Located between three famous Alpine passes Brünig, Grimsel and Susten. Meiringen is an excellent base for travelers to the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. This hamlet oozes authentic Swiss charm as the Aare River passes through it. Here is a taste of the best things to do in Meiringen, Switzerland.
Why Should You Visit Meiringen
Located close to Interlaken but worlds away from the crowds, Meiringen is an outdoor destination. High above, glaciers top the Swiss Alps around Meiringen, giving them their Swiss Merengue look. With both winter and summer activities, the area is high in spirit and low in formality.
From hiking to nature resorts to Europe’s steepest funicular, Meiringen offers activities and excursions for several days, especially if you enjoy hiking.
It is on the Luzern-Interlaken Express, one of Switzerland’s premier panoramic train routes. Meiringen’s train station is convenient, and the Post Buses service other nearby areas.
During my visit to Meiringen, I spent the night and traveled to several areas in the Bernese Oberland region, including a stay in Handeck.
13 WOW Things to Do in Meiringen
Walk through the Aare Gorge
Visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum and Statue
Take the Reichenbach Funicular
See the Reichenbach Falls
Visit the Modellbahn Meiringen
Tour the Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge
Take the Gondola to Hasliberg
Visit Handeck
Walk Across the Handeckfall Bridge
Ride the Gelmerbahn
Hike Around Gelmer Lake
Tour the Hydroelectric Power Plant
Eat a Meringue in Meiringen
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Walk through the Aare Gorge
With glacier-melt originating from the Aare Glacier, the Aare River eroded the limestone into a narrow gorge. Taking about ten thousand years, the milky water continues to carve the Aare Gorge.
One of the most popular destinations in the Bernese Oberland, the Aare Gorge is 1,400 meters long. Hikers use boardwalks through the gorge, which is one meter wide at its narrowest point and up to 200 meters deep.
Travelers hike through tunnels and over footbridges to see the rivers move through the gorge with its steep walls and sculptural rock faces.
The Aare Gorge features two entrances, the East and West entrances, both accessible via the train. You can take the train from the Bahnhof Meiringen on the Meiringen–Innertkirchen Railway. During my visit, I used the Aareschlucht West stop, then toured the gorge. I used the Aareschlucht Ost stop to return to Meiringen.
The Aare Gorge west entrance is open from early April to November 1. Its east entrance is open from early May to November 1. During July and August, it is open from 6:30 to 10 on Fridays and Saturdays with lighting.
Located at Aareschluchtstrasse 16, 3860 Schattenhalb. Open 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Adult admission (16+) is 13CHF and kids (6 to 15) are 8CHF.
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Visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum and Statue
Sherlock Holmes fans make a pilgrimage to Meiringen, the place where the famed fictional character died in 1891, by his archnemis Dr. Created by British author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the series includes four novels and 56 short stories.
In 1991, on the 100th anniversary of Sherlock Holmes’ death in the basement of the old English church in the center of the village of Meiringen, the museum opened.
The Museum includes items related to the London detective, including a parlor of the Victorian home located at Baker Street 221b in London. This is where Holmes lived with his assistant, Dr. Watson.
Outside, a life-size bronze statue of him sits on a rock in his memory in Conan Doyle Square. I took a selfie with the bronze; there’s also a close playground for the kids.
Located at Bahnhofstrasse 26, 3860 Meiringen in Conon Doyle Square. Open daily from 1 to 5:30 p.m. from April to October. From November to April, it is open Saturday and Sunday only. Adults are (16 and older) are 5CHF and kids (6-15) are 3CHF.
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Ride the Reichenbach Funicular to the Falls Reichenbachfall
Travelers can see the 129-meter Reichenbach Falls from town. Or you can head up the funicular for hiking.
As the site of the final battle between Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty, travelers can visit via a historic wooden funicular.
Built in 1899, the Reichenbach funicular is a 714-meter railway line. The railway climbs 244 meters in seven minutes and carries 24 passengers. There are several hikes to and at the falls.
Departing from the Bahnhof Meiringen, take the Innertkirchen Meiringen–Innertkirchen Railway to Meiringen Alpback stop (one stop), then walk to the station. Or you can walk to the funicular station from central Meirengue, about 1.4 km. Open from early May to early October, the Reichenbach funicular operates from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Adults ( 16 and older) round-trip is 15CHF, and kids (6 to 15) are 10 CHF round-trip.
Modellbahn Meiringen
For train lovers and families, the Modellbahn Meiringen includes 33 trains, 920 meters of track, 80 switches and 136 square meters of scenery. The model train display depicts well-known Swiss towns and landscapes, such as Disentis, the Landwasser Viaduct, the Solis Viaduct, the Albula Valley, Wendedorf, Grengiols, and Nätschen.
Located at Zeughausstrasse 19e, 3860 Meiringen. Open on Sundays only from March to May from 2:15 to 5 p.m., June to September, open Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 to 9 p.m., plus Sunday from 2:15 to 5 p.m., October open Thursday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 2:15 to 5 p.m. Adults (16 and older) are 12CHF and kids (6 to 15) are 6CHF.
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The Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge
Part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch, protecting the glaciers and peaks of the Bernese Oberland, the Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge opened in June 1903. The Brog family from Meiringen purchased the land previously and developed the boardwalk through the gorge.
To tour the gorge, visitors use a 573-meter-long uphill footpath with tunnels and over 200 steps. During my visit, I walked past waterfalls, sheer limestone rock faces and grottoes.
At times, the sound of the water rushing through was deafening. After exiting the gorge, I walked down a gravel path with steps back to the entrance through a pine forest.
Located at Rosenlaui, Gletscherschlucht, 3860 Schattenhalb. The gorge is open daily from mid-May to mid-October. Adults (16 and older) are 12 CHF, and kids (6 to 15) are 6 CHF. I used the Meiringen – Grosse Scheidegg – Grindelwald PostBus from the Meiringen train station, exit at Rosenlaui, Gletscherschluch (Glacier Gorge).
Hasliberg
A popular mountain area that includes four villages: Hohfluh, Wasserwendi, Goldern and Reuti, situated along a terrace. Above it is a mountain resort, Hasliberg, accessible via gondolas.
In the summer, the Hasliberg offers loads of family activities. The 5-km Mägisalp-Bidmi dwarf trail features kid-sized adventures, like a maze, a dwarf house and a kid-sized suspension bridge.
The area includes several play areas, including one indoor area. There’s an enclosed kid-sized bike park and a scooter-bike trail for kids 8+ with on-site rentals. For older kids and adults, the monster-scooter is an option. Also, find mountain biking trails.
You can use the Meiringen-Hasliberg Cable Car from Meiringen to Reuti. Then the gondola from Reuti to Bidmi and on to Mägisalp. An adult round-trip ticket is 18.80 CHF, kids (6 to 15) are 9.40 CHF for a round-trip ride on the Meiringen-Hasliberg Cable Car. The gondola rides from Reuti to Bidmi are an additional ticket. Summer operations are open from late May until late October.
Handeck
A popular side trip from Meiringen, Grimselwelt is home to several top attractions: the Handeckfall Bridge and the Gelmerbahn Funicular. Visitors use both to reach the Gelmersee Lake.
In 1925, the area saw the construction of its first dam for electricity production. Over the years, the area expanded its electricity production by using a series of dams, tunnels and turbines.
During my trip, I spent the night in the area, instead of returning to Meiringue. However, many visitors use Meiringen as a base.
Handeckfall Bridge
The Handeckfall Gorge uses a 70-meter-long suspension bridge. Built in 2006, it connects the Hotel Handeck with the bottom station of the Gelmerbahn Funicular.
It is secure with wood slats on the bottom and fencing on both sides with handrails. It is high, but I trusted the Swiss engineering.
If you are fearful of heights, the bridge is a good gauge as to whether you should take the funicular. It does sway, so I recommend walking across it one at a time to limit the movement.
The Handeckfall Bridge is a short walk from the TK bus stop in front of the Hotel Handeck. It is free to use.
Gelmerbahn or the Swiss Rollercoaster
With a 106% incline during one section, the Gelmerbahn Funicular is the steepest in Europe. It is open-air and climbs 450 meters along its 900-meter length. A trip that takes 12 minutes each way.
Originally for transporting goods and employees to a power station. You can head up to hike around Lake Gelmer, or Gelmersee. Or just enjoy the round-trip ride, as I did after taking some photos from the Gelmersee Dam.
During my trip on the Gelmberbahn I rode in the first row. The bird’s-eye view was part exhilarating, part close-your-eyes-and-hold-on-to-your-backpack. I *might* have closed my eyes for the steeepest part. On the way down, I sat in the back; it was much more tame.
There’s a snack hut at the departure point. Picnicking is common; however, you must bring your food with you. During our visit, we found a self-service cheese refrigerator with locally-made cheese.
Open from early June to late October, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations are a must and are date and time-specific. You can take the Gelmerbahn one-way and hike the other. Adult admission (16 and older) is 40 CHF for a round-trip ticket and 20 CHF for one-way. Kids (6 to 15) are 20 CHF for a round-trip ticket and 10 CHF for one-way.
Dam and Power Plant Tours
During my visit to Grimselwelt, I also toured the hydropower plant. For close to 100 years, Grimselwelt has generated power via its hydroelectric plant, which uses a series of tunnels, dams and turbines.
I toured the Handeck 1, 2 and 2A hydroelectric plant with a guide who explained how lake water is used to generate power for consistent electric output. I also saw part of the Gerstenegg Crystal Cave.
It offers several tours, depending on the time you have. Tours run from an hour and a half to all-day excursions. They are offered from late April to late October. Adults admission (16 and older) is 25 CHF and kids (6 to 15) are 18 CHF.
Eat a Meringue in Meiringen
This area is known as the home of Meringues, the frothy confection made of egg whites and sugar that is baked for eight hours. The best meringues are available at Tea Room Frutal, with a bakery in front.
Christoph Frutiger is the owner, and each meringue is crafted nearby and available in the downtown Meiringen shop and online. Factory tours are available.
The word Meringue first appeared in print in 1692, and was created in Meiringen. However, records are scarce, and the French, Italians and Swiss take credit for the confection.
Located at Bahnhofstrasse 18, 3860 Meiringen. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where to Stay and Dine: Hotel Meiringen
The Hotel Meiringen is on the same block as the train station and within walking distance. It offers modest rooms with two restaurants.
The Hotel Meiringen features two on-site restaurants, one serving a breakfast buffet with continental favorites. The Restaurant Pizzeria Bahnhöfli is popular with travelers and residents in the Hotel Meiringen.
Located at Bahnhofplatz 1, 3860 Meiringen. Open year-round.
Where to Stay and Dine: Hotel and Naturresort Handeck
The Hotel and Naturresort Handeck is located close to the Gelmerbahn on the way to the Grimsel Pass. It is a nature-based resort property that includes a 500-year-old main building, a seasonal cheese dairy and indoor and outdoor wellness areas
The Hotel and Naturresort Handeck offers an extensive outdoor area with a sunning terrace next to an Alpine pond, outdoor play areas for kids and a picnic ground. The outdoor wellness area includes a Finnish sauna, hot tub and heated outdoor pool with a fitness counter-current. This area is open to families.
The indoor facilities include a locker room, fitness room, indoor sauna, Vichy showers, whirlpool tubs and a Kneipp basin. This area is for adults only. Both areas are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Dining at Hotel Handeck
The Hotel and Naturresort Handeck serves a European continental buffet with fresh pastries, pancakes, cheese, and fruits in a separate dining room. Lunch, dinner, and high tea are available in its downstairs dining room.
During our visit, we stopped for wine and cheese in the afternoon. With locally made cheese, I enjoyed a glass of rosé.
For dinner, it serves a local Swiss cuisine, featuring fresh, regional ingredients, including meats and dairy from nearby suppliers in Meiringen. It is particularily known for its Wienerschnitzel with lemon potatoes.
I stayed at the Hotel and Naturresort Handeck in mid-September and enjoyed a seasonal prix-fixe menu created by chef du cuisine Roman Crkon. It started with a Swiss salmon course with apple, cucumber and horseradish mousse.
For the entrée, it served a traditional Swiss hunter’s meal. Centered around a roast venison stew, Hirschpfeffer, served in a thick, dark, wine-marinated sauce. It was accompanied by Spätzli, buttery noodles, red cabbage, chanterelle mushrooms, bacon, chestnuts and celery puree. This was a fine-dining variation of the traditional meal.
The Naturresort Handeck can accommodate vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets. It features spring water from the Handeckfluh throughout the property, including the rooms.
Located at Handegg 6, 3864 Guttannen. The hotel is open from early June until late October.
Getting to Meiringen
I traveled from Lucerne to Meiringen on the Luzern-Interlaken Express, a premium panoramic train. This route is one of the most scenic in Switzerland as it passes Lake Lucerne, Lake Alpnach, Lake Sarnen, Lake Lungern, and Lake Brienz. It travels over the 1,008-meter Brünig Pass, where the train uses cog-wheel technology.
The Luzern-Interlaken Express offers several routes along its route. For my journey. I used the Lucerne-Meiringen route, which arrives at the Bahnhof Meiringen.
Getting to Handeck
From Meiringen, I took the Innertkirchen Kraftwerk train and exited at Grimseltor. Then I walked from the train station to the bus stop (less than a minute) for the Innertkirchen-Grimseltor Postbus to the Handegg-Gelmerbahn stop. The bus stop is right in front of the hotel and is a quick walk to the Handeckfall Bridge. The Yellow Post Buses carry mail, fresh vegetables and passengers to smaller areas in the Bernese Oberland region. They are beloved for their unique Alpen horn sound, used when navigating tight corners.
Swiss Travel Pass & Luggage Forwarding
During my trip in Switzerland, I used the train exclusively. I had an 8-day Swiss Travel Pass.
It allows visitors unlimited travel by train (including panoramic ones), post bus and boat. It grants pass holders entry to 500 Swiss museums.
The Swiss Travel Pass is available in 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 consecutive days. Plus, kids six and younger travel for free with an accompanying Adult Swiss Travel Pass.
During my trip, I was using a luggage forwarding service. I used the Express Door-to-Door service, an additional fee with the Swiss Travel Pass.
In the morning, I deposited my larger luggage in my hotel’s lobby. Then I took my day pack for the day’s excursions. In the afternoon, my luggage arrived at my hotel. It was seamless and took the drudgery out of traveling.
For two suitcases up to 50 pounds (23 km), the flat fee is CHF 50, plus an express fee of CHF 50 and CHF 12 for each piece of luggage. It is purchased with your Swiss Travel Pass. Reservations need to be made at least the day before for pick-up the following morning.
Travel Tips for Switzerland
I took the train to and from the Zurich International Airport. It was easy, and I also reserved hotels near the main train station in my destinations.
The public transportation system is easy to navigate, and most travelers and residents use it. It was exceptionally clean and included cafe cars and vending machines.
The trains leave at the top of the minute and are very punctual.
Have a picture of your travel pass downloaded on your phone. Conductors will check it.
I used my French while traveling in the French-speaking portion of Switzerland. However, I don’t speak much German and I didn’t have a problem getting around.
Most navigational signs are in multiple languages, including English.
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc, CHF; however, Euros are routinely accepted. Cards are widely accepted. During my trip, I carried a small amount of Swiss Francs for tips and small purchases.
Switzerland uses a different type of electrical outlet. A three-prong, and not the standard two-prong, for the rest of the EU. Also, a converter is necessary for devices like hairdryers, curling irons and flat irons.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. During my trip, I was hosted by Switzerland.
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