A Guide to Visiting the Rhine Falls, Switzerland
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The mighty Switzerland Rhine Falls is the most powerful waterfall in all of Europe and one of the most popular places to visit in Switzerland.
This popular tourist attraction has over one million visitors each year, who all come to see not only the Rhine Falls in Switzerland but the stunning landscape and villages that surround the Rhine River.
The Rhine River Falls is found on a stretch of the Rhine River known as the High Rhine. This is where the waters cascade down to a lower level, creating the picturesque Rhine Water Falls.
The falls are just a single drop waterfall, however with a width of 150 metres and a height of 23 metres, its size is impressive.
Visitors are blown away by the sheer power of the Rhine Falls, particularly during the summer, where the water flows at an impressive rate of 600,000 litres per second.
During the winter the falls still flow at a rate of 250,000 litres per second.
The Rhine Falls, Switzerland
If you are planning to visit Rhine Falls during your Switzerland vacation, then this is the perfect guide for you.
This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting the Rhine Falls, Switzerland including how to get there, how best to see the falls, what else there is to do in the area and much more.
Below is all the essential information you need to make the most out of your visit to the Rhine Falls in Switzerland.
Where are the Rhine Falls?
The Rhine Falls are located on the border between Schaffhausen and Zürich in northern Switzerland, approximately 25 kilometres south of the German border.
The nearest town to the Rhine Falls location is Neuhausen am Rheinfall (1 kilometre away) and the closest city is Schaffhausen (3.5 kilometres away).
How to Get to Rhine Falls?
When it comes to how to get to Rhine Falls, there are several options including car, train, tourist train or by joining a day trip.
If you have your own vehicle, it’s easy to drive to the falls. For Rhine Falls parking, you’ll find a car park on each side of the river.
The northern bank (Schlössli Wörth) and southern bank (Schloss Laufen) both have paid car parks. Parking costs CHF 5 for the first hour and CHF 2 for each additional hour. Parking is free between 6.00 pm and 9.00 am (except in P4).
For visitors in wheelchairs, it’s recommended that you park on the northern bank, as you can park right by the basin. Here you’ll find both a wheelchair lift and a ramp leading to the boat landing.
There is also a glass lift at the Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall viewing platform, providing step-free access to the viewing areas.
If taking a train to the falls, there are two stations to choose from. Neuhausen am Rheinfall station is located on the northern side of the falls, whereas Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall station is on the southern bank of the river.
From either station, you can easily walk to the falls. There are also boat crossings between the two banks.
How to get from Zurich to Rhine Falls
If you’re spending a few days in Zurich, there are a few options when it comes to how to reach Rhine Falls from Zurich.
It’s only around 40 minutes by car from Zurich to Rhine Falls. From Zurich to Rhine Falls by train it’s about 1 hour.
You can also join a Rhine Falls tour from Zurich. See below for more information about a Zurich to Rhine Falls tour.
How to get to the Rhine Falls from other Destinations
Below are the approximate times for the car and train journeys to the Rhine Falls from other nearby destinations:
- Schaffhausen to Rhine Falls: 10 minutes by car or train or by the Rhyfall Express (details below)
- Basel to Rhine Falls: 1.5 hours by car or 2 hours by train
- Geneva to Rhine Falls: 3.5 hours by car or 4 hours by train
- Rhine Falls from Lucerne: 1.25 hours by car or 2 hours by train
- Rhine Falls from Interlaken: 2.25 hours by car or 3.25 hours by train
- Rhine Falls to Black Forest: 1.5 hours by car or 3 hours by train
Schaffhausen to Rhine Falls by the Rhyfall-Express
During early July to early October, the Rhyfall-Express takes you between Schaffhausen’s Old Town and the Rhine Falls. Tickets cost CHF 4 one way or CHF 6 return for adults, and CHF 2 one way or CHF 3 return for children (6–12 years). Further information can be found on the Rhyfall-Express website.
Boarding is possible at either the Münster (Cathedral) or Schifflände (boat pier).
How to Experience the Switzerland Rhine Falls
The best way to experience the falls is either via a Rhine Falls boat ride or from one of the viewing platforms.
Boat Cruises
If you’re visiting between April and October, one of the most popular ways to experience the falls is on a Rhine Falls boat cruise. There are several cruises to choose from, including:
- Rock Tour: This 30-minute cruise takes you from the northern bank to the Rheinfallfelsen, the famous rock in the centre of the falls. Visitors can disembark and climb the staircase to the viewing platform for spectacular 360° views of the Rhine Falls. Price: CHF 24 per adult.
- Rhine Crossing: This short three-minute ferry crosses between the northern and southern banks of the Rhine Falls. Price: CHF 6 per adult. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket offices beside the falls.
- Short Round Trip: This 15-minute cruise takes you close to the falls and offers excellent views from the water without stopping at the central rock. Price: CHF 11 per adult.
- Grand Tour: This 75-minute cruise takes you through the Rhine Falls basin and along the tranquil Rhine River to the historic village of Rheinau, passing through the scenic stretch of river often referred to as the “Rhenish Amazon”. Along the way, the captain shares interesting facts about the area’s history, wildlife and landscape. The boat makes a short stop in Rheinau before returning to the Rhine Falls. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket offices beside the falls
Viewing Platforms
There are also viewing platforms which don’t require you to take a boat trip. These viewing platforms have been built on both sides of the falls and reach out reasonably close to the water.
If visiting during the months where the flow is at its fastest, do expect to get wet from the spray of the falls.
While the viewing platforms on the northern bank are free to access, Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall on the southern bank charges an admission fee. These viewing platforms are located right beside the falls and offer some of the closest and most spectacular views. Admission also includes access to Historama, an exhibition about the history of the Rhine Falls.
The Schloss Laufen admission fee is CHF 7 per adult and CHF 5 for children aged 6 to 15 years. In my opinion, it’s well worth the price for the unique viewpoints.
In addition to these official viewing platforms, there is also the railway bridge, which includes a pedestrian walkway crossing the river just upstream of the falls.
It’s highly recommended to walk across the bridge and admire the Rhine Falls from yet another perspective. This is a great way to enjoy excellent views of the falls without paying the Schloss Laufen admission fee.
The bridge crossing forms part of the Loop Trail which circles the Rhine Basin, but you can cross the bridge without completing the entire trail.
Rhine Falls Tour Options
If you’re staying in Zurich, there are a range of great half- and full-day Zurich Rhine Falls tour options that you can join to visit the Rhine Falls. Below you’ll find details on some of the more popular Rhine Falls tour options.
Day Tour from Zurich including Stein am Rhein
The full-day tour includes time at the Rhine Falls, as well as the medieval town of Stein am Rhein.
3.5-Hour Tour from Zurich
This short tour includes time at the Rhine Falls including entry into Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall.
Day Tour to Rhine Falls and Zurich City Sights
This full-day tour includes time at the Rhine Falls and a Zurich city tour for some great views across the city.
The Black Forest, Titisee, and Rhine Falls Day Tour from Zurich
This full-day tour takes you to Southern Germany to see the Black Forest in Titisee and the Rhine Falls.
Private Tour to the Rhine Falls
If you’d prefer your visit to the Rhine Falls to be tailored to your exact requirements, you can book a tour with a private driver/guide. Private tours can be arranged from anywhere in Switzerland. Benefit from an exclusive bonus offer for our readers.
More things to do around the Rhine Falls in Switzerland
While many people come to simply view the falls, there is a range of activities to do in the area for those that want to spend the entire day here or even a few days.
The beautiful town of Schaffhausen is definitely worth a visit. Other things to do include:
- The falls at night: If you’re staying in the area, return after dark to see the Rhine Falls beautifully illuminated in the evening. The illuminated falls are particularly impressive during the warmer months.
- Dining at Rhine Falls: There are numerous options for enjoying a meal or grabbing a snack at the Rhine Falls. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at the restaurant in Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall.
- Fire on the Rocks: If you’re visiting in July, don’t miss the spectacular Fire on the Rocks fireworks display, held on 31 July each year. The fireworks begin at around 9.45 pm and can be viewed free of charge from various locations around the falls.
- Medieval Christmas Market: A medieval Christmas market is held at Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall and Schlössli Wörth on the third weekend in November.
- Smilestones – Miniature World: Discover miniature Swiss landmarks, trains, mountains and everyday scenes built to a scale of 1:87. Admission is CHF 22 per adult and CHF 12 for children aged 6 to 15 years.
- Adventure Park: Between April and October, enjoy unique views of the Rhine Falls while tackling Switzerland’s largest forest rope park. Courses are available for children from 4 years of age. Admission starts from CHF 16 for children aged 4–7 and CHF 40 for adults.
- Hiking: Take the 3.4 kilometre walk around the Rhine Falls Basin or the Circular Trail which starts from the village of Dachson and is 7.2 kilometres long. There is also a 5.5 kilometre walk from the falls to Schaffhausen. Click here for more information about hiking in the area.
- Cycling: There are also a number of excellent cycling routes around the Rhine Falls and the surrounding countryside.
When to Visit the Rhine River Falls
The Rhine Falls flow year round and are impressive at any time of the year. During the summer months, the flow is at its highest and is simply awe-inspiring to see.
However the falls still flow during the winter months and while the Rhine Falls weather is cooler, there are fewer crowds, making it a beautiful time to visit.
Most recently I visited during autumn (fall) and the colourful foliage on the trees around the falls was spectacular.
Rhine Falls Hotels: Where to Stay Near Rhine Water Falls
While you can easily take a day trip to Rhine Falls from Zurich, if you want to explore the area over a few days, you can find the closest Rhine Falls hotels in Neuhausen Am Rheinfall. > Click here to browse the options.
For more options, consider staying in Schaffhausen which is just a few kilometres away.
We also love the Park Hotel Winterthur which is just 24 minutes by direct train to the Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall station.
Ready to plan your visit to Rhine Falls?
Now you have all the info you need to start planning your visit to the Rhine Falls. One thing is certain – however you reach the Rhine Falls, you are sure to be impressed by the sheer power of the water that tumbles over the falls as it makes its way along the mighty River Rhine.
Europe’s largest waterfalls are a true natural wonder and make a wonderful inclusion in any Switzerland itinerary.
To read our full guide to Eastern Switzerland Region, > click here.
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