Aareschlucht

This large bedrock block is called the Kirchet.

It forms a natural border between the municipalities of Innertkirchen and Meiringen.

Fossilied corals and shellfish are evidence of a flooding of this area during the Cretaceous period approximately 130 million years ago.

Fossilied corals and shellfish are evidence of a flooding of this area during the Cretaceous period approximately 130 million years ago.

The block was formed by limestone deposits and upwarping.

Because of its consistency the limestone remined compact and unbroken.

Some of the glaciers were completely filled with glacier moraine.

Others still remain as side arms of the gorge.

The gorge has beed open since 1888, thanks to the foresight of the pioneers of the time.

Maintenance work is still carried out in the original method.

The workmen responisible for today’s maintenance must be „jack-of-all-trades” as, apart from clearing the cliff faces, iron-mongery, painting and carpentary skills are needed.