Major city · Switzerland
Meiringen
Give Meiringen 1–2 nights as a Haslital base for the Aare Gorge and Reichenbach Falls, not as a snow-sure ski week.
Meiringen sits in the upper Aare valley where side valleys meet, 30 min by train from Interlaken and about 70 min from Lucerne. It is a market town turned hiking and winter-sports resort, known for the Reichenbach Falls and the Sherlock Holmes link. The village is walkable, the lifts are low and not snow-sure, and the gorge and falls are the reasons most people stop.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CHF
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for hiking and the gorge; Dec–Mar for the lifts
- avoid Nov and early Dec (lifts and gorge closed, quiet)
- Airports
- ZRH · BSL · GVA
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Central Europe ↗Six of the nine countries here — Austria, Switzerland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia — charge a time-based motorway vignette, mostly digital and linked to the number plate; buy it before the first motorway past the border, because cameras, not toll booths, do the checking.
- Central Europe ↗Temporary police checks at internal Schengen borders are common in this region in 2026 (Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovenia among others — check): keep your passport on you on every cross-border train, bus and road even though there is no fixed control post.
- Switzerland ↗Switzerland is in the Schengen area but not the EU: check entry rules, the EU Entry/Exit System and any travel authorisation requirement for your passport on official sources.
- Switzerland ↗Switzerland is outside the EU customs area: allowances on meat, alcohol and tobacco are strict and checked at borders.
- Switzerland ↗Motorways need a vignette (sticker or e-vignette) before you drive on them.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Meiringen117 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Meiringen, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Swiss franc (CHF).Switzerland-wide
- SIM or eSIMSwisscom, Sunrise and Salt sell prepaid SIMs (ID needed); Swisscom covers the most mountain terrain.Switzerland-wide
- Tap waterTap and fountain water is excellent.Switzerland-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Service included; round up or leave 5–10% for good service.Switzerland-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/J. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Switzerland-wide
- SafetyVery safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsStation toilets cost CHF 1–2 (≈ US$2–3); restaurants and department stores are free for customers.Switzerland-wide
- Emergency numbers117 police · 144 ambulance · 118 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops close early on Saturday in small towns and all day Sunday, except stations and airports.Switzerland-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportZRH Zurich (Train to Lucerne then the Zentralbahn to Meiringen, about 2 h 30 min with one change).
- Getting aroundThe village is small enough to walk.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCHF 4–6 (≈ US$5–8)
- Sit-down mealRestaurant main courseCHF 25–40 (≈ US$35–50)
- Beerdraught / supermarket canCHF 6–9 (≈ US$8–12)CHF 2–3 (≈ US$3–4)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekCHF 20–40 (≈ US$25–50)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personCHF 45 (≈ US$60)
- Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per roomCHF 200 (≈ US$250)
- High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per roomCHF 320 (≈ US$400)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CHF 90 (≈ US$120) · Mid CHF 150 (≈ US$190) · High CHF 260 (≈ US$350)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ZRH Zurich (Train to Lucerne then the Zentralbahn to Meiringen, about 2 h 30 min with one change) · BSL Basel-Mulhouse (Rail via Lucerne or Bern, about 3 h) · GVA Geneva (Rail via Bern and Interlaken, about 4 h)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Feb
Best
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Mar
Best
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jul
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Aug
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Sep
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Dec
Care*
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Best: Jan–Mar, Jun–Sep. Mixed: Dec. Avoid: Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)), coolest Jan (−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C) low), wettest May (13 rain days), driest Feb (9). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Meiringen: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
10 rd
Feb
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
9 rd
Mar
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
11 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
12 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Jun
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
13 rd
Jul
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
12 rd
Aug
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
12 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
10 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
10 rd
Nov
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
10 rd
Dec
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The village is small enough to walk. Bus 174 circles it every 30 min. The Zentralbahn runs from Meiringen station up the valley to Alpbach, Aareschlucht West and Innertkirchen, useful for the gorge. The gondola from the base station climbs to Reuti and on up the Hasliberg.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 30 min
Zentralbahn from Meiringen, every 30 min via Brienz
Jungfrau-region hub with onward trains to Wengen, Mürren and Grindelwald.
Door to door: About 1 h 10 min
Zentralbahn from Meiringen via Brünig, Lungern and Sarnen
Scenic run; easy as a half-day out or as your onward leg.
Door to door: About 2 h
Bus 164 to Schwarzwaldalp in summer, connecting with Bus 128 over the Grosse Scheidegg
Summer only and connections are thin: check the timetable first.
Door to door: About 1 h 45 min
Train to Interlaken Ost, then the Wengernalpbahn
Car-free village above Lauterbrunnen; doable as a long day.
Thun
goDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Train to Interlaken Ost, then the BLS along Lake Thun
Old town and lake boats; pairs well with a slow return.
Kandersteg
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
Train to Interlaken Ost, then the BLS south
Better as its own stop than a return day from Meiringen.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Bahnhofplatz and Bahnhofstrasse
Hotels facing the station; best for one night with bags and for early trains.
Alpbach and gondola side
Quieter, 5–10 min walk east; close to the lifts and the Alpbach rail stop.
Hasliberg and Reuti (above the village)
Gondola village with valley views; only worth it if you are skiing or hiking up top.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- CHF 90–140 (≈ US$120–180) excl. bed
- Mid
- CHF 140–220 (≈ US$180–300) excl. bed
- High
- CHF 220 (≈ US$300)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double room1 × 2 nights × CHF 200 | CHF 400 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × CHF 150 | CHF 600 |
| Aare Gorge entry, adult2 × CHF 10 | CHF 20 |
| Reichenbach funicular, adult return2 × CHF 12 | CHF 24 |
| Sherlock Holmes museum, adult2 × CHF 5 | CHF 10 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × CHF 25 | CHF 50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CHF 110 |
| Trip total≈ CHF 304 per person per day, bed included | CHF 1,214≈ US$1,600 |
2026 estimate in Swiss francs; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | CHF 4–6 (≈ US$5–8) |
| Plate of meringues with double cream | CHF 8–14 (≈ US$10–18) |
| Supermarket lunch from Migros | CHF 8–14 (≈ US$10–18) |
| Restaurant main course | CHF 25–40 (≈ US$35–50) |
| Beer: draught / supermarket can | CHF 6–9 (≈ US$8–12) / CHF 2–3 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Adult one-day Hasliberg ski pass | CHF 62 (≈ US$80) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | CHF 20–40 (≈ US$25–50) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The Hasliberg lifts are low and not snow-sure: check snow and lift status before booking a ski week.
- In the first weeks of the Aare Gorge season only the west entrance is open, so you walk in and back out.
- Reichenbach Falls freeze in winter and the funicular runs May–Sept only.
- The Meiringen gondola base station is a bottleneck at peak times.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 117
- Ambulance
- 144
- Fire
- 118
- Rega air rescue
- 1414
- European emergency
- 112
Pocket card
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MeiringenMeiringen
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Bitte zu däre AdrässeTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police117
- Ambulance144
- Fire118
- Rega air rescue1414
Embassy
No embassies in Meiringen; most are in Bern, with consulates in Zurich and Geneva. US citizens: the embassy is in Bern (check the address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Meiringen → Interlaken Ost, train: about 30 min, every 30 min
- Meiringen → Lucerne, Zentralbahn: about 1 h 10 min
- Aare Gorge entry, adult: CHF 10 (≈ US$13)
- Reichenbach funicular, adult return: CHF 12 (≈ US$15)
Say or show
- Grüezi — Hello (GRUE-tsi)
- Merci vilmal — Thank you (MER-si feel-mol)
- Bitte — Please (BIT-teh)
- Was choschtet das? — How much is it? (vas KHOSH-tet das)
- Cha ich mit Karte zahle? — Can I pay by card? (kha ikh mit KAR-teh TSA-leh)
- Wo isch de Bahnhof? — Where is the station? (vo ish deh BAHN-hof)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Meiringen. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep for hiking and the gorge; Dec–Mar for the lifts · avoid Nov and early Dec (lifts and gorge closed, quiet) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for ZRH, BSL and GVA with last-train cutoffs and a hotel fallback.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: station and Bahnhofstrasse, Alpbach and the gondola, Reichenbach and Willigen, the gorge.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Reichenbach funicular, Aare Gorge gates, Sherlock Holmes museum, Hasli museum) and eat pages with last orders.
- Seasonal fixtures for the gorge west-only opening and the Friday evening lighting so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialMeiringen municipality
- officialHaslital Tourism
- officialAare Gorge
- officialReichenbach Falls funicular (Grimselwelt)
- officialSherlock Holmes Museum Meiringen
- officialMuseum Landschaft Hasli
- secondaryWikivoyage: Meiringen, revision 5230291 (CC BY-SA 4.0)