Day Trip: Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen★★★
Just 50 minutes by train from Zurich lies the largest waterfall in Europe: The Rhine Falls at Neuhausen am Rheinfall/Schaffhausen is 150 meters wide, 23 meters high, and plunges with up to 600,000 liters per second. The roar is deafening, and the spray reaches the viewing platforms.
★★★ The Rhine Falls
From the north side (Schloss Laufen), a panoramic path with several viewing platforms leads directly to the waterfall — the lowest platform "Känzeli" practically hovers over the spray. A boat trip takes you to the central rock in the middle of the waterfall — a staircase leads to the top, where you stand surrounded by masses of water. Unforgettable!
Entrance north side (Schloss Laufen): 5 CHF. Boat trip to the rock: 20 CHF (return). Round trip: 7 CHF. Open daily, May–Sept 8–19, winter 9–17.
★★ Schloss Laufen
The medieval castle above the Rhine Falls houses a small museum on the history of the waterfall and a restaurant with a terrace and view of the natural spectacle. From here, the best overall view.
★ Schaffhausen Old Town
The nearby Old Town of Schaffhausen surprises with over 170 bay windows and magnificently painted facades. The fortress Munot (16th century) towers over the city — the climb is worth it for the view over the Rhine. Combine Rhine Falls and Schaffhausen for a perfect day trip.
Arrival from Zurich
Train: Zurich HB → Neuhausen Rheinfall in 50 minutes (direct S-Bahn connection). 11.20 CHF one way, included in the Swiss Travel Pass. Alternatively: Zurich → Schaffhausen (38 min., hourly), then 10 min. bus to the Rhine Falls.
💡 Tipp
Come early in the morning (before 10 AM) or late afternoon — the tour buses arrive at noon. The boat trip to the middle rock is the absolute highlight, but not for those afraid of heights: The stairs on the rock are steep and wet. Pack a rain jacket — the spray gets you wet!
