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There are great many things to do in Italy, and so are in Meiringen.
Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Meiringen is a treasure trove of natural beauty and excitement, beckoning adventurers and culture vultures alike.
From hiking the majestic mountain trails to exploring the intricate folklore and history of the area, Meiringen has plenty to offer for a truly unforgettable experience.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Meiringen:
1. Reichenbach Falls
A famous waterfall located in Meiringen, Switzerland.
What to see or do: Take in the stunning views of the falls and surrounding scenery. Follow the hiking trails for a closer look or take the funicular to the top for a panoramic view.
Don’t miss: The Sherlock Holmes Museum located in Meiringen, which pays tribute to the famous literary detective and his confrontation with archenemy Moriarty at the falls.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the morning to avoid crowds. Wear comfortable shoes for hiking.
Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking scenery. Be prepared for sudden weather changes as the area can be prone to rain.
2. Sherlock Holmes Museum
The Sherlock Holmes Museum in Meiringen is a small museum dedicated to the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibition on the life and work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes.
The main attraction is the reconstruction of the famous detective’s apartment at 221B Baker Street, complete with Victorian-era furnishings and memorabilia.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the museum is the reenactment of a scene from the short story “The Final Problem”, where Holmes and his arch-nemesis Professor Moriarty face off at Reichenbach Falls.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and only open from 1 pm to 5 pm on Wednesdays.
3. Aareschlucht (Aare Gorge)
The Aareschlucht is a narrow and steep gorge in the Swiss Alps, through which the Aare River flows. It is a popular tourist destination in the Bernese Oberland region, located near the town of Meiringen.
What to see or do: Visitors can walk on a path through the gorge, which offers stunning views of the river, waterfalls, and rock formations. The rugged and wild landscape of the Aareschlucht is a must-see for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Don’t miss: Make sure to see the impressive rock formations such as the “Bear’s Cave”, a natural hollowed-out space resembling the shape of a bear.
Additionally, the impressive “Devil’s Bridge” (Teufelsbrücke) is a must-see landmark in the area.
Insider travel tips: – Wear appropriate footwear and dress for cooler temperatures as the gorge can be damp and chilly.
4. Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge
The Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge is a natural marvel located in Meiringen, Switzerland.
What to see or do: This stunning glacier gorge is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the area.
It features a cascading river that has carved a deep and narrow gorge through the rock, creating a series of breathtaking waterfalls, glistening pools, and towering limestone walls.
Visitors can walk along the wooden walkways that wind through the gorge and witness the awe-inspiring power of nature up close.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss seeing the thundering Triftbach waterfall, which is over 50 meters high and one of the main highlights of the gorge.
Also, be sure to take plenty of photos to capture the stunning natural beauty of your surroundings.
Insider travel tips: To avoid the crowds, try to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Wear comfortable shoes with good traction, as the walkways can be slippery.
Finally, bring a light jacket or sweater, as the gorge can be quite cool, even on a warm day.
5. Meiringen-Hasliberg Ski Resort
Meiringen-Hasliberg Ski Resort is a popular alpine skiing destination located in the heart of the Swiss Alps.
What to see or do: The resort offers over 60 kilometers of ski slopes that cater to all levels of skiers, from beginners to advanced. You can also enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and tobogganing.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to take the eight-person gondola cable car to the top of the Meiringen-Hasliberg ski resort, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Insider travel tips: – Meiringen-Hasliberg is well-connected to public transportation, making it easy to reach the resort without a car.
6. Gelmer Funicular
The Gelmer Funicular is a thrilling open-air cable car that takes visitors up the steepest funicular railway in Europe in the Swiss Alps.
What to see or do: The funicular ride is breathtaking and offers panoramic views of the glacier-carved valley, rugged mountains, and stunning turquoise waters of Lake Gelmer.
Don’t miss: Visitors should not miss the opportunity to take a walk along the well-marked hiking trails offering stunning vistas of the mountains.
Insider travel tips: It is recommended to book tickets online in advance as the funicular is extremely popular and has limited capacity. The last descent is at 5 p.
m., so plan accordingly.
It can get chilly, so bringing a warm jacket is advisable.
7. Meiringen Air Base (Flugplatz Meiringen)
Meiringen Air Base is a military airfield located in the town of Meiringen, Switzerland.
What to see or do: Visitors can watch military aircraft take off and land at the airfield from designated viewing locations. The airbase is also home to the Aviation Museum, which features a collection of aircraft and aviation memorabilia.
Don’t miss: The annual Axalp Air Show, held in October, showcases the Swiss Air Force’s aircraft and aerobatic displays.
Insider travel tips: Check the airbase’s website for information on the viewing locations and opening hours of the Aviation Museum. Arrive early for the Axalp Air Show to secure a good viewing spot.
8. Muggestutz Adventure Park
Muggestutz Adventure Park is an exciting outdoor attraction located in Meiringen, Switzerland, designed for the whole family to enjoy.
What to see or do: Explore the park’s 15 interactive stations that take you on an exciting journey through the fairytale world of the Muggestutz Gnome.
The park features several themed playgrounds, a forest labyrinth, climbing structures, a toboggan run, and a cable car ride with stunning views.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the “Giant’s House,” a large wooden tower with a tunnel slide that offers a thrilling ride down, or the “Waldboden” station, where you can climb through a network of ropes and nets on your way to explore the rest of the park.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking and climbing. Entry to the park is free, but visitors must purchase a ticket to enjoy the different attractions.
We recommend bringing a picnic lunch or snacks as there is no restaurant or café on the grounds. The park is open from April through October, and weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends.
9. Alpentower viewpoint
The Alpentower viewpoint is a stunning observation deck atop a 90-meter tower in Meiringen, Switzerland.
What to see or do: From the top of Alpentower, visitors can soak in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including stunning peaks like the Wetterhorn, Engelhorn, and Eiger.
Don’t miss: Be sure to bring along a camera to capture the stunning views of the Swiss Alps.
Insider travel tips: For the most amazing views, plan to visit the Alpentower on a clear day. Also, be prepared to climb 266 steps to reach the observation deck.
10. Meiringen-Brunnenburg Castle
Meiringen-Brunnenburg Castle is a historical fortress located in the town of Meiringen in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland region.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle’s impressive architecture, which dates back to the medieval period and includes towers, ramparts, and a drawbridge.
Inside, there are exhibits on the castle’s history as well as a collection of historical weapons and armor.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take in the breathtaking view of the surrounding Alpine landscape from the castle’s observation deck.
Insider travel tips: While visiting Meiringen-Brunnenburg Castle, take some time to explore the charming town of Meiringen itself. This picturesque Swiss village is known for its traditional architecture and delicious local delicacies, including meringues and Alpine cheeses.
11. Lake Brienz
Lake Brienz is a pristine turquoise lake in the Interlaken region of Switzerland. It is fed by glacial waters, making it crystal clear and a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely boat tour on Lake Brienz to see its stunning surroundings, including towering mountains and charming lakeside towns. Hike along the scenic shoreline and explore the charming town of Meiringen.
Admire the cascading Giessbach Falls, which flow into the lake.
Don’t miss: The thrilling Aare Gorge, a natural wonder consisting of a narrow gorge with 50-meter-high cliffs carved out by the Aare River.
Also, don’t miss the Reichenbach Falls, a set of waterfalls famously associated with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the warmer months (June to August) to enjoy swimming and water activities in the lake. Take advantage of the public transport system, which includes a boat service, to easily explore the lake’s surroundings.
If you’re a fan of Sherlock Holmes, take the funicular railway up to the Reichenbach Falls and visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum in Meiringen.
12. Ballenberg Open-Air Museum
Ballenberg Open-Air Museum is an interactive museum in Meiringen, Switzerland that showcases the country’s rural architecture and culture. It is spread over 66 hectares and displays over 100 traditional buildings from different Swiss regions.
What to see or do: Visitors can experience a glimpse of how Swiss people lived in the past by exploring the different buildings and exhibitions. There are skilled tradespeople demonstrating traditional crafts, working farms and gardens, and farm animals.
The museum also has a restaurant which specializes in Swiss cuisine.
Don’t miss: Visitors should not miss the traditional craft demonstrations which showcase the skills of the artisans from various Swiss regions. The museum also has a playground and a petting zoo which are great for families.
Insider travel tips: – Plan to spend at least three hours at the museum to fully experience everything.
13. Giessbach Falls
A stunning set of waterfalls located in the town of Meiringen in Switzerland.
What to see or do: Take a hike along the footpath to capture the stunning views of the waterfalls. You can also take a funicular up to the Grand Hotel Giessbach to get an aerial view of the falls.
Don’t miss: The nightly illumination of the falls which lights up the falls in all shades of light, giving the falls an enchanted look.
Insider travel tips: Visit the falls early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the falls all to yourself. Bring a picnic and enjoy mesmerizing views of the waterfalls while relishing snacks.
14. Grimsel Pass
Grimsel Pass is a high mountain pass, located in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland. It connects the Haslital valley with the upper valley of the Rhone.
What to see or do: Drive or cycle through the windy and scenic road that cuts through the heart of the mountains. Enjoy breathtaking views of towering peaks, glaciers, and emerald lakes.
Alternatively, take a break at one of the many hiking trails, which lead through lush meadows and alpine forests.
Don’t miss: A visit to the Grimsel Hospiz, a historic Alpine hotel that has been welcoming guests for over 100 years.
Admire its unique architecture and enjoy a meal or drink at its restaurant while soaking in stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit Grimsel Pass is between May and October, when the pass is open to traffic and hiking trails are accessible.
15. St Beatus Caves
St Beatus Caves is a network of limestone caves located in the town of Meiringen in Switzerland.
What to see or do: Explore the underground world of St Beatus Caves that stretches for over 1 km. Admire the magnificent limestone formations, wade through underground waters, and marvel at the stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
Learn about the fascinating history and mythology of this natural wonder through the multimedia exhibits on display.
Don’t miss: The waterfall inside the cave, known as the “Thundering Waterfall,” is a highlight of the tour and provides a breathtaking spectacle.
Additionally, make sure you visit the underground lake, where you can enjoy a serene boat ride.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes as there is some uneven terrain to navigate.