Traveling to the Interlaken region of Switzerland, you can experience some of the most surreal landscapes in the world! But while some attractions like Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen draw large crowds, others are often overlooked by international visitors. Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht) is one of them.
We visited Aare Canyon on a rainy afternoon while researching unique things to do around Interlaken. And we were truly amazed at the wondrous and underrated beauty of this natural wonder!
Despite its high Google ratings, we see mostly local tourists, which is why Aare Gorge is less crowded and cheaper than other attractions in the Interlaken-Oberhasli district.
In this article, we cover everything you need to know about a tour of Aare Gorge, including opening hours, ticket prices, and the best way to experience the Aare Gorge hike.
Aare Gorge Ticket Price
Tickets to visit Aare canyon cost only 10 CHF per person for adults. It's very cheap compared to some of the other attractions in the rather expensive Interlaken area (like First Cliff Walk where we spent CHF 192 on gondolas and activities).
For children aged 6 to 15, the entrance fee to Aare Gorge is CHF 6.5. For children under 6 years old, admission is free.
You can also purchase a combined ticket to visit both the Aareschlucht and the nearby Reichenbachfall (Reichenbach Falls) for 18 CHF for adults or 13 CHF for kids ages 6-16.
Aare Gorge Opening Hours
Aare Gorge is open from spring to fall and closed during the winter months. There are two entrances to this location:
The west entrance (Aareschlucht West) is open from April 2 to November 1.The east entrance (Aareschlucht Ost) is open from May 14 to November 1.April to June the opening hours are from 8:30 am-5:30 pm.From June to September the gorge stays open a bit later until 6:30 pm.Then from September to November, the gorge closes earlier again at 5:30 pm.In the summer months from July to August on the weekends (Fridays and Saturdays), visitors can stay at the gorge longer and enjoy evening illumination that lasts from 6:30 pm until 10 pm.
Aare Gorge Location
The path through the Aare Gorge is partly paved, partly gravel, and runs along the inside of the canyon, through tunnels and over a wooden pedestrian bridge over steel beams. The path is 1-2m wide, the paths are firmly closed.
Aare Gorge is a perfect and safe natural destination for:
Individual travelers of all ages, families, schools, clubs and groups. The information provided is multilingual for our Swiss and international customers.
Thanks to the Meiringen–Innertkirchen (MIB) Railway, visitors can return by train, on a route parallel to the gorge. It takes about 10 minutes on foot from MIB station “Aareschlucht West” to the west entrance of the gorge. From the 'Aareschlucht Ost' station to the east entrance, it's about a 10-minute walk via a stepped walking trail. A return trip on the Meiringen–Innertkirchen railway is included in the admission price.
The hike through the entire Aare Gorge takes approx. 45 mins. Visitors can return by a public hiking trail over the 'Lammi' pass. This tick increase takes about an hour.
Through the best parts of Aare Gorge, from the west entrance to the middle of the canyon, the path is accessible to visitors with disabilities and is accessible to standard wheelchairs and small strollers. Dogs must be kept on a leash.
