The best waterfall hikes and walks around Mattenalpsee

The Alpbachschlucht viewing platform near Meiringen is the spectacular highlight after a scrambly-adventurous ascent! 💥🧗‍♂️ At the end of the blue-white marked rock path, the bright red steel structure boldly juts out six meters over the gorge edge, rewarding you with a deep view of the roaring Alpbach and a magnificent panorama over the Haslital 🌊🏔️ Pro-tip: Acrophobia and sure-footedness are a must for the gorge (one-way rule: only from bottom to top!). Those who reach the top secure a gigantic photo opportunity! 📸🚀

When you reach the waterfall on foot and then take the historic funicular down into the valley, you have experienced the most beautiful part of the attraction: first the impressive nature and then the nostalgic ride on one of Switzerland's oldest funiculars.

The Reichenbach Falls are one of the most impressive natural monuments in the Bernese Oberland and are located near Meiringen. The water of the Reichenbach plunges down in several cascades for about 250 meters. However, the Reichenbach Falls became famous not only for its nature but also for literature. In the Sherlock Holmes story "The Final Problem," Arthur Conan Doyle had his detective Sherlock Holmes fight his arch-enemy Professor Moriarty at the edge of the waterfall on May 4, 1891. Moriarty plunges into the depths, while Holmes only fakes his death and returns later. This story made the waterfall world-famous. For hikers, the Reichenbach Falls are an ideal stopover on the route from Schwarzwaldalp or the Rosenlaui Gorge to Meiringen. From the viewpoints, you can feel the power of the water particularly intensely.

The west entrance of the Aare Gorge is the main access to the gorge and is located on the side of Meiringen. For many visitors, it is the most pleasant starting point, as the best infrastructure is available here. Parking spaces directly at the entrance, also for coaches. Restaurant and kiosk with terrace, as well as a large children's playground. Accessible section: From the west entrance to about the middle of the gorge, the path is easily passable with a wheelchair and narrow prams. Return by train: The Aareschlucht West stop is about a 10-minute walk from the entrance. The return journey on the Meiringen–Innertkirchen railway is included in the entrance fee.

1960 The bridge and paths to the ,,Trockenen Lamm“ were dismounted because the cost of maintenance was too high. 1977 Financial investment was focused upon infrastructure and visitor's safety. 1987 The Aareschlucht restaurant at the west entrance was renovated. 2003 The MIB train stop at Aareschlucht Ost was accessed by a new swing-bridge. 2005 After a very bad storm, the gorge was closed for a few days during peak season because of safety reasons. 2008 The Aare-Bistro at the east entrance was built.

1946 On 6 May, the MIB train (between Meiringen and Innertkirchen) was granted permission to be used for public transport. The train belongs to the Oberhasli Hydroelectric Power Company and had previously been operating solely as a transport and workers' train for the company since 1 August 1926. 1947 The opening of the Susten pass road lead to a visitor's record 180000 admissions. 1957 The tram line was replaced by a bus connection.

Building Phases 1888 At the same time that the road to, and the paths in the gorge were built, the train line over the Brünig pass was opened. This made the Alps accessible for tourists, who came in droves. 1898 The gorge was completely accessed and passable throughout. A second entrance was built from the „Trockene Lamm“. 1912 With the introduction of electricity the Aare gorge was illuminated at night which was a huge attraction at the time. A tram line connected Meiringen with the Aare gorge1914 The flood lights for the evening illumination had to be given to the Swiss army. 1937 Evening illumination was newly installed using new vapour discharge lamps. 1940 Construction of the military cavern in the eastern part of the gorge. The entrance at „Trockenen Lamm“ was closed for safety reasons.

Eastern entrance or exit of the Aare Gorge. Visiting the Aare Gorge is subject to a fee, but it's well worth it. Tickets are available here. Parking for cars and coaches is available right in front of the entrance. A small restaurant with restrooms offers a wonderful view from the terrace, especially in summer. Various interesting information boards are available.