2_1_DiscoverGermany_May 2015_Issue26:Scan Magazine 1
27/4/15
15:04
Page 78
Attraction of the Month Switzerland
The Aare Gorge Meiringen’s natural wonder Experience the beauty and primeval nature of water up-close at this fascinating site in Switzerland, the water castle of Europe. Having eroded its way to create the Aare Gorge, let the river Aare enrapture you on a visit to the Hasli Valley.
the road from the Grimsel and Susten pass, just 1km west of Innertkirchen, with good opportunities for drop-offs and pick-ups.
TEXT: AARESCHLUCHT [AARE GORGE] | PHOTOS: DAVID BIRRI | TRANSLATION: EMMIE COLLINGE
At home in the Hasli Valley
With its source in the Grimsel region, the Aare winds its way through the wild mountainous HasliValley. Over the course of millennia, it carved its route through the rocks of the flat valley bottom between Meiringen and Innert-kirchen. What exists now is a 1.4 kilometre gorge, up to 200 metres deep. This natural wonder can be explored effortlessly along hiking paths and through tunnels. Open daily from spring until later in the year, it is an appealing desti-nation whatever the weather, as it presents an ever-changing atmosphere depending on the conditions. The Aare Gorge: a worthwhile visit for everyone The gorge hike takes approximately 40 minutes, and while a round-circuit is possible, another viable alternative to take the train in one direction from Meiringen or In-
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nertkirchen. Starting from the western entrance, the natural wonder is wheelchairaccessible for the first two-thirds. Spoil your palate Located at the western entrance, the Aareschlucht Restaurant has a cosy terrace and large play area. Proud of its richly diverse cuisine, the kitchen dishes up countless regional specialities. At the eastern entrance, the Aarebis-tro serves light snacks. The best way to arrive Meiringen is easily reached on public transport from Interlaken and Luzern. The Aare Gorge is reachable in 30 minutes on foot or take a short train ride there on the Meiringen-Innertkirchen train. For tour buses, there is a large park-ing area at the western entrance and groups of 10 or more benefit from the group tariff. The eastern entrance is on
Mysterious nature and tales of mystery are woven into the Hasli Valley so why not combine a visit to the Aare Gorge with a trip to the famous Reichenbach Falls and funicular or the open-air Ballenberg museum? A video on the Aare Gorge homepage gives a real taste of this spectacular landscape. A mystical adventure Open daily (8:30-17:30) from early spring until late October, the Aare Gorge also offers exclusive evening visits this summer (17:30 to 22:00, Thursday - Saturday) from the west entrance. www.aareschlucht.ch
For definite opening times, dates and prices, please check the website.