Meiringen is a municipality in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. The town combines gorge trails with cultural history, bathing facilities and indoor sports. When planning your day, it is worth distinguishing between the visitor trail through the Aare Gorge and the route through the Alpbach Gorge: one takes you through the gorge on wooden walkways and through tunnels; the other is a nature experience for fit, sure-footed mountain hikers.

Gorges and hiking routes

The Aare Gorge in the Hasli Valley is 1.4 kilometres long and up to 200 metres deep. Wooden walkways and tunnels lead through the gorge. You can begin the crossing at the west entrance in Meiringen or the east entrance in Innertkirchen. Before travelling, check which entrances are open, as access can vary by season. A connection links Innertkirchen, the Aare Gorge and Meiringen; you should also check the timetable in advance.

The Alpbach Gorge in the Hasli Valley offers a different kind of nature experience. A 1.5-hour route leads from Meiringen through the gorge to Haselholz, then back to Meiringen or Reuti along a regular hiking trail. The tour is intended for fit, sure-footed mountain hikers. Check trail conditions before setting out.

Cultural history from Hasli to Sherlock Holmes

The excavations near St. Michael’s Church in Meiringen are among Switzerland’s archaeological sites of national importance. The St. Michael’s Church ensemble offers insights into architecture, carpentry, carving and wall painting. In this way, archaeological remains are brought together with different aspects of building and design.

The Museum of the Hasli Region has an extensive collection of cultural artefacts from the valleys of the Upper Hasli. Regularly changing special exhibitions explore episodes from the history of the Hasli Valley. The Upper Hasli Natural History Museum has a different focus: its large display cases offer insights into regional fauna, including mountain and alpine environments, birds by the water, domestic animals and birds, and forest animals. Beetles and butterflies are also among the subjects.

The Sherlock Holmes Museum offers insights into the criminal and police history of 19th-century London and presents material about Holmes and Watson. The nearby Reichenbach Falls are associated with the literary confrontation between Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty. This brings regional cultural and natural themes together with a literary connection to Meiringen.

Baths, indoor sports and winter activities

Meiringen outdoor swimming pool offers swimming with views of the Alps and features a 68-metre water slide. It operates seasonally; check availability before travelling. Meiringen indoor swimming pool has a large non-swimmer pool with a slide for children. There is also a traditional Finnish sauna. Check current operating conditions before your visit.

The Oberhasli skatepark is an indoor facility and can be used regardless of the season or weather. Covering around 400 square metres, it has a mini ramp and a street area. Check operating arrangements before your visit. Winter sports enthusiasts will find a range of options at the sunny snow sports arena; lift and snow conditions vary by season.

A local place to take a break

Frutal Versandbäckerei in Meiringen is a bakery and confectionery with a tea room and meringue production. If you are planning a visit, check current visitor arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Reuti, Hasliberg, Gadmen, Hohfluh, Innertkirchen, Schattenhalb, Guttannen, Unterbäch

To the overview of the wider region: Upper Hasli.