Group Excursions: Canyons

10,000 years ago, 100 billion cubic metres of rock thundered into the valley. Known as the Flims Rockslide, this event created the Ruinaulta, a canyon-like gorge in the Anterior Rhine Valley that can be reached on foot, over water, by train or by bike.

For over 100 years, Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge has delighted nature enthusiasts. On its way from the glacier to the valley, the Weissenbach River has cut a deep path in the chalk and slate rock face.

While in the past it was only courageous crystal hunters who braved the Massa Gorge, it is now accessible to the general public thanks to the building of the Gibidem Dam.

The Choleren Gorge, with its many flights of steps and bridges across lovely cascading waters, never fails to impress visitors.

Bringing the history to life in the Tamina Gorge. This is the source of the 36.5° C warm thermal waters that have made Bad Ragaz world famous.

The natural wilderness is just a few steps away from the old town of Montreux. The La Baye de Montreux River flows through the gorge from the foot of Rochers-de-Naye into Lake Geneva.

Stunning cliffs, a light blue mountain river and ancient bridges and tunnels make for a perfect photo backdrop.

The little stream is quiet and dreamy as it lazily meanders through Vallorbe, but it soon becomes a roaring torrent as it rushes through the huge Orbe Gorge, where waterfalls alternate with spectacular rapids. A hike through the cool gorge is especially good on hot summer days. The river near the Saut du Day waterfall is the perfect spot to cool your feet.

The River Aa at times crashes over rocks, then squeezes through wedge-shaped boulders or lingers in a quiet stream bed.

Discover Areuse Gorge. It is a study in contrasts: sometimes wide open, sometimes narrow, with burbling waters and spaces of deep silence.

Inspired by the Niagara Falls and created over seven years of painstaking manual labour: the rock gallery of the Roffla Gorge.

The wildly romantic Taubenloch Gorge near Biel promises a pleasantly cool hike in summer. Plus there’s a free geography lesson thrown in for good measure.

This is a dam made of debris from prehistoric landslides that separates the Klöntal and Linthtal valleys.

A circular trail leads from Tête-Noire to the tantalisingly named Gorges Mystérieuses – mysterious gorges.

The little Melchtal valley in the canton of Obwalden, also known as Tobel, has long been a popular year-round hiking area. In deepest winter, the water on the rock walls turns into a vast landscape of icicles.

From the Lower Engadine one passes through Val d’Uina (Uina Gorge) to reach the Vinschgau Valley. The hiking trail, which is partly carved into the rock, is especially popular among avid hikers.

The rugged cliffs, just a few meters apart, show the force behind the River Linth as it found its course here.

The name Tüfelsschlucht means “The Devil’s Gorge” and this is considered to be one of the most beautiful of the numerous gorges in the Jura. The 2.2km long gorge winds its way along the Cholersbach Stream and is connected by 32 bridges and catwalks.

Crossing the Schin Gorge between Tiefencastel, Alvaschein and Sils in Domleschg was not for nervous travellers.

Verena Gorge is a mystical place of power that is situated just outside the city of Solothurn. A hermit still lives here to this day.

Considered one of nature’s true gems and located on the sunny side of the Jura, the Bettlachstock is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. An unspoilt natural environment with centuries-old beech forests, it provides an ideal habitat for a diverse range of animal and plant species. Idyllic hiking paths give families and nature lovers the opportunity to experience the fascinating region up close.

A nature experience that really gets under your skin: This is the Wolfsschlucht Gorge in Thal Nature Park in the Solothurn Jura region. It is also an ideal adventure playground for children.

Not far from the vibrant hustle and bustle of the city of Bern you’ll find the Sense-Schwarzwasser nature reserve. Here, large glacial meltwater rivers have dug impressive gorges into the molasse rock.

The Schöllenen Gorge is probably the most legendary section of the historic Gotthard route. On the Devil's Bridge over the roaring Reuss, you can get an idea of how hard and dangerous the path across the Alps once was.

A trip to the Breggia Gorges is a real time travelling experience. In this part of the Mendrisiotto along the Breggia River you will find some unusual geological formations.

The entrance to the Gasterntal Valley leads through the narrow Chluse Gorge. This passageway was used from earliest times. Mules were used on this narrow pass, which is the first steep ascent on the way to Lötschen Pass.

Less than one kilometre from the village square, a thermal source footbridge crosses the Dala Gorge at Leukerbad.

The name is already promising: “Pichoux” means 1,000 springs.

As visitors enter the Valais, they are greeted by impressive mountain cliffs and a waterfall that is, unfortunately, smaller than it used to be.

She was once hated: the wild, deep gorge carved out by the Hinter Rhine was called the “Evil Road” by mule drivers. Today, visitors are drawn to the spectacular expanse of water and rock.

The Blenio Valley in Upper Ticino is a typical Ticino mountain valley. Densely forested mountain slopes rise majestically above the sunny valley floors far below.

The Alpbach Gorge in the Haslital Valley is one of nature’s jewels and a great experience for seasoned and sure-footed mountain climbers.

The Gorner Gorge is one of the most fascinating scenic attractions in Zermatt. It is an easy 20-minute walk from the south end of the village of Zermatt.

Between Broc and Châtel-sur-Montsalvens in the canton of Fribourg lies the spectacular and romantically wild Jaunbach Gorge. Wooden bridges, tunnels and rock galleries make this walk an adventurous excursion for the entire family.

Wallbach Gorge is a cool tip for a hot day. The wide stream bed at the end of the falls and the outdoor grill are both enjoyable places to spend time.

Grindelwald Glacial Gorge is an adventurous experience whatever the weather. For a thrilling experience, try balancing and climbing on the 170m² Spiderweb net hanging over the roaring Lütschine River.