Top 20 Waterfalls around Meiringen

The Reichenbach Falls are famously linked to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories, serving as the dramatic setting for the final confrontation between Holmes and Professor Moriarty. A commemorative plaque marks the fictional duel site, drawing many literary enthusiasts.

Visitors can easily reach the Reichenbach Falls via the historic Reichenbach Funicular, which has been operating since 1899. The funicular offers a scenic ride to a viewing platform, bringing you close to the falls. There are also hiking options from the base.

Yes, several waterfalls and gorges are suitable for families. The Aare Gorge, for instance, features well-maintained wooden walkways and bridges, making it accessible for all ages. It even includes a 'tunnel' worm mascot for children and a playground near the west entrance. Giessbach Falls and Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge are also considered family-friendly.

The Aare Gorge is a breathtaking natural wonder carved by the Aare River over thousands of years. It features steep rock walls rising hundreds of meters high, narrow passages (some only one meter wide), and the rushing, turquoise waters of the Aare River. Its unique geological formations, including impressive curved rock faces, are a result of glacial meltwaters.

Yes, the region offers various hiking routes. For example, you can find a moderate 9.9 km loop from Meiringen that includes the Reichenbach Falls summit and viewpoints. The Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge also has an easy 5.4 km loop. You can explore more options on the Hiking around Meiringen guide.

The waterfalls are beautiful in all seasons, but the experience varies. During summer, the water flow is generally strong, and the Aare Gorge offers special illuminated evening walks in July and August. After heavy rainfall, like the Dundelbach Waterfall, the cascades are particularly impressive. The volume of water at Reichenbach Falls can vary depending on hydroelectric power operations.

Yes, at Giessbach Falls, a walkway allows passage behind the water approximately halfway down its 400-meter plunge, offering unique perspectives.

Beyond hiking, the area around Meiringen offers mountain biking and touring cycling. You can find various routes, such as the 'Rosenlaui Valley – Grosse Scheidegg loop' for touring cyclists or the 'Grosse Scheidegg – Spectacular view loop' for mountain bikers. Discover more routes on the MTB Trails around Meiringen and Cycling around Meiringen guides.

Yes, near Giessbach Falls, you'll find the historic Grandhotel Giessbach, which offers wonderful views from its terrace and delicious cakes. The town of Meiringen itself, close to Reichenbach Falls, also has various cafes, pubs, and accommodation options.

At Reichenbach Falls, multiple viewing terraces from the funicular's upper station provide breathtaking panoramas of the waterfall and the Haslital valley. For Giessbach Falls, various vantage points offer stunning views of the Grand Hotel and the cascading water.

The Aare Gorge features well-maintained wooden walkways and bridges that are generally accessible. While it's considered family-friendly, visitors with limited mobility should check specific accessibility details for the entrances and path conditions, as some sections might involve gentle inclines or steps.

The Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge is known for its impressive rock formations and the effervescent water flow of the glacier meltwater. It offers a cool and refreshing atmosphere, making it an ideal escape on hot summer days, and is considered very impressive despite not being overly long.