The Aare Gorge, or Aareschlucht, near Meiringen at the eastern end of Lake Brienz, is one of the most dramatic natural sights in the Bernese Oberland. Over thousands of years the River Aare has cut a narrow slot through a limestone ridge, creating a gorge around 1.4 kilometres long and up to two hundred metres deep, in places only a metre or so wide. A walkway of wooden boardwalks, galleries and short tunnels clings to the rock walls above the turquoise water, letting you walk the length of the gorge in about forty minutes. The light filtering down between the cliffs, the sound of the river and the cool air make it a memorable, easy walk that suits all ages. The gorge opens from spring to early November.
The walk
There are entrances at both ends of the gorge, west near Meiringen and east near Innertkirchen, so you can walk through and return the same way, or catch the little Meiringen-Innertkirchen railway back from the stop by the east entrance. The path is mostly level and well protected by railings, though it can be damp, so wear shoes with grip.
In summer the gorge is cool, which makes it a good escape on a hot day. In high season the gorge has been illuminated on some evenings, which is worth checking if you are staying nearby.
Getting there
Meiringen is about forty minutes by train from Interlaken Ost along Lake Brienz, and the west entrance is a twenty to thirty minute walk or a short bus ride from Meiringen station. By car it is a scenic drive along the lake. Meiringen is also the home of the Reichenbach Falls, where Sherlock Holmes met his apparent end in Arthur Conan Doyle's stories, and the town has a small Sherlock Holmes museum, so you can combine the gorge with both.
Who it suits
Families, photographers and anyone wanting an easy, spectacular walk without mountain lifts. It works in light rain, though the river is at its most powerful in late spring and early summer with snowmelt. Combine it with a boat on Lake Brienz, a stop at Brienz for its woodcarving tradition, or the Ballenberg open-air museum on the way back. Tickets are bought at the entrance, and combination tickets with nearby attractions are sometimes available.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk on wooden walkways and through tunnels along a narrow limestone gorge above the River Aare.
Best time
Late spring and early summer for the most powerful water, or a hot summer day for the cool air.
How long
About forty minutes each way, one to two hours with the return.
Tips
Wear shoes with grip, consider walking through and taking the small train back, and combine with the Reichenbach Falls in Meiringen.
Quick picks
- Best for
- An easy, dramatic walk that suits all ages.
- Families
- Very good, with railings throughout and a manageable distance.
- Couples
- Walk the gorge, then lunch in Meiringen or Brienz.
- Pair with
- The Reichenbach Falls, Brienz and the Ballenberg open-air museum.
- Time needed
- Half a day from Interlaken.
Good questions
When is the Aare Gorge open?+
From spring to early November; it closes in winter.
How long is the walk?+
The gorge is about 1.4 kilometres long, roughly forty minutes each way.
How do I get there from Interlaken?+
By train to Meiringen in about forty minutes, then a short walk or bus to the entrance.
Is it suitable for children?+
Yes. The path is mostly level and protected by railings.
Can I combine it with the Reichenbach Falls?+
Yes. Both are near Meiringen, and the town also has a small Sherlock Holmes museum.
