Canyoning Chli Schliere

Canyoning in the Chli Schliere gorge near Alpnach in central Switzerland is the most demanding canyon trip in the Outdoor Interlaken programme. The canyon lies about 1 hour 30 minutes by transfer from Interlaken, and the full outing takes roughly 7 hours. The route is graded hard, with jumps of up to about 10 m and rappels of up to about 20 m through a steep, narrow gorge with strong water flow. Participants need to be confident swimmers, comfortable with heights and cold water, and in good physical shape, and prior canyoning experience at an easier canyon such as Saxeten is a useful stepping stone. Minimum age and weight limits are set by the operator and should be confirmed at booking. The trip is run by Outdoor Interlaken (outdoor.ch), operating from Hauptstrasse 15 in Matten bei Interlaken and a main base at Industriestrasse 17 in Wilderswil. The operator supplies wetsuit, helmet and harness, while visitors bring a swimsuit and towel. Guides brief the group on jumping and abseiling technique before entering the canyon, set ropes and safety lines at each obstacle, and can use alternative lines when a jump is not suitable; standard canyon rescue procedures apply, and the long day means guides watch participants closely for fatigue and cold. The season is summer, with July to September the best window when snowmelt has eased and temperatures are warmer. Heavy rain, thunderstorms or high water make the gorge dangerous, and departures can be postponed or cancelled in those conditions. Prices run around CHF 199 to 239 (about $245 to $294) per person depending on the date. As the trip takes most of a day, visitors often bring a snack and water for the transfer and a warm change of clothes for the ride back to Interlaken.