How melting glaciers carved a narrow limestone chasm through the Swiss Bernese Oberland

Countries & Cities · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Aare Gorge is a dramatic geological scar in Switzerland, created by the violent runoff of retreating glaciers 10,000 years ago. Stretching just two kilometers, this limestone passage features cliffs reaching 50 meters high and narrows to a mere meter wide, offering a visceral look at the power of water.

Located near the town of Meiringen, the Aare Gorge serves as a testament to the transformative power of the Ice Age. As the glaciers retreated, torrential meltwater carved through a limestone ridge, creating a deep, narrow chasm that remains a striking feature of the Bernese Oberland landscape. While the gorge is relatively short, its sheer vertical walls and fluctuating width—ranging from 30 meters at its widest point to a claustrophobic one meter at its narrowest—create a unique environment for visitors.

The site has evolved from a natural wonder into a carefully managed tourist destination. Public access began in 1889, following the granting of permission for walking paths in 1887. Over the decades, infrastructure has been integrated into the rugged terrain to facilitate exploration. Today, visitors traverse the gorge via a wooden path built on a metal frame, which is cantilevered directly from the limestone walls, with occasional sections passing through tunnels. This engineering feat allows pedestrians to experience the depth of the gorge safely.

Connectivity has played a significant role in the gorge's accessibility. Historically, the Meiringen–Reichenbach–Aareschlucht tramway served the western entrance from 1912 until 1956. Modern visitors now rely on the Meiringen-Innertkirchen railway, which provides access to both the western entrance and the underground Aareschlucht Ost station at the eastern end. The site continues to adapt, with recent additions such as a suspension bridge and a bistro at the eastern entrance in 2008, ensuring that this geological relic remains a staple of Swiss tourism, famously linked to the literary legacy of Sherlock Holmes and the nearby Reichenbach Falls.

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