Walking through the Aareschlucht: tips for this gorge near Meiringen

The Aareschlucht is one of those places that works perfectly as a stop during a road trip through Switzerland. Not too long, not complicated, but definitely impressive. Here, you walk along wooden paths, through small tunnels and across bridges right through a narrow gorge where the Aare River flows beneath you.

We visited the Aareschlucht near Meiringen as a stop along the way, and it turned out to be a really fun one. Parking was easy, the walk is straightforward and you can easily combine your visit with Meiringen, eating meringue or the Reichenbach Falls. And after seeing lots of big mountain views in Switzerland, this was something completely different again. Instead of looking at a mountain, you walk between the mountains here.

In this blog, I’ll tell you everything about the Aareschlucht, also known as the Aare Gorge. Including our experience, practical tips, parking, tickets, stroller information, campsites and hotels nearby.

What is the Aareschlucht?

The Aareschlucht is a deep gorge between Meiringen and Innertkirchen, in the Bernese Oberland. Over thousands of years, the Aare River has carved its way through the limestone here. The result: steep rock walls, narrow passages and clear, wild-flowing water that rushes continuously through the gorge.

The gorge is about 1.4 kilometres long. In some places, the rock walls are almost 200 metres high and at its narrowest point, the gorge is only around one metre wide. And the best part: you can walk right through it.

The path is well maintained, with wooden walkways, paved sections, gravel paths and short tunnels. So don’t expect a challenging hike. It’s more of a short, accessible walk where there is constantly something to see.

Our experience at the Aareschlucht

We drove to the Aareschlucht via Meiringen. That route alone is already beautiful, with mountains, green slopes and waterfalls along the way. Parking was surprisingly easy for us. There is a spacious car park at the west entrance and during our visit, it was free (which is quite unique for Switzerland). There is even a charging station for 2 cars. I was able to charge my car here too.

We arrived towards the end of the morning. That turned out to be really nice in terms of light, because the sun was shining into certain parts of the gorge. This gave the water that well-known blue-green colour in some places. We did notice that it was already starting to get a bit busier.

In high season, I would therefore really visit early in the morning or later in the day. The paths are narrow in some sections and when groups or tours walk through, you regularly have to wait a moment to let each other pass.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t walk the full route, because the eastern side was still closed during our visit. Normally, you can walk all the way through the gorge and return via an outside route. We had to walk back the same way. Not a disaster, because on the way back you notice different details again, but it is something to check in advance.

Walking through the Aare Gorge

The walk through the Aareschlucht is not long, but it is very varied. You walk along the rock wall, across wooden bridges and through short tunnels. Below you, the Aare flows through the gorge with quite a lot of force. You hear that sound almost the entire walk.

What we liked is that the gorge keeps changing. Sometimes you walk through an open section where the light comes in, and a little later you are standing in a darker part where the rocks come very close together.

For the full walk through the gorge, you should count on around 45 minutes. If you walk slowly, take photos or visit with children, you’ll quickly spend a bit more time. If you want to walk there and back, you can count on around an hour and a half. That makes the Aareschlucht a half-day activity or a great stop along the way.

Return by train or walk back?

If both entrances are open, you can walk from one side to the other. Afterwards, you can return with the Meiringen-Innertkirchen-Bahn. Handy: that return journey is included in your entrance ticket. You can also walk back via a walking path outside the gorge. That route takes about an hour.

We couldn’t do this ourselves because the east entrance was still closed. Because of that, we walked back along the same route. We actually didn’t mind, but if you have the choice, I would personally walk the full route through the gorge and take the little train back. That makes it just a bit more varied.

Aareschlucht with a stroller or children

The Aareschlucht is often described as suitable for families. And that is true, but with a small nuance. With children, it really is a fun place because the walk is not too long and there is plenty to see along the way. There is also a playground at the west entrance and for children there is the Tatzelwurm route, where they can search for figures in the gorge.

With a stroller, I would be a bit more critical. Officially, part of the route from the west entrance is accessible with a narrow stroller, but in practice we didn’t find it ideal. The paths are narrow and during busy moments, you don’t make things easier for yourself or for others.

If you are visiting with a baby or toddler, I would choose a baby carrier instead. Especially if you want to walk the entire gorge or if you visit during high season. For slightly older children, however, it is a really fun, short walk.

Opening hours and tickets for the Aareschlucht

The Aareschlucht is not open all year round. The season usually runs from April to early November, but the exact dates differ per entrance. The west entrance often opens earlier than the east entrance. So always check this in advance, especially if you visit in April, May or late October.

In 2026, an adult ticket costs CHF 13. Children under 6 can enter for free and children aged 6 to 15 pay CHF 8. There is also a combination ticket with the Reichenbachfall-Bahn. That is useful if you want to combine the Aareschlucht with the famous waterfall near Meiringen.

Good to know: reservations are normally not necessary and also not possible. So you simply buy your ticket at the entrance. Tours from Zurich or Lucerne are available though.

Parking at the Aareschlucht

We parked at the west entrance of the Aareschlucht, on the Meiringen side. This is also the main entrance. There is a spacious car park and parking was free for us. By Swiss standards, that is always a nice bonus.

At the west entrance, you’ll also find the restaurant and playground. That makes this the most logical entrance if you are visiting with children or simply want to start easily. In high season, it can of course be busier here, so I wouldn’t arrive in the middle of the day then.

Arriving by public transport? Then you can take the Meiringen-Innertkirchen-Bahn from Meiringen station to Aareschlucht West or Aareschlucht Ost. From both stops, it is about a 10-minute walk to the entrance. At the eastern side, you do need to take stairs into account.

Combining the Aareschlucht with Meiringen

What makes this place extra fun is that the Aareschlucht is located very close to Meiringen. That means you can easily combine the gorge with lunch, coffee or something typically Meiringen: meringue.

Eating meringue in Meiringen

Meiringen is known as the place where meringue is said to have been invented. According to the stories, this airy foam pastry was created here in the 18th century. Whether that story is completely watertight? No idea. But if you are in Meiringen anyway, you obviously have to test it.

We did that at FRUTAL Versandbäckerei AG. We ordered a meringue “for two people” and thought: fine, we can handle that. Well, not quite. That thing was gigantic. Even we had to give up at some point and leave half of it behind. But hey, at least we had tasted the original.

The gorge itself is fairly short, so afterwards it is nice to walk into Meiringen for a bit and enjoy something local during your Aareschlucht visit.

Sherlock Holmes in Meiringen

Meiringen is also closely linked to Sherlock Holmes. In the story The Final Problem, Holmes dies at the Reichenbach Falls during a fight with his arch-enemy Moriarty.

You can still see plenty of references to this in the village: a Sherlock Holmes statue, references throughout the centre and a small museum.

Reichenbach Falls: a great combination with the Aareschlucht

Another logical combination is the Reichenbach Falls. This waterfall is located just outside Meiringen and is famous because of Sherlock Holmes. You can take the historic Reichenbachfall-Bahn up to a viewpoint near the waterfall.

The ride with the funicular is short, but fun. At the top, you can walk to the viewpoint and see the waterfall up close. Keep in mind that the funicular is not suitable for strollers or people with limited mobility, because you will have to deal with stairs.

There is a combination ticket for the Aareschlucht and Reichenbachfall-Bahn. That is especially interesting if you want to do both on the same day. We would definitely recommend this combination if you have half a day or a full day in the Meiringen area.

Staying overnight near the Aareschlucht

You don’t necessarily have to stay overnight near the Aareschlucht, because you can also easily visit the gorge as a day trip from Interlaken, Brienz, Lucerne or as a stop along the way during a road trip. But if you want to explore the region at a more relaxed pace, Meiringen or Innertkirchen makes a convenient base.

From Meiringen, you are close to the Aareschlucht, Reichenbach Falls, Hasliberg and the Giessbach waterfall. That means you can easily stay here for one or two nights.

Tip: with the map below, you’ll soon be able to easily compare hotels and apartments around Meiringen and the Aareschlucht.

Hotels in Meiringen

If you want to stay close to restaurants, shops and the station, Meiringen is the most practical choice. From there, you can easily visit the Aareschlucht, the Reichenbach Falls and other sights in the region without any hassle.

• Central and comfortable: Hotel Victoria Meiringen is a good option if you like staying right in the middle of the village and want to be able to do everything on foot.
• Modern: Hotel Dakota Meiringen is convenient if you are looking for a slightly sleeker, more modern hotel.
• Classic Swiss: Parkhotel du Sauvage is a well-known hotel in Meiringen with a more traditional look.
• Fun themed option: Das Hotel Sherlock Holmes of course fits perfectly with Meiringen’s Sherlock Holmes connection.

Campsites near the Aareschlucht

If you are camping in Switzerland, this area is also a good choice. The most logical option is Camping Aareschlucht in Innertkirchen. This campsite is located about a 7-minute walk from the Aareschlucht and the station. Ideal if you want to visit the gorge early or later in the day, when it is quieter.

Good to know: in July and August, Camping Aareschlucht generally only accepts reservations from 3 nights onwards. If you are travelling in high season, I would therefore check in time what is possible.

Another alternative is Camping Balmweid in Meiringen. This one is located a bit more towards the village and can be convenient if you also want to combine Meiringen, the Reichenbach Falls and other trips.

The Aareschlucht as a stop during your Switzerland road trip

What we liked about the Aareschlucht is that you don’t need to set aside a whole day for it. You can easily fit the gorge into a travel day. For example, between Lucerne and Interlaken, or as a stop towards the Grimsel Pass or Susten Pass.

That is exactly why I thought it was such a nice stop. You get out of the car for a while, walk through a special natural place and then continue your journey. Without immediately needing hiking boots, backpacks and a full-day plan.

What else can you do nearby?

The Aareschlucht is fun, but it won’t take up your entire day. So combine your visit with something nearby. Think of:

• Meiringen: eat meringue, see the Sherlock Holmes statue and stroll through the centre.
• Reichenbach Falls: take the historic funicular up to the famous Sherlock Holmes waterfall.
• Hasliberg: convenient if you want to head further into the mountains.
• Giessbach waterfall: we also visited this one and it is a must-see.
• Lake Brienz: a beautiful lake nearby, especially if you are driving towards Brienz or Interlaken.

For activities in the wider Jungfrau region, you can also look at tours from Interlaken or Grindelwald. This is especially useful if you don’t have a car or want to combine several places.

Practical tips for visiting the Aareschlucht

• Visit early in the morning or later in the day during high season.
• Check in advance whether both the west and east entrances are open.
• Bring a cardigan or jacket, because the gorge can be cool and damp.
• Wear shoes with good grip. The path is good, but it can be wet.
• A section from the west entrance can be done with a stroller, but it is not ideal.
• Combine your visit with Meiringen for lunch or meringue.
• Want to do more? Look into the combination ticket with the Reichenbachfall-Bahn.

So, should you add the Aareschlucht as a stop?

Yes, absolutely. Not because you’ll spend a full day here or because it is the most spectacular place in Switzerland, but because the Aareschlucht is easy, beautiful and different. You really walk right through the gorge, with the water beneath you and the rocks right next to you. That makes it much more intense than simply looking at a place from a viewpoint.

For us, it was a perfect stop: easy parking, a short walk, impressive nature and then on to Meiringen for a meringue that was far too big. Sometimes those are exactly the stops that make a travel day fun.