Aare canyon in Brugg

The Aare canyon at Brugg is a protected natural area where steep limestone walls tower above the river that carved them over millennia. Secure pathways and wooden bridges allow visitors to walk through the narrow gorge and observe the rock formations up close.

During ice ages, massive glaciers pressed against the rock and created the deep gorge that defines this canyon. When the ice melted, the flowing river continued to shape the riverbed into the narrow passage visitors see today.

The canyon represents a space where people connect with nature and learn about river conservation in Switzerland. Visitors experience how water shapes rock and discover why protecting such landscapes matters for the region.

Enter the canyon from either the eastern or western trailhead and follow the marked paths along the river. Wear sturdy shoes since the trails run close to the water and can be slippery, especially after rain or when water levels are high.

The canyon produces different water sounds depending on how much water flows through it, from gentle splashing during low water to powerful roaring during high water. This acoustic variety shifts with the seasons and makes each visit a different sensory experience.