Gateway to the Grimsel

In Meiringen, the impressive natural wonder of the Aare Gorge awaits you.

From the east entrance, you walk the whole gorge from east to west along a safe path over walkways and through tunnels. This easy and safe walk of approx. 45 minutes is a very special way to experience nature.

At its narrowest point, the gorge is less than 2 metres wide. The Aare flows through the gorge and its current speeds up considerably as a result. It leaves the gorge at 12 km/h. You will emerge at the exit thoroughly impressed.

Here at the west exit, the Aareschlucht Restaurant will serve you a delicious gorge speciality at lunchtime, and for dessert you can then sample the famous Meiringen meringues.

In the afternoon, you will meet the master baker of the meringues in person. In the bakery of Frutal Meringues, he will tell you the secret behind his delicate temptation.

If you wish, the baker will also show you how to bake your own original meringues (advance booking required).

Do you know the story of the 'Tatzelwurm'? In 1814, the Bernese naturalist Samuel Studer reported on a monster in the Aare Gorge: from Unterseen all the way up to the Grimsel, people believe that a kind of snake with an almost round head and short legs can occasionally be seen. Many oral traditions tell that this snake, popularly known as the 'Tatzelwurm', lives in the Aare Gorge. Today, you can buy this sweet monster from the Haslital, the 'Tatzelwurm', in all sizes at the Frutiger confectioner's in Meiringen.