In the remotest part of the Bernese Oberland, the Aare fought its way through the rocks over thousands of years. At an impressive depth, the narrow gorge near Meiringen accelerates the Aare to a flow speed of almost twelve kilometres per hour. The Aare, which flows from the Grimsel region, was blocked by a limestone rock ridge. After the Ice Age, the meltwater from the Aare glacier carved seven gorges into the limestone.
The side cliffs are 1400 metres high and have a minimum width of just one metre, rising up to 180 metres. The impressive gorge has been accessible on foot for more than a hundred years. The small bypass tunnels, which reach dangerously close to the water, are particularly impressive.
Especially in fog or at dusk, the gorge appears mystical in the evening lighting.
Location and directions
The Aare Gorge can be reached by car from Meiringen in the direction of Innertkirchen. There are also numerous buses. The hike through the Aare Gorge from the west entrance to the east entrance (or vice versa) takes about 40 minutes. The return journey can also be made via a public hiking trail over the Lammi. This hike takes about an hour.
opening hours
Between the beginning of April and the beginning of November, the gorge is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. In midsummer, the gorge is open until 10 p.m. and is illuminated with magical floodlights.
