Through imposing gorges, past thundering waterfalls and green reservoirs, this water trail leads along the Aare to the two Sources of the Aare in front of the Oberaargletscher and the Unteraargletscher.
The stages
This multi-day tour starts at Meiringen railroad station and leads along the Aare Gorge to Innertkirchen. Along the old mule track, you pass artistic stone arch bridges, steps carved out of the rock, wild streams and endless photo opportunities. Along the way, you can stop for a bite to eat, a drink or an overnight stay in Innertkirchen, Guttannen or Handeck. Now follows the ascent to Räterichsbodensee. Or you can take the adventurous Gelmerbahn funicular railway up to Gelmersee, where the view sweeps over the granite landscape of the upper Aare valley and the trail first leads downhill. Pass the Räterichsboden and head up to the Historic Alpine Hotel Grimsel Hospiz on the Grimsel Nollen. Here the two paths separate. One path leads to the Unteraarquelle spring and the other to the Oberaarquelle spring.
To the Source of the Aare at the Unteraargletscher
The lower source of the Aare lies behind the six-kilometre-long Grimselsee at the Lauteraar glacier and the Lauteraarhütte awaits above the valley. Far behind you can see the Finsteraarhorn, the highest point of the Aare and therefore also the Rhine catchment area!
To the Source of the Aare at the Oberaargletscher
You can reach the upper Source of the Aare with the Sidelhornbahn cable car or on foot via Trüebtensee and Oberaarsee to the Oberaargletscher. You can end the hike at Berghaus Oberaar with a view across the lake to the source before gliding back to the Hospiz on the Oberaarbahn.
Tips
The routes can be shortened as desired using the former Oberhasli AG Power plant railroads or the PostBus. The route to the Oberaargletscher is suitable for families, while experienced hikers should visit the Source of the Aare at the Lauteraar Glacier.
