What is the Aare Gorge?
Carved by glacial meltwater over 10,000 years ago, the Aareschlucht in Meiringen stretches 1.4 km with cliffs up to 200 metres high. You walk along a secured wooden boardwalk drilled into the rock, passing tunnels and small bridges above the turquoise Aare river. The Aare Gorge is open from 3 April to 1 November 2026. Adult tickets cost CHF 13 and children aged 6–15.99 pay CHF 8. The 1.4 km walk along a wooden boardwalk takes 30–45 minutes one way and is suitable for families, with both entrances easily reached by car or train from Meiringen.
Aare Gorge Opening Hours (2026)
- West Entrance: 3 April – 1 November 2026
- East Entrance: 9 May – 1 November 2026
- Spring & Autumn: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Summer (13 June – 20 Sept): 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
- Evening illumination: Fridays & Saturdays, 3 July – 29 August, 6:30 pm – 10 pm
Aare Gorge Tickets & Prices
- Adults: CHF 13
- Children (6–15.99): CHF 8
- Under 6: Free
- Combined ticket with Reichenbach Falls: CHF 25 adults / CHF 16 kids
The Aareschlucht entrance fee is discounted 20% for Jungfrau Region guest pass holders and 30% for Bernese Oberland Pass holders.
How to Get There
By car, free parking is available at both entrances. By train, the Meiringen–Innertkirchen line stops directly at "Aareschlucht West" and "Aareschlucht Ost." From Interlaken, it's about an hour by train.
What to Expect on Your Visit
Expect a cool, shaded walk along a safe, railed boardwalk. Wear closed shoes with grip, bring a light jacket, and allow extra time for kids to explore the Tatzi Trail. Dogs on a leash are welcome, and both entrances have restaurants with terraces.
Stay Nearby at Hotel Rebstock
The Aare Gorge is one of the highlights of any trip to the Bernese Oberland, and staying close by makes the experience even better. Hotel Rebstock in Meiringen offers a warm, traditional Swiss welcome just minutes from the Aareschlucht, with comfortable rooms, regional cuisine, and easy access to nearby attractions like Reichenbach Falls and the Sherlock Holmes Museum making it a perfect base for exploring the gorge and the surrounding Haslital valley. Rooms are available on exclusive discount from official website at https://hotelrebstock.com/en/booking
Final Thoughts
This Aare Gorge visitor guide gives you everything you need to plan a smooth, memorable visit. The Aareschlucht is affordable, easy to reach, and genuinely breathtaking. Visit between late May and early October, arrive early, and pair it with Reichenbach Falls for a perfect half-day in the Swiss Alps.
How much do Aare Gorge tickets cost in 2026?
CHF 13 for adults, CHF 8 for children aged 6–15.99, and free for children under 6.
What are the Aare Gorge opening hours?
The Aareschlucht is open from 3 April to 1 November 2026, daily from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (until 6:30 pm in summer).
How long does the Aare Gorge walk take?
The 1.4 km walk takes 30–45 minutes one way, or about 1.5 hours round trip.
Is the Aareschlucht suitable for kids?
Yes. The path is flat, safe, and narrow strollers can access the west entrance up to the main attractions.
Can I visit the Aare Gorge without a car?
Yes. Trains stop directly at both entrances, making it an easy day trip from Interlaken or Meiringen.
