Plizio Visual Lab
Meiringen
ℹ️Practical info — Meiringen
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Take the historic funicular railway to the Reichenbach Falls (operates in summer only). Even if you're not a Sherlock Holmes fan, the sight of the waterfall is impressive.
- You can walk through the Aare Gorge in one direction and take the train back. The path is safe and suitable for families. It's pleasantly cool inside the gorge in summer.
- For the best view of Meiringen and the Hasli valley, take the gondola up to Hasliberg. There are easy walking paths at the top.
- Meiringen is the home of the Meringue. Be sure to try one at a local bakery-confectionery, preferably fresh with a large dollop of whipped cream.
- Visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum, housed in the English Church. It's small but a must-see for fans of the stories.
🍽 Food
The town's specialty. Look for a 'Bäckerei-Konditorei' (bakery-confectionery) and order them with 'Nidle' (whipped cream). They are huge and very sweet.
A traditional hazelnut cake from the region. Every bakery has its own recipe. Excellent with a cup of coffee.
A classic Swiss dish of grated potatoes, often served with bacon and sometimes a fried egg. Look for it in a restaurant serving traditional Swiss cuisine.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Buy a box of the famous meringues from a bakery. They make a light and unique gift or souvenir.
The nearby Brienz region is famous for its woodcarving art. You can often find high-quality examples in Meiringen's shops, from small animals to elaborate objects.
A scenic and quiet valley behind Meiringen. It's accessible by post bus and has beautiful walks, a glacier gorge, and far fewer visitors than the main attractions.
Head upstream or downstream from the village. Away from the gorge, the riverside path is a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Take the cable car up and choose one of the less-trodden paths away from the main stations. The views and the quiet of the alpine meadows are very restorative.
Water temperature…
Meiringen is located in the expansive Hasli Valley within the Bernese Oberland, a town steeped in history and unique cultural significance. The village achieved global fame through Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who chose the nearby Reichenbach Falls as the dramatic setting for the apparent death of his fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes. Today, a museum and a bronze statue commemorate this literary link. Meiringen is also widely claimed to be the birthplace of the meringue dessert. The natural surroundings offer spectacular sights, most notably the Aare Gorge, where the river has carved a deep, narrow path through limestone cliffs over millennia. The Reichenbach Falls are accessible via a historic funicular and provide a powerful natural spectacle. In winter, the Meiringen-Hasliberg ski area is a family favorite, offering sunny slopes and extensive facilities for children. The town serves as a gateway to several major mountain passes: Grimsel, Susten, and Brünig. Local gastronomy is centered on Hasli Valley specialties and, of course, the famous meringues, which are often served in massive portions at local bakeries. Hikers can enjoy a well-developed network of trails ranging from easy valley walks to demanding high-alpine treks. The best time for sightseeing is from May to October, while skiers find handy conditions from December to April.
- Location: Switzerland
- Top sights: Sherlock Holmes and Professor James Moriarty · Kaverne · Mühlefluh
- Nearby: Melchsee-Frutt (8 km)
- Population: ~4.652
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -8 | -8 | -4 | 1 | 6 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 8 | 4 | -2 | -7 |
| Rain mm | 81 | 69 | 89 | 103 | 154 | 151 | 148 | 165 | 106 | 107 | 114 | 92 |
Geography
Facts
- Home of the Sherlock Holmes legend
- Origin place of the Meringue
- Site of the Reichenbach Falls
- Entrance to the Aare Gorge
- Gateway to three mountain passes
- Site of a Sherlock Holmes Museum
- Connected by the Zentralbahn
- Meiringen-Hasliberg ski area
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Meiringen (11)
Gemeindeverwaltung Hasliberg🏺 historical
Gemeindeverwaltung Hasliberg serves as the municipal administration building located near Meiringen.
Frequently asked questions
What does Sherlock Holmes have to do with Meiringen?
What is the Aare Gorge?
Where do Meringues come from?
How do you get to the Reichenbach Falls?
Is there a Sherlock Holmes Museum?
Meiringen: where is it located?
Meiringen: what is there to see?
Meiringen: when is the best time to visit?
Meiringen: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
