How to Visit Aare Gorge & Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge in 1 Day
The Aare Gorge is one of the most visited places in the Bernese Oberland region, so you can’t miss it on your Switzerland Itinerary.
Wondering how to visit the Aare Gorge? You can visit it as a day trip and combine your trip with the Gletscherschlucht Rosenlaui or the famous Gelmerbahn.
This ultimate guide to the Aareschlucht includes the best time to visit, the ticket prices, what to expect on the tour, and practical information.
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Where is Aare Gorge
Aare Gorge, also known as Aareschlucht, is located in the Bernese Oberland Region of Switzerland, between Meiringen and Innertkirchen.
Best Time to Visit Aareschlucht
Switzerland is a popular destination all year round! But the best time to visit the gorge is from May to October. During these months, the weather is more pleasant for hiking, the temperature is warmer, and the Gletscherschlucht Rosenlaui can be visited.
It is a popular place, so you should avoid weekends and arrive as early as possible! We visited both gorges at the end of June, and the weather was fantastic. But we recommend bringing a light jacket or sweater.
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In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!
How to Get to the Aare Gorge & Parking
The quickest way to reach the gorge is by car. It takes about 5 minutes from Meiringen, 10 minutes from Innertkirchen, 30 minutes from Interlaken, and 1.5 hours from Zurich. Aare Gorge has two entrances (west/east), and free parking is available on both sides.
There are direct trains from Lucerne and Interlaken to Meiringen. Take the train to Meiringen, then change to the regional train to the Aareschlucht West or Aareschlucht Ost stop and walk to the entrance.
Budget Tip
Enjoy unlimited access by public train, bus, and boat to visit more than 41 cities, reach peaks of many mountains, and sail through beautiful lakes in Switzerland with the Swiss Travel Pass.
See also → Beautiful Places to Visit in Switzerland
Aare Gorge West & East Entrance
The west entrance is open from 29 March to 03 November 2024, and the east entrance from 09 May to 01 November 2024.
Important note
You can walk the entire length of the gorge if both entrances are open.
If you’re coming from Innertkirchen, use the east entrance. From the west entrance to the middle of the gorge, it is accessible by wheelchair and stroller.
Book this Best Bernese Oberland Region Tour. This tour includes visiting Lake Lungern, Aareschlucht, Giessbach Falls, Brienz, Interlaken, Trummelbach Falls, and Lauterbrunnen.
Aare Gorge Opening Hours
It is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. From 15 June to 15 September, opening hours are extended by one hour.
Aare Gorge Entrance Fee
The admission fee is 12 CHF (13.5 USD) for adults and 7.5 CHF (8.5 USD) for children (6-15 years old). Children under 6 years are free of charge. Dogs can visit the gorge free of charge but must be kept on a short leash.
You can also buy combined tickets for the Aare Gorge and Reichenbach Falls. Tickets cost 20 CHF (22 USD) for adults and 14 CHF (15.5 USD) for children (6-15 years old).
Good to know
At the entrance, there are restaurants, toilets, a gift shop, and a playground.
Aare Gorge Canyon Walk & Gletscherschlucht Rosenlaui
For the best experience, arrive early to avoid the crowds. Over tens of thousands of years, the Aare has carved its way through the limestone cliffs to form the gorge, which is only 1-2 m wide in places. The Aareschlucht is a 1.4 km long walkway and 200 m deep natural wonder. A beautiful, easy walk that is accessible to all ages and a truly refreshing experience in summer.
It takes about 45 minutes to walk through the stunning gorge via bridges and tunnels. Many people simply walk through the gorge and then walk back to the starting point, a total hike of 3.2 km.
Alternatively, you can walk back on a public hiking trail over the ‘Lammi’ pass, which takes about 1 hour, or take the Meiringen-Innertkirchen railway that runs alongside the gorge. The admission price includes the train ticket. The train ride takes just 3 minutes.
Recommended post → Gelmerbahn Guide
After visiting the Aare Gorge, go to the Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge, about a 25-minute drive away. Drive carefully, as the road is very narrow and winding!
A parking ticket is required to visit the Rosenlaui, Schwarzwaldalp area. The full-day parking ticket costs 8 CHF (9 USD), and the afternoon ticket (from noon) costs 4 CHF (4.5 USD).
Alternatively, take the PostBus from Meiringen to the Gletscherschlucht Rosenlaui bus stop at the entrance. The PostBus leaves every hour from 8:20 AM.
The path through the gorge is well-maintained, and the tour takes about 45 minutes. You pass along waterfalls, natural whirlpools, and fantastically shaped rocks. At the end of the gorge, a forest path leads back to the entrance. The hiking trail is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
It will be much colder than outside, so bring a sweater or jacket.
Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge Opening Hours & Entrance Fee
It is open from 9 AM to 6 PM from 09 May to 30 September 2024 and 9 AM to 5 PM from 01 October to 20 October 2024.
The entrance fee to the Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge is 10 CHF (11 USD) for adults and 5 CHF (5.5 USD) for children (6-15 years old). Children under 6 years are free of charge. Dogs can visit the gorge for free but must be kept on a short leash.
TIP
On your way to the car park, you will see the Rosenlaui Glacier viewpoint. You can stop on the side of the road for a quick photo or walk back from the parking lot.
See also → Best Hotels in the Switzerland Mountains
What to Pack
- Small backpack
- Light raincoat
- Hiking shoes or boots & socks
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Camera gear
- Reusable water bottle & extra water
- Snacks
- Personal medication
- Local money
- Powerbank
Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! Travel insurance is the best way to avoid extra expenses due to unexpected accidents, cancellations, delays, loss of personal items, and emergencies.
TIP
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Where to Stay?
The gorge is less than a 5-minute drive from Meiringen, making it a fantastic base for visiting nearby hiking trails. Alternatively, you can stay in Interlaken, just 30 minutes away. These are our recommendations.
Best hotels in Meiringen
- Mid-Range: Hotel Dakota or Hotel Panorama
- Budget: Hotel Meiringen
Best hotels in Interlaken
- Luxury: Swiss Hotel Apartments
- Mid-Range: The Hey Hotel or Boutique Hotel Bellevue
- Budget: Interlaken Youth Hostel
We hope you find our guide to visiting Aare Gorge useful and will inspire you to visit Switzerland. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM: – Airalo
Travel Insurance – Heymondo
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
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