The most spectacular gorges in Switzerland

Especially on hot summer days, hikes in canyons are a great option.

The path of the Roffla Gorge leads under the Rhine. The Rosenlaui and Nozon gorges delight romantics. Lovers of tropical-alpine nature hike along the Brenno Gorge. Those with a head for heights try the bridges of the Trient Gorge and the hardy choose the direct route through the thundering water when canyoning in the Viamala or the Chli Schliere.

The Roffla Gorge in Graubünden - being under the Rhine for once
From the historic inn, a narrow path leads through the rock gallery behind the waterfall under the Rhine. Inspired by the Niagara Falls, the former American expatriate Christian Pitschen-Melchior began to carve a similar path in the Roffla Gorge in 1907. So he chiseled by hand into the hard rock the gallery, which has remained virtually unchanged to this day. Seven years and 8000 blasts later, it was finished. This exciting story of its creation can be seen in the house museum. The gorge is open daily from May to the end of October from 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. www.rofflaschlucht.ch

Experience the power of nature up close - Rosenlaui Gorge in the Bernese Oberland
The Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge has been thrilling nature romantics for over 100 years. Deeply the Weissenbach has eaten its way from the glacier into the valley, its water swirls around glacial pots. A narrow path leads up next to the raging stream, step by step. In some places, the smoothly polished limestone rocks move so close together that they almost form a tunnel. The gorge is open daily from the end of May to the end of October. The tour takes about 45 minutes. www.rosenlauischlucht.ch

Nozon Gorge in the Lake Geneva Region
Not far from the over 1500-year-old monastery church of Romainmôtier on the way to La Sarraz, visitors pass through the Nozon Gorge with its dreamy Cascade du Dard and Tine de Conflens waterfalls. The easy hike (March to November) takes three and a half hours. www.wwf.ch/projects/nozon

Tropical-alpine Brenno Gorge in Ticino's Valle di Blenio
The trail, once an ancient connecting road between Olive and Campo, is spectacularly carved into the rocks of the Brenno Gorge. The gorge is accessible in summer and early autumn.

Trient Gorge near Vernayaz in Valais
The Trient Gorge was carved into the rock of the Mont Blanc massif by the torrent of the same name. This impressive, 200-meter-deep gorge is spanned at a dizzying height by two bridges and is also interesting for climbers and nature lovers. Panels inform about the geology and the special habitat for plants and animals. The highlight is the 114-meter-high Pissevache waterfall. Open from May to October. www.vernayaz.ch

Viamala - Canyoning at a depth of 300 meters
An absolutely impressive natural spectacle attracts canyoning fans in Graubünden. Technically simple with swimming, slides and smaller jumps, this 90-minute tour is particularly suitable for beginners and water rats and does not involve abseiling. 321 steps lead down into the Viamala gorge, whose rock walls rise up to 300 meters high ? here there is no path except the river. www.viamala.ch

Superlative canyoning in the Chli Schliere
The most famous canyon in central Switzerland offers sporty canyoning: challenging jumps, extreme water slides and racy abseils in the most beautiful surroundings guarantee four hours of action and fun. Legendary is the "screwdriver", a spectacular slide through a narrow and angled rock channel. The abseil through a high waterfall or the daring jump through a narrow crevice will also remain unforgettable. The adventure is suitable for sporty participants or those with canyoning experience.