Canyons around Avry present a landscape characterized by deep valleys and river-carved gorges. This region features natural formations where water has shaped the terrain, creating distinct geological features. The area offers opportunities to observe these natural structures, including Molasse cliffs and winding river courses.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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It is a beautiful section. But it is not steep and the path is well developed.
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The Galterntal with its Galtern Gorge is a real leisure and natural paradise. Along the gorge, countless bridges, arches, footbridges and walkways line the steep walls. Joggers and hikers alike are out and about here. For dogs, the four-legged gorge walkers, the builders of the bridges have here and there made paw-friendly attachments so that the animals do not injure their paws on the partially metal perforated plates.
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steep climb but with a single passage between molasse walls
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At the south-west exit of the tunnel, an exciting path runs above the dammed Saane (or Lake Pèrolles) with beautiful views of the river/lake - embedded in a gorge-like valley with meadows, reeds, forests, mountain slopes and rock faces. When looking down from the upper part to the northeast, the "Magere Au" dam appears to the right (east) of the rock faces on the left (west) side, damming the river here to form a lake.
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The Galternbach is a tributary of the Saane. It flows into the Saane at the Bern Bridge in Freiburg. Coming from the village of Galtern in the east, the stream flows westwards in wide curves and meanders through a long, wooded valley, which in places narrows like a gorge. Here, at a loop of the Galternbach, bridges lead over the stream. There is a nice rest area on a flat hill in the gorge!
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The Galternbach is a tributary of the Saane. It flows into the Saane at the Bern Bridge in Freiburg. Coming from the village of Galtern in the east, the stream flows westwards in wide curves, meandering through a long, wooded valley that narrows in places like a gorge. At this curve, the wonderful hiking trail leads over a bridge and thus changes from one side of the stream to the other. On the left side of the stream (east of the bridge), the trail leads down/up the steep valley slope in bends, mostly with wooden steps; on the other (right) side (west of the bridge), the trail leads along the steep slope on a wooden footbridge, partly with steps. All in all, an exciting section of the Galtern trail!
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Between the Gruyère and Schiffenen lakes, the Sarine has the morphological characteristics of a canyon. Here you can observe the impressive Molasse cliffs that line the river. You also have a beautiful view of the Naigles footbridge and the Poya bridge.
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The most popular natural formations around Avry include Gottéron Valley, known for its wooded valley and numerous stairs and bridges, and Sarine Canyon, which features impressive Molasse cliffs along the river. Visitors also appreciate the View of Lac de Pérolles and the Saane Gorge for its scenic perspectives of the dammed Saane.
Yes, areas like the Gottéron Valley offer trails that can be enjoyed by families. While it features many stairs and footbridges, it provides an engaging experience through a natural setting. Always check local conditions for suitability with younger children.
You can observe deep valleys, river-carved gorges, and distinct geological features such as Molasse cliffs. The Sarine Canyon, for example, showcases these impressive cliffs along the river, while the View of Lac de Pérolles and the Saane Gorge offers perspectives of a gorge-like valley with meadows, reeds, forests, and rock faces.
While specific seasonal advice for all gorges is not available, trails in areas like the Gottéron Valley are occasionally closed due to falling rocks or woodwork, especially after adverse weather. It's advisable to check local conditions before your visit, particularly during winter or after heavy rainfall, to ensure trails are open and safe.
Yes, the View of Lac de Pérolles and the Saane Gorge is a dedicated viewpoint offering beautiful perspectives of the dammed Saane, nestled within a gorge-like valley. You can see meadows, reeds, forests, and rock faces from this location.
Beyond exploring the gorges, the Avry region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the easy Piamont loop from Ponthaux or moderate trails like the Matran Sculpture Trail. For cycling enthusiasts, there are touring bicycle routes like the Forest Path – Montagny Castle Ruins loop, and road cycling routes including the Corserey Church loop. You can find more details on these activities in the Hiking around Avry, Cycling around Avry, and Road Cycling Routes around Avry guides.
The trails vary in difficulty. For instance, the Gottéron Valley involves numerous stairs and footbridges, making it an intermediate hike. The Fineta Graben Single Trail is described as an S0-S1 single trail, indicating it's suitable for beginners to intermediate hikers or mountain bikers, though it can be washed out and difficult uphill.
While specific dog-friendly policies for each gorge are not detailed, many natural trails in Switzerland are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash and owners clean up after them. It's always best to check local signage or official websites for any specific restrictions in areas like Gottéron Valley before visiting with your pet.
The Gottéron Valley has historical context, as it was once feared in medieval times for its dark and obscure side, with some legends even suggesting a dragon lived there. The valley also connects the German-speaking Tafers to the predominantly French-speaking city of Fribourg, offering a cultural transition.
Visitors appreciate the unique natural formations, the tranquility of the wooded valleys, and the scenic views. The intricate network of stairs, footbridges, and bridges in places like Gottéron Valley is often highlighted as an exciting part of the trail. The impressive Molasse cliffs of the Sarine Canyon and the panoramic views from the View of Lac de Pérolles and the Saane Gorge are also highly rated.
While specific parking details for each gorge are not provided, areas like Gottéron Valley are accessible from towns like Tafers and Fribourg, which typically have public transport connections and parking facilities. For the View of Lac de Pérolles and the Saane Gorge, access is described as being at the south-west exit of a tunnel, suggesting road access.


Already discovered everything in this region? See additional gorges around Avry for your next adventure: