Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht)

The Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht) is a portion of the Aare River that carves through a limestone ridge near Meiringen, in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland region.

The Aare Glacier carved out the Aare Gorge over many centuries. Water from glaciers, mills made from glacial rock, limestone cliffs: it all exists here. Learn about and interact with a natural phenomenon.

Travel through tunnels and across footbridges to safely explore geology and glaciology. Refreshing on hot summer days and always a beautiful and ever-changing sight to behold.

Nestled between the three well-known Alpine passes of Brünig, Grimsel, and Susten, the Aare Gorge may be found in Switzerland’s central Hasli Valley in the Bernese Oberland.

Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht) facts and figures

📍 Location

• Region: Haslital, Bernese Oberland, Switzerland

• Nearest Town: Meiringen

• River: Formed by the Aare River, flowing from the Grimsel Pass

📐 Size & Dimensions

• Length: Approximately 1.4 kilometers

• Depth: Up to 200 meters

• Width: Narrowest point is just 1 meter wide, widest about 30 meters

• Rock Type: Carved through limestone over thousands of years

🧭 Access & Trails

• Walking Path: Elevated walkways and tunnels built into the cliff face

• Duration: ~40 minutes to walk one way

• Entrances:

  • West Entrance: Near Meiringen

  • East Entrance: Near Innertkirchen

• Return Options: Walk back or take a short train ride between entrances

🕓 Opening Times

• Season: Typically open April to early November (weather-dependent)

• Hours: Vary by season, generally 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, longer in summer

💸 Admission Fees

• Adults: Around CHF 10–12

• Children (6–16): ~CHF 6

• Family and group discounts available

🌿 Highlights & Features

• Dramatic, narrow canyon views

• Accessible paths for most fitness levels

• Illuminated night walks available in summer

• Good for kids, with safety railings and secure pathways

• Geological and historical info signs along the route

🚆 Getting There

• By Train: Meiringen or Innertkirchen stations (with stops near both entrances)

• By Car: Parking available at both entrances

• On Foot/Bike: Popular as part of a larger trail network around Haslital

🏞️ Fun Fact

• The Aare Gorge began forming over 10,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age, as glacial meltwater carved its way through solid rock.

The Aare Gorge is a must-see for nature lovers and geology fans—it’s short, dramatic, easy to explore, and a unique experience in Switzerland’s diverse landscape.