10 beautiful gorges in Switzerland

If you’re looking to cool off on these summer days, you’ll find it either by jumping into a (mountain) lake or on a refreshing gorge hike. There is definitely no shortage of spectacular gorges with adventurous hiking trails in Switzerland. And in addition to the well-known attractions such as the Aare Gorge near Meiringen or the Taubenloch Gorge near Biel, there are countless other enchanting gorges to discover, from the Jura to the Swiss Plateau to the furthest corners of the Alps.

We have scouted out some of them in recent years. In this post, we’ll introduce you to our top 10 most beautiful gorges in Switzerland and give you tips on how to best experience these natural wonders yourself. For each tip, a link leads you to the detailed route description.

1. Poeta-Raisse: The mystical gem in the Val de Travers

The mystical Poeta-Raisse gorge is located in the Val de Travers, not far from the idyllic village of Môtiers. The Poeta-Raisse Gorge can be discovered on a beautiful circular route. The hike leads along the river “Breuil” past steep rock faces through a picturesque mixed deciduous forest. The Poeta-Raisse Gorge is the perfect destination for those who want to spend a few relaxing (cool) hours in nature without exhausting themselves.

 

2. Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge: Part of the Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge near Meiringen is a veritable wonder of nature. Here you can expect impressive rock formations formed by the water and, depending on the season, loud roaring masses of water. On the way through the gorge, 115 meters of altitude have to be mastered over a length of 600 meters. The Rosenlaui Gorge is open daily from May to October. The entrance fee for adults is CHF 10.

Good to know: Dogs are allowed to accompany their owners into the gorge. However, since the glacier gorge as well as large parts of the Rosenlaui valley are located in a federal hunting ban area, dogs must be kept on a leash. Please keep this in mind.

By the way: If you continue your journey from the Rosenlaui Valley via the Grosse Scheidegg to Grindelwald, you can visit two impressive gorges in one day. In the deeply incised gorge of the Lower Grindelwald Glacier, a cool breeze awaits you even on hot days. It is also open every Friday evening until 22:00 and illuminated with a mystical play of colours.

3. Risleten Gorge: A hidden gorge on Lake Lucerne

A varied gorge path leads through the Risleten Gorge near Beckenried, which is lined with thundering waterfalls and steep rock faces. Since the hiking trail in the Risleten Gorge runs mainly in the forest, it offers pleasant conditions for hiking even on hot summer days. It should be noted that there are about 300 meters of altitude difference to be mastered over one kilometer during the hike.

 

4. Viamala Gorge: The once feared Gorge Trail of the muleteers

The Viamala Gorge between Thusis and Andeer is located on a busy trade route from Chur to the Alpine passes of Splügen and San Bernardino. The name suggests that the former muleteers faced many threats here. Nowadays, the dangers are fewer, but the views down are no less spectacular. The most impressive part of the gorge is accessible from April to November from the visitor centre via steps.

The entrance fee is CHF 8 for adults and CHF 4 for children from 6 to 16 years old. Dogs can be kept on a leash free of charge. Alternatively, you can also follow the ViaSpluga through the Viamala Gorge. Brave contemporaries can explore the gorge while canyoning and jump into the cool water of the Hinterrhein.

Not far from the Viamala Gorge, the Roffla Gorge has an exciting family history and an unusual access. You can also read more about this in the article linked above with our adventure tips in the Beverin Nature Park.

5. Gorges de l’Areuse: One of the most picturesque gorges in Switzerland

The Areuse Gorges between Noiraigue and Boudry can be explored on a leisurely and varied hike. Thanks to its good accessibility, this gorge hike enjoys great popularity. A special highlight is the picturesque stone bridge Saut de Brot, which looks like something out of a fairy tale and is a popular photo subject. For refreshments and a break, the restaurant “La Truite” with homemade absinthe sorbet on the sun terrace is ideal.

 

6. Tüfelsschlucht: A beautiful gorge in the Swiss Plateau

According to its self-declaration, the Tüfels Gorge near Hägendorf is one of the most beautiful Jura gorges. And I can certainly confirm that!

The almost 3-kilometre-long gorge path leads along the Cholersbach over 32 footbridges and bridges down into the valley. The path is free of charge, but there are two places where you can contribute to the maintenance of the trail with a collection.

 

7. Choleren Gorge: An impressive nature experience near Adelboden

The Choleren Gorge in Adelboden in the Bernese Oberland offers an impressive natural spectacle in which the water masses of the Tschentbach plunge into the depths. The 100-metre-long gorge is accessible by footbridges and stairs. It is recommended to discover the gorge from the bottom up. This makes the view of the rushing water and the Nagelfluh rock, which has been formed by erosion, all the more impressive. A circular hike through the gorge takes about an hour and is worthwhile even in bad weather.

Speaking of which: The Cholerenschlucht has a namesake in Hünibach near Thun. I have presented them to you in the article “on foot to five beautiful places on Lake Thun“.

8. Tamina Gorge: The gorge where 36.5° warm thermal water rises

The Tamina Gorge near Bad Ragaz is definitely one of the better known Swiss gorges. Nevertheless, I always like to make a detour there. The Tamina Gorge is open during the summer months from April to October. Admission to the Quellsteg costs CHF 5 per person. From the turnstile (Quellsteg) there is a dog ban.

The hiking trail leads through the gorge to the spring water fountain, where the hot water springs. The baroque baths of the Old Bad Pfäfer also provide information on the history of the thermal baths and the Tamina Gorge. The entrance to the gorge can be reached either with a one-hour hike from Bad Ragaz train station or comfortably by post bus.

9. Wissbach Gorge: The Family Excursion Paradise

The detour to the Wissbach Gorge is a perfect hiking tip for families. The eight-kilometre-long route leads with only a few climbs through the wildly romantic Wildbach ravine between Flawil, Gossau and Degersheim. Here you can expect numerous secluded places to linger, enjoy the cool water and build mini dams or simply let your mind wander. In the gorge there is also a Swiss family fire pit with grate and ten seats (wooden seats).

 

10. Gries Gorge: An adventurous gorge in the Bernese Oberland

The Gries Gorge in the Bernese Oberland is an adventurous hiking destination for young and old. From the Kiental, Tschingel post bus stop, an entertaining hiking trail leads along the Gamchibach through the gorge uphill to the Griesalp. Highlights along the way are the roaring Pochtenfall and the Witches’ Cauldron. Another highlight is the stop at the nostalgic Pochtenalp.

You can view the hiking map including key values for this short tour (approx. 45 minutes, 250 meters uphill) under this link. Alternatively, you can start the hike in Kiental and follow the white-water trail to the former Tschingelsee.

ps. Not only the gorge hike, but also the ride along the steepest post bus route in Switzerland associated with this excursion promises thrills.

Whether you’re looking for an adventurous canyoning experience or a leisurely hike; this article shows that there is guaranteed to be a gorge for every taste in Switzerland. I hope I was able to give you some ideas for a refreshing trip to Switzerland with this article! The Uina Gorge in the Lower Engadine has been on my personal bucket list for a long time. Are there any other gorges you would like to read a report about here?