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Aare Gorge
Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht) is the kind of place that resets your expectations right away. This isn’t a viewpoint you admire from a distance – it’s a walk inside a dramatic natural formation where water, rock, sound, and light constantly shift around you. For families, that’s the real win: a powerful nature experience that doesn’t require long hikes or serious stamina.
Set in the Bernese Oberland near Meiringen, the gorge is easy to fit into a day that also includes lakes, waterfalls, or scenic drives. It works well in both rain and heat, which is why it often becomes a “last-minute plan” – and still feels like a highlight.
How do you get to the Aare Gorge, and is a car really necessary?
Yes – renting a car is strongly recommended. Trains do reach both entrances, but a car gives you far more flexibility, especially with children, wet weather, or last-minute changes.
By car: Drive to Meiringen and follow the signs to Aareschlucht West or Aareschlucht East. The access roads are well maintained, and parking is available on both sides. In practice, the west entrance tends to feel simpler, with more space for parking.
By train: A narrow-gauge train runs between Meiringen and Innertkirchen, with stops at Aareschlucht West and Aareschlucht Ost. The ride between entrances takes about 5 minutes, which makes it easy to walk the gorge one way and return by train if needed.
As the Itinerary Expert, my usual approach is simple: drive to the west entrance, walk through, then decide on the spot whether to return on foot or take the train.
When is the best time of day to visit the Aare Gorge?
Early morning consistently works best. Fewer people, softer light, and smoother movement through narrow sections make a noticeable difference. Late afternoon can also be pleasant, especially in summer, but crowd levels are less predictable.
Rainy weather is not a disadvantage here. The gorge is well designed for wet conditions, and higher water levels make the river louder and more dramatic.
As the Itinerary Expert, I often treat rainy days as an opportunity rather than a problem – this is one of the few nature walks where rain adds atmosphere instead of limiting access.
What exactly do you see inside the Aare Gorge?
The canyon itself
The core experience is the raw power of the landscape. Wooden and metal walkways are fixed directly into the rock, often suspended above fast-moving, turquoise water. In the narrowest sections, the gorge feels almost enclosed, with light filtering down between towering limestone walls.
Tunnels and galleries
Around 400 metres of the route pass through tunnels carved into the rock. These areas are darker, cooler, and damp, adding variety to the walk. Children often find these sections especially engaging, as the environment constantly changes.
The Aare River
The river’s colour shifts between milky turquoise and deeper blue-green, depending on weather and water levels. After rain, the flow becomes louder and more forceful, which makes the walk feel more intense but also more memorable.
As an Itinerary Expert, I often say this is one of the few places where rain actually improves the experience.
What is nearby, and how can the Aare Gorge be combined with other stops?
Reichenbach Falls
Reichenbach Falls is an easy addition on the same day and doesn’t require long walking, making it a good match for families.
After lunch, a short drive of 5-10 minutes brings you to Reichenbach Falls (Reichenbachfall). The visit usually takes 45-60 minutes and pairs well with Aare Gorge, as it delivers a strong visual experience without additional physical strain.
Tickets are sometimes combined with Aare Gorge access, depending on the season.
Lake Brienz
Lake Brienz adds open space and calmer scenery.
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Is the Aare Gorge suitable for kids and families?
For kids (ages 5-18)
The route doesn’t require hiking skills or physical endurance. Children are naturally drawn to the tunnels, bridges, and constant movement of the water. Educational signs and small interactive elements along the path help keep their attention.
Strollers and mobility
Strollers are only practical from the west entrance to the mid-section. Stairs near the eastern side make a full crossing with a stroller unrealistic. Wheelchair access is similarly limited.
Safety considerations
Railings are present throughout the gorge, but surfaces can be wet and slippery. Proper footwear is essential.
Tip from the Itinerary Expert: I use this walk to explain safety rules to kids – the fast water below makes those conversations very real and effective.
1-Day Family Route: Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht) – Meiringen Region
Total time: approximately 10:00-18:00
Format: regional route by car
Morning (10:00-12:30): Arrive by car at Aareschlucht West. Parking is available on site, and this entrance offers a gentler start for families. Enter the gorge around 10:15 and walk one way toward Aareschlucht East. The distance is about 1.4 km, with 60-90 minutes inside depending on pace and photo stops. The walkways, tunnels, and river views keep children engaged without long climbs.
Lunch (12:30-13:45): After exiting at Aareschlucht East, walk a few minutes to the nearby restaurant or café area. Simple Swiss dishes and restrooms make this an easy family stop. If it’s busy, eating slightly later often feels calmer.
Afternoon (14:00-16:30) – Reichenbach Falls and Meiringen: After lunch, a short drive of 5-10 minutes brings you to Reichenbach Falls (Reichenbachfall). The visit usually takes 45-60 minutes and pairs well with Aare Gorge, as it delivers a strong visual experience without additional physical strain. Tickets are sometimes combined with Aare Gorge access, depending on the season. By 15:30, continue into Meiringen town centre, just a 5-minute drive away. The compact centre is ideal for a slow walk, ice cream, and small local shops. This is where the pace naturally drops, which works well after the intensity of the gorge.
Evening (16:30-18:00) – Relaxed End of the Day: Plan an early dinner or extended snack in Meiringen. A casual restaurant or bakery near the centre keeps logistics simple and avoids fatigue. There’s no need to rush – this time is about recovery, not sightseeing. By 18:00, the day naturally winds down. From Meiringen, it’s easy to continue toward Lake Brienz, Interlaken, or return to your accommodation.
Traveler Experiences
July 2019
We came on a warm summer morning and the gorge felt like natural air-conditioning. The wooden walkways over the water were dramatic but safe, even with our two kids. The tunnels were their favorite part. It can feel narrow when people walk toward you, so patience helps. Starting early made a huge difference.
August 2018
I didn’t expect this to be so immersive. You’re not just looking at a canyon – you’re inside it. The water color changes as you move, and the light in the narrow sections is unreal. It does get busy around midday. If I came again, I’d arrive right at opening.
May 2023
We came with our kids after several rainy days, so the river was fast and loud. A bit intimidating at first, but also unforgettable. The air was cold inside – bring a light jacket even in spring. I loved how different each section felt: dark tunnels, then sudden light again.
Tips from the Itinerary Expert
Start from Aareschlucht West
Starting from Aareschlucht West makes the walk feel easier at the beginning, especially with kids.
Arrive early (even in rain)
Arriving early – even in rain – reduces crowding and improves the experience.
Wear proper footwear
Proper footwear is essential, as wooden walkways can be wet.
Plan enough time
I always plan at least 90 minutes, not a rushed visit.
Use the train only when needed
Using the train only when needed adds flexibility.
Bring a light jacket
A light jacket is useful even in summer due to cooler air inside the gorge.
Insights from the Itinerary Expert
I visited Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht) in August 2023, and it stayed with me far longer than expected. Not because it was conventionally beautiful, but because it demanded attention. You don’t observe this place – you move through it, guided by sound, shadow, and water.
From a family-planning perspective, its strength lies in balance. No long hikes, no altitude pressure, yet a strong sense of discovery. Children stay engaged, adults stay interested, and the day never feels overloaded. It isn’t perfect – surfaces can be slippery, crowds matter, and strollers won’t work end to end – but good timing solves most issues.
This is exactly the kind of destination where thoughtful planning changes everything. Aare Gorge is a powerful, accessible nature experience, and I invite you to create an individual route through Aare Gorge and Switzerland, tailored to your family’s pace, interests, and travel style – so the journey feels intentional, not accidental.
How much do tickets cost, and what should families expect to pay?
| Category | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | approximately 9-12 CHF | |
| Children | approximately 6-7.5 CHF | |
| Combo tickets | sometimes available, especially with Reichenbach Falls |
Common Questions About Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht)
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