The Rhine Falls and Schaffhausen: the back story

About The Rhine Falls and Schaffhausen: the back story

By the ULTIMATE Zurich Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

At the Rhine Falls, near Schaffhausen, the Rhine drops 23 metres across a width of 150 metres; in summer 600 m³ of water a second plunge over the rocks, in Zurich Tourism’s words. Schloss Laufen, first mentioned in 858, stands on its spur above, with paths and a glass lift down to the viewing platforms, and boats cross to the rock in the middle of the falls.

Getting there

By train from Zürich HB to Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall or Neuhausen; check sbb.ch.

The falls

The falls are illuminated after dark; the north bank is open without charge, the south bank, with Schloss Laufen, costs CHF 5 for adults.

Trains from Zürich HB reach Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall and Neuhausen; check sbb.ch.

Schloss Laufen

The Historama, the Belvedere trail and the panoramic lift; open daily, with shorter hours in winter.

Our advice: come in early summer, when the meltwater makes the falls at their fullest.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with The Rhine Falls and Schaffhausen: the back story before you go.