7 Highlights in the Aare Gorge
- The Aare Gorge is up to 180 m deep and one meter wide at the narrowest point
- The gorge is well developed with paths over a length of 1.4 km. There are two entrances: in the east and in the west of the Aare Gorge.
- Between the west entrance and the middle of the gorge, the path is passable with a wheelchair or narrow stroller.
- In midsummer, the paths in the gorge are illuminated every Friday and Saturday evening, creating a mystical atmosphere.
- The Aare Gorge carries clear greenish-blue water and has a 25 m deep waterfall.
- Along the way, panels provide information about the geology, flora and fauna of the region.
- At the east entrance you will find a restaurant and a children's playground.
In any case, the Aare Gorge is a unique natural wonder in Switzerland and a must for nature lovers and photographers.
What to Expect in the Aare Gorge
The Aare Gorge has two entrances located on the western and eastern sides. You can enter the gorge from both entrances, though the eastern entrance is only available from around mid-May.
The Aare River traverses hollows, caves, and steep rock faces. The gorge is considered a place of power. Its main section is very accessible, with wooden walkways and short tunnels through the limestone. The pathway between the middle of the gorge and the western entrance is well-suited for wheelchairs and strollers. Other paths are partly made of gravel, while some are paved. Dogs are allowed on a short leash and don’t have to pay an entrance fee.
Since all the walkways over the steel beams are well secured, families can visit the Aare Gorge without any worries. Multilingual signs along the way provide information about the gorge, its formation, geology, and hydropower.
The hike through the Aare Gorge takes about 45 minutes. You can also take a marked path back outside the gorge, which takes about an hour.
Alternatively, you can return by taking the Zentralbahn from Meiringen to Innertkirchen. This train runs parallel to the gorge. The “Aareschlucht West” train stop is about a 10-minute walk from the west entrance. The “Aareschlucht Ost” train station is also just a 10-minute walk from the east entrance, though it involves some steps. The train ride is included in the entrance fee for the gorge.
Swiss Activities Tip: Kids can always be on the lookout for a member of the big Tatzelwurm family along the way. They hide everywhere. In 1935, a photographer brought back a photo of a Tatzelwurm measuring 80 cm long and 25 cm wide. Since then, the Tatzelwurm legend has been closely linked with the Aare Gorge. In recent years, a special “Path to the Tatzelwurm Family” has been created for children aged 4 to 10. You can buy children's books on the story at the main entrance on the west side.
Opening hours Aareschlucht
You can visit the Aare Gorge only in summer between the beginning of April and the end of October. The opening hours of the gates are different:
| gate | open from - to |
|---|---|
| West Gate | early April to late October |
| East Gate | around mid-May until the end of October |
During this period the following opening hours apply:
| date | time |
|---|---|
| April to mid-June | 08:30 - 17:30 |
| mid-June to mid-September | 08:30 - 18:30 |
| Mid September to end of October | 08:30 - 17:30 |
Evening lighting is turned on during midsummer on the following days/times: Friday and Saturday from the end of June to the end of August from 18:30 - 22:00.
During this time, the Aare Gorge is illuminated in its western part. On these evenings, therefore, only the west entrance is open. You can then walk the illuminated path to the large sand and gravel banks of the Aare and back. The remaining part is not accessible in the evening.
Restaurants and Playground at the Aare Gorge
The west entrance of the Aare Gorge is located east of Meiringen and serves as the main entrance. There is a large parking lot, a lovely children's playground, and a restaurant. Tour buses also park here.
At the Aare Gorge restaurant, you can enjoy Swiss dishes in a self-service format. You'll find warm and cold meals, a salad bar, pastries, and Swiss specialties to take away. A large outdoor terrace offers a great view of the playground.
Children are welcomed at the playground by wooden figures “Citronella and Tatzi.” Citronella provides information to families here, just like at the east entrance, about the Tatzelwurm family. With your little ones, you’ll need about 1:00 - 1:30 hours for the Tatzelwurm trail. Along the way, you can find five Tatzelwurms, consisting of father, mother, and their three children Titzi, Tetz, and Tatzi.
There’s also something to eat at the east entrance. A bistro near Innertkirchen attracts visitors with its sun terrace. From here, you have a direct view of the Alps of the Bernese Oberland.
Getting to the Aare Gorge
You can easily reach the Aare Gorge from Interlaken and Lucerne by car or public transport.
By public transport
It takes almost two hours from Lucerne by public transport. You can travel via Meiringen and from there take the Zentralbahn to the West or East station of the Aare Gorge.
From the Zentralbahn stops, you’ll need about 10 minutes on foot. To reach the East entrance of the Aare Gorge, you’ll have to climb some stairs.
You can use the stops “Alpbach” or “Aareschlucht Ost” to get to the East entrance. Access from the “Aareschlucht West” stop leads to the West entrance of the Aare Gorge.
By car
By car, it takes about an hour from Lucerne using the A8 motorway. From Interlaken, you can reach the Aare Gorge in half an hour, also via the A8.
Who is the Aare Gorge suitable for?
The Aare Gorge is a must-visit for nature lovers and should rank high on the bucket list. It's especially great for families, school classes, and bus trips. Day-trippers from Interlaken or Lucerne often come here and combine the visit with other natural attractions in the Berner Oberland. For example, this trip pairs well with a visit to the Reichenbach Falls.
Visitors with mobility limitations and families with strollers can access the Aare Gorge from the west entrance and can go about halfway along the total path.
But is that a good link?
The Aare Gorge is a breathtaking gorge formed by the power of water over many millennia. A visit will let you experience a unique atmosphere, characterized by the high rock walls and the sound of the water.