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🥾 Trail Info 🔽
- 🚗 Arrival: The hike is easily accessible by car. There are limited paid parking spaces at the Reichenbachbahn valley station. Additional parking can be found in Meiringen-Alpbach. The route ends at the west entrance of the Aare Gorge. More information on how to get there here.
- 💰 Costs: The Reichenbach Railway is paid. There are no additional entrance fees for the hike. Parking fees apply at the valley station, while free parking is available in Meiringen-Alpbach.
- 🥾 Equipment: Trekking shoes, a rain jacket for the Aare Gorge hike in case of rain, and hiking snacks. For the best hiking days, check out my monthly weather guide!
- 🥵 Difficulty: Easy (T1). A few stairs at the beginning, then downhill. Not suitable for strollers.
- 📍 Start and End: Start at the Reichenbachbahn station, end at the western entrance of the Aareschlucht.
- ⏱️ Time: About 2 hours of hiking, plan for 3–4 hours with photo breaks.
- 📊 Ascent and Descent: Ascent: 200 m (656 feet) | Descent: 450 m (1,476 feet)
- 🌿 Terrain: 5 km (3.1 miles) mountain road, 6 km (3.7 miles) mountain path, 2 km (1.2 miles) meadows – varied terrain.
- 🦌 Wildlife: Birds, small mammals, and butterflies. In the Aare Gorge, you can also find fish and aquatic life.
- 🧑🧑🧒 Family friendly: Suitable for families, but not stroller-friendly. Children should be fit enough to manage the easy ascents and descents.
- 📌 Signposts & Markings: The route is well-marked, but the path in the Aare Gorge is narrower and more slippery.
- 🐕 Hiking with Dogs: Suitable for dogs, but make sure to keep them on a leash and bring plenty of water.
- 💡 Tips: Ideal for hot summer days, as the Reichenbach Falls and Aare Gorge provide a refreshing cool down.
- 🏡 Accommodation & Restaurants: Zwirgi Inn after the ascent and another restaurant at the eastern entrance of the Aare Gorge.
- 🌄 Highlights: The Reichenbach Falls are impressive, but my highlight is the Aare Gorge, with its rock walls reaching up to 180 meters (590 feet) high.
This refreshing hike begins at the famous Reichenbach Falls, known from the Sherlock Holmes story The Final Problem(1893), where Holmes and Moriarty plunge into the abyss. A memorial plaque commemorates this legendary scene. From the valley station in Willigen, the Reichenbach funicular takes you up the mountain (CHF 8 one way, CHF 12 return). The roar of the water and the cool spray provide a dramatic and invigorating start. The trail then leads through forests and meadows to the Aare Gorge, a 1.4 km long gorge whose rock walls rise up to 180 meters. A perfect summer hike with history, nature, and a touch of mystery.
After purchasing your ticket, simply find a seat and enjoy the approximately ten-minute ride uphill. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views. Once you reach the top, you can already hear the sound of the Reichenbach Falls in the distance, as they are located right at the station. There, you’ll be refreshed by fine water droplets, which is especially pleasant on hot days.
After you’ve taken enough photos and videos, continue up the steep stairs directly above the thundering waterfall. The ascent is short but intense. Time and again, you’ll be treated to impressive views of the cascading water. From here, the trail continues toward the Aare Gorge.
Above the Reichenbach Falls, the water cascades down in several smaller waterfalls. From the highest point, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the entire valley.
Once you reach the signpost, you have two options: To the right, the trail leads toward Rosenlaui, a picturesque spot that’s especially popular on social media. However, we take the left path toward Geissholz and Aare Gorge, which is exactly where today’s hike is heading.
From here, the hike takes you through shaded forest paths and green meadows to the small village of Geissholz. From there, you can spot the impressive Reichenbach Falls in the distance and proudly look back, thinking, “My hike started up there.” You should plan about an hour for this section through the forest.
After passing through the charming village of Geissholz (see the hiking map below), the trail continues along an idyllic path through the forest. From here, it’s not far to the impressive Aare Gorge.
Even before reaching the Aare Gorge, you’ll see the restaurant and the many parking spaces. You can either walk to the Aare Gorge Suspension Bridge first or dive directly into the mystical gorge. The entrance fee is 10 CHF, with children under 6 years old entering for free. For children aged 6 and older, the cost is 6.50 CHF. With a guest card from the holiday region, you’ll receive a 20% discount.
You explore the Aare Gorge on a narrow wooden platform attached to the rock face – a true adventure between rock walls that rise up to 180 meters (590 feet) high.
My personal highlight of the hike was this section, as I arrived sweaty, and the refreshing coolness was a welcome relief after the long trek.
The changing colors of the river, depending on the sunlight, create a fascinating natural spectacle. From bright neon green to deep emerald blue, the water almost seems magical. The thought that this river flows all the way from here to nearly Germany makes this place an extraordinary experience.
The hike leads mostly through the shady Aare Gorge, which is why I had to increase my camera’s ISO setting significantly to make the photos bright enough. A monopod can be very helpful here if you want to take sharp shots. At the end of the tour, you reach the west entrance of the Aare Gorge, from where you can easily walk to Aare Gorge West station.
Details and Elevation Profile
Frequently Asked Questions about the Reichenbach Falls Aare Gorge Hike
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The pure hiking time is about 2 hours. If you plan for photo breaks and stops, you should allow around 3 to 4 hours for the hike. There are many viewpoints along the way, perfect for taking breaks and enjoying the landscape.
Yes, the hike is generally suitable for families. However, it is not stroller-friendly, as there are some stairs and uneven sections at the beginning that may be challenging for young children with a stroller. Older children who enjoy hiking will have no trouble with the trail. Additionally, the path offers many opportunities to observe nature, which is especially exciting for younger hikers.
The ascent is about 200 meters (656 feet), while you descend approximately 450 meters (1,476 feet) on the way back. The trail is generally manageable and suitable for hikers who aren't seeking extreme inclines. The descent is easy, but you should be especially cautious on some of the slippery sections of the path.
Yes, there are several places to eat along the hike. A popular stop is Zwirgi Inn, which is reached after the ascent and offers hikers a cozy break. Additionally, there is another restaurant at the eastern entrance of the Aare Gorge, perfect for a refreshing pause after the hike. These places provide a great opportunity to refuel and enjoy the surrounding nature.
For the Reichenbach Falls Aare Gorge hike, you'll need regular trekking shoes that are suitable for uneven and slippery spots. If it has rained recently, a rain jacket is recommended for the Aare Gorge. Don't forget to bring hiking snacks. You can also rely on the weather forecast – my monthly weather guide for hikes in Switzerland will help you choose the best days for your hikes.
Yes, the hike is dog-friendly. However, your dog should be kept on a leash, especially on the mountain path and in the Aare Gorge, where the trail can be narrow and slippery. Make sure your dog has enough water, especially on hot days, as there is little shade along the route.
During the hike from Reichenbach Falls to Aare Gorge, you can observe a variety of native wildlife. Especially in spring and summer, there are many butterflies and other insects. In the Aare Gorge itself, you can also spot fish and other aquatic life, making this hike a great experience for nature lovers.
