Aare Gorge: Walk Through, Then Return by Rail

For a first Aare Gorge visit, start at the west entrance near Meiringen and cross toward Innertkirchen if both entrances are open. The narrow limestone passage is the main event. The return can be a short railway journey rather than a second crossing—but the stations are separate from the entrance buildings.

Inside the limestone passage

Wooden walkways and tunnels carry you beside the river through a gorge about 1.4 kilometers long. Switzerland Tourism allows 45–60 minutes for a crossing. The most confined sections bring the water and rock walls close together; this is a different experience from viewing an open valley from above. Sturdy footwear and a warm layer are useful even in summer. The tourism description identifies the west-to-middle section as barrier-free, not the entire crossing.

Choose that west-side visit and return the way you came if steps are a problem. The east station approach includes a hiking path with steps, so a train return does not remove every walking obstacle.

Close the loop before buying

The operator’s directions put each station around ten minutes from its entrance. For a west-to-east visit: reach Aareschlucht West, walk to the west entrance, cross the gorge, then descend the signed approach to Aareschlucht Ost. Take the Meiringen-bound train back to Aareschlucht West and walk to your starting entrance if your car is there. Check that day’s departures before entering; the operator says this return rail journey is included in admission.

That is not a 45-minute total outing. Add both station walks, waiting time and the final walk back to the car. The alternative Lammi hiking return is listed at about one hour; it adds a second walk outside the gorge. Use the rail version if the gorge is enough walking for your group. Point-to-point planning is useful when one person is tempted to move the car during the visit.

The two entrance seasons differ

The published 2026 season runs April 3–November 1 for the west entrance and May 9–November 1 for the east. September 21–November 1 hours are 08:30–17:30. Through-passage depends on both entrances being open. Treat the seasonal table as a planning reference. Before a date-sensitive journey, especially near the end of the season, call the west entrance on +41 33 971 40 48 to confirm that both entrances and the stepped approach to Aareschlucht Ost station will be open on your date.