The Rhine Falls are not just another waterfall in Switzerland. They’re the widest waterfalls in Europe at 492 feet (150 meters) wide, which is nearly as big as the Roman Colosseum. And they flow 600,000 liters (160,000 gallons) of water per second. That’s like dumping an Olympic-sized swimming pool over the 100-foot high ledge every 4 seconds.
More than 1.5 million people visit the Rhine Falls every year — and for good reason. But if you only come for the waterfall, you’re missing out. Keep reading to see…
- the best viewpoints
- how to see the falls up close on a boat tour
- nearby castles
- scenic walks
- why it’s worth a visit to the medieval town of Schaffhausen
- and the best ways to get here as a day trip from Zürich
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Schloss Laufen
You can actually visit both sides of the Rhine River for a different perspective on the Falls, and there are multiple ways to get between them as well, which we will explain later. But we’re starting on the side by Schloss Laufen, which is the 1,100 year old castle on the cliff. You’re probably here for the views, so let’s go there first and then we’ll give you a castle tour.
After you enter the castle walls, head straight to the courtyard, through the turnstile, and down the steps. Each terrace brings you one step closer to the power of the Rhine Falls! The first one is a great spot to see just how wide the Rhine Falls really are. Another is perched just above one side of the cascades. And you can venture through a short rock tunnel until you find yourself literally right beside the rushing white foam! There’s also a lower terrace that makes you feel like you’re standing on top of the raging water below.
For just 5 CHF per adult (3 CHF per kid 6-15), you get access to all of these viewing platforms and the Historama museum about the falls’ history. In our opinion, we think the views are worth every franc.
But even if you don’t buy a ticket, you can still enjoy the visitor’s center, bistro, restaurant, playground, and panoramic glass elevator. And speaking of the elevator, a quick ride will take you down to the lower paths where you can make your way to the boat dock.
Rhine Falls Ferry
Now that we’ve done everything at Schloss Laufen, it’s time to head to the other side of the river. And the ferry is the fastest route with just a 5-minute ride. This operates daily April through October as early as 9:30am and as late as 6:30pm, depending on the season, and runs approximately every 15 minutes. And it’s best to purchase these tickets online in advance, although you can also buy them directly at the boat dock.
- 5 minute journey between Schlössli Wörth and Schloss Laufen (plus extra time to board and disembark)
- Kids 0-6 are free
- Strollers are welcome, although they need to be folded up on the boat
Schlössli Wörth
This side of the river is free to visit and has similar amenities, like a restaurant and free bathrooms. And of course plenty of viewpoints to walk along. In fact the first time we came here back in 2020, we walked up and down the whole path to get all of the views.
But the best thing about being on this side of the river is that you can take a boat tour right up to the falls!
Rhine Falls Boat Tours
There are 2 boat companies at the Rhine Falls. If you’re looking for a longer, leisurely cruise, opt for Schiffmändli. Their offers include river cruises with food and wine, excursions through sluices, and a visit to a monastery.
If you want to just enjoy the Rhine Falls, buy from Rhyfall Mändli, the same company who provides the ferry crossing. To get close enough to be gently misted, pick the 15-minute Round Trip tour. We did this one and thought it was a perfectly chill way to explore this impressive natural wonder. To climb on the rock in the middle of the falls or to get heavily splashed, go for the Rock Experience. We also went on this ride and loved getting to hike up nearly 100 steps for amazing views and photos. What a unique perspective!
Fun fact: Rhyfall Mändli has the first fully electric passenger ships on Swiss waterways!
We often see these kinds of experiences like boat tours and we wonder, “Are they actually worth it? Are they really cool?” Well, in our opinion, we had such a blast getting up close to the falls, and we even got a little wet too!
Things to do near the Rhine Falls
Hopefully you now see why so many tourists add the Rhine Falls to their itinerary as a day trip from Zürich. If we haven’t met, we’re Jana and Brett, Aplins in the Alps, and our goal is to help you travel Switzerland with confidence.
But there’s more to do than just visit the Rhine Falls, which is why we’re heading back to Schloss Laufen so we can explore the medieval village of Schauffhausen next. And since we already took the ferry across the river, now we’re going to walk back.
From the boat dock, the Small Rhine Falls Circular Hike winds along the riverside promenade. You’ll pass a few tourist shops and restaurants, then wander along the flag-lined walkway. Stop here for the best head-on photos of the Rhine Falls. Keep strolling past the small park. This whole route is stroller and wheelchair accessible, but you’ll need to follow the signs since the accessible route diverges from the main path a few times.
When you reach the steps, climb up by the waterwheel, which is a reminder that the Rhine Falls have generated hydroelectric power since the 11th century! We tried to count how many viewpoints there are, but we lost track at this point because there are just so many.
By now, you’re at the very edge of the village of Neuhausen. If you’re hungry or thirsty, we recommend stopping at Brauhaus Chuebelimoser. But if you’re looking for an indoor activity with air conditioning or if you’re a family with kids of all ages, plan a visit to Swiss Milestones. It’s a fascinating miniature world of Switzerland. Hang on — you’re probably thinking that sounds lame, but trust us! It’s the best combination of Where’s Waldo, Eye Spy, and “What happens if I push this button?”
After a short excursion in Neuhausen, walk across the train bridge until you’re back at Schloss Laufen.
How to reach the Rhine Falls and Schauffhausen
At this point, you might still have lingering questions about the Rhine Falls, like if it’s worth visiting both sides of the river, how long to spend here, and other activities to pair with your visit. Then you won’t want to miss our Zürich Travel Guide for our best tips on when to visit, what’s can’t-miss, and what else to add to your itinerary.
Before we show you things to do in Schauffhausen, let’s briefly chat about how to reach the Rhine Falls.
Take a 50-minute train ride from Zürich Hauptbahnhof to Schloss Laufen am Rhinefall (which is near Schloss Laufen) or to Neuhausen Rhinefall (which is near the water wheel). There are departures every 20-30 minutes, with some direct train options. From both of these stops, the falls are just a 5-minute walk away.
By car, it’s a 35-45 minute drive depending on traffic, and there are large parking lots on both sides of the falls as well.
And from Schoss Laufen or Neuhausen, it’s just a 7-minute train ride to Schaffhausen.
Things to do in Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Welcome to Schauffhausen! If you’re visiting the Rhine Falls, don’t leave without exploring this medieval city with 121 bay windows and a 500-year old fortress because there are plenty of things to keep you occupied for a few more hours.
Bay windows: As we mentioned, you won’t be able to miss the abundance of bay windows in all shapes, sizes, colors, and designs.
Painted buildings: You’ll probably pass by at least one of the elaborately painted buildings as well. One (Haus zum Grossen Käfig) features the Turkish Sultan imprisoned in a cage. Another (Haus zum Ritter) bears a bay window dating back to 1492. One (Haus zum Goldenen Ochsen) depicts scenes of all 5 senses. And see if you can find the house (Haus zum Setinbock) boasting real ibex horns!
Fountains: As you wander through Old Town, keep an eye out for the famous fountains too. You’ll hear the water gently splashing and if you visit in the warmer months, they are often decorated with flowers.
Monastery: The monastery dates back to the 1100s, complete with a beautiful chapel and peaceful inner garden. We happened to visit during a live concert and the acoustics were phenomenal!
Munot Fortress: The large circular castle towering above the town is the Munot Fortress. The impressive structure is fairly simple inside, but has great views over the river and vineyards below. And the fortress bell is rung by hand for 5 minutes every night at 9:00pm.
Rose Garden: Beside the fortress is a charming little rose garden that is beautiful any time of day, but especially at sunset.
Towers: And there are also 2 towers at the edge of town as well.
Boat rides: Finally, you can pair Schaffhausen with a relaxing boat ride along the Rhine River.
Best Days Trips from Zürich, Switzerland
Learn how to visit the Rhine Falls and this charming medieval village with our Zürich Travel Guide. Check that out or keep reading to learn more about how to plan your trip to Zürich, and we’ll see you in Switzerland!