochure with a map included.
Admission
As of 2025, admission fees are:
- Adults: CHF 12
- Children (6-16): CHF 7.50
- Children under 6: Free
- Discount if you get a combo ticket to visit the Reichenbach Falls as well
Only travel to the gorge is included in the Swiss Travel Pass. The Berner Oberland Pass includes travel and a 30% discount on entrance. Guess passes of the surrounding regions also give you a discount.
Beyond the Trail
The Aare Gorge experience extends far beyond its stunning walkways. The surrounding area offers delicious local food, nearby attractions, cultural insights, and unique shopping opportunities that complete your visit.
Local Culinary Delights
After walking through the gorge, you’ll likely work up an appetite. Stop at Restaurant Aareschlucht near the west entrance for traditional Swiss dishes like rösti (crispy potato pancakes) and käseschnitte (cheese toast). The bistro before the start of the eastern entrance gives you beautiful views of the Alps. There are restrooms at both entrances.
The nearby village of Meiringen claims to be the birthplace of meringue desserts. Try authentic meringues with fresh cream at local bakeries like Frutal. Many small cafés serve Älplermagronen, a hearty Alpine macaroni with potatoes, cheese, onions, and apple sauce.
For a quick snack, grab a fresh pretzel or a piece of Emmental cheese from one of the small food stands near the gorge entrances.
Accompanying Attractions
The Reichenbach Falls, made famous by Sherlock Holmes stories, is just a short distance from the Aare Gorge and can be reached by bus where you get down at Willigen, Klinik Reichenbach stop. A funicular railway takes you up midway for spectacular views of the falls and the valley below. If you’re into hiking, you can continue on to the top of the falls, but it’s a steep climb.
Meiringen’s Sherlock Holmes Museum explores the detective’s connection to the area. It’s small but fascinating if you’re a fan.
The Ballenberg Open-Air Museum, about 10 km away, features over 100 historical buildings from all over Switzerland. It shows traditional rural life and crafts. You’d have to connect to another train in Brienz to get there if you’re not driving.
Lake Brienz is nearby, offering boat trips with mountain views. The turquoise water comes from the same glacial sources as the Aare River.
The Brunig Pass road provides stunning viewpoints if you’re driving in the region.
If you like canyons and gorges, you will probably also like Trümmelbach Falls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, where 10 glacial falls carve out paths inside a mountain.
Find out how you can include both these sights in a 5-day plan for exploring the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland.
Conservation Efforts
The Aare Gorge is protected through careful management that balances tourism with environmental preservation. Local organizations work to maintain this natural wonder while making it accessible to visitors.
Preserving Natural Beauty
The gorge’s unique ecosystem requires constant attention. Rangers monitor water quality and erosion patterns throughout the year. They also check the rock walls for loose sections that might pose safety risks or damage the natural formation.
Local conservation groups have installed information boards along the walkways to educate visitors about the gorge’s geological importance. These boards explain how the glacier-fed waters carved this impressive canyon over thousands of years.
The blue-green water itself is protected by strict regulations against pollution. Water samples are regularly tested to ensure the Aare River remains pristine.
Plant life along the gorge is also carefully managed. Native species are protected while invasive plants are removed to maintain the natural balance.
The walkways are built with minimal environmental impact, using materials that blend with the surroundings. They’re also regularly maintained to ensure safety without damaging the rock formations.
Photography Tips
Taking photos in the Aare Gorge can be tricky but rewarding. The narrow canyon creates unique lighting conditions that change throughout the day.
Walk from east to west if possible. This puts the sun behind you, highlighting the gorgeous water colors and rock formations better. I found this direction made a big difference in my photos!
Morning light works best for capturing the blue water against the rock walls. The soft light helps balance the strong contrast between the bright sky and shadowy gorge.
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the towering rock formations. You’ll want to fit those massive walls in your frame while standing on the narrow walkways.
A polarizing filter is worth its weight in gold here. It cuts glare on the water surface and makes that glacier-blue color pop in your photos.
Try different shutter speeds to capture the rushing water. Fast speeds freeze the motion while slower speeds (1/15 or slower) create that smooth, silky water effect.
Don’t forget to protect your gear! Water spray and high humidity are common in the gorge.
The west entrance area offers some of the most dramatic shots, with narrow passages and interesting rock formations. If you’re short on time, focus your photography efforts here.
Weather and Seasonal Changes
The Aare Gorge changes dramatically with the seasons, giving you a different experience depending on when you visit.
Spring (April-June) brings high water levels from snowmelt. The river becomes more powerful and dramatic during this time. You’ll feel the spray and hear the roar of the water as it rushes through the narrow canyon.
Summer (June-September) offers the best weather for your visit. The paths are dry, and the cool canyon provides a refreshing break from hot summer days. This is the most popular time to visit, so expect more people on the walkways.
Fall brings colorful changes to the vegetation around the gorge, with fewer crowds than summer.
Winter: The gorge typically closes during winter months due to safety concerns.
The gorge is open from Mid April to the end of October, which is the best time to plan your trip to Switzerland. During these months, hiking conditions are pleasant, and you can fully enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Temperature inside the gorge stays cool even on hot days, making it a great escape from summer heat. The icy blue water from glacier runoff is always chilly!
Closing Thoughts
The Aare Gorge is truly worth the trip when you’re in the Interlaken area. When the sun was out, we watched sunlight dance on the icy blue glacier water while walking the path carved into rock walls. It’s a natural wonder that won’t break the bank.
