The gorge was formed by glacial erosion during the retreat of the Aare Glacier at the end of the last ice age.
The Aare River flows through the gorge at a high velocity, having carved the limestone over thousands of years.
Part of the walkway is built into tunnels that were originally blasted through the limestone in the late 19th century.
The gorge acts as a natural separator between the Hasli Valley and the Grimsel region.
The water temperature in the Aare River within the gorge consistently remains near freezing, even during the peak of summer.
The Aare Gorge is a 1,400-meter-long limestone canyon carved by the Aare River through the Kirchet rock barrier near Meiringen. The gorge reaches depths of up to 200 meters, with rock walls that narrow to just one meter apart in certain sections. Visitors navigate the gorge via a system of secure boardwalks and tunnels cut directly into the vertical cliff faces. The site features a distinct microclimate, remaining significantly cooler than the surrounding alpine valley. The path is divided into sections, with both the west and east entrances providing access to the elevated walkway suspended above the turquoise glacial water. The gorge serves as a hydrological passage for the Aare, which originates from the Grimsel and Susten pass regions.
The narrowest section of the gorge where the opposing limestone walls are most compressed, creating a dramatic vertical frame.
Bring a windbreaker or light jacket as the temperature drops significantly inside the canyon.
Wear non-slip footwear as the limestone walkways and tunnel floors can be damp and slippery.
The gorge is traversable in both directions, but most visitors start at the west entrance to walk toward the east.
Attempting to hike the path in open-toed sandals or flip-flops, as the terrain is uneven and slick.
Open seasonally from spring through autumn; closed during winter months due to ice and safety hazards.
Stay on the designated boardwalks at all times; respect the restricted zones marked for safety.
