Visiting the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen is one of the best things to do in Switzerland and should be on every travel itinerary. As the largest waterfall in Europe by volume, the Rhine Falls offer an awe-inspiring spectacle that attracts visitors from all over the world. Let’s dive into how you can spend an unforgettable day exploring this must-see natural wonder.
How to Get to the Rhine Falls
Located just a short distance from Zurich (less than an hour away), you can easily reach the falls by train or car. The Rhine Falls can be experienced from both sides of the river: the southern bank (Schloss Laufen) and the northern bank (Schlössli Wörth). If you visit the Rhine Falls for the first time, we recommend starting on the southern bank. When traveling by public transport, get off at the train station Schloss Laufen. If you arrive by car, park at Schloss Laufen. This is a great starting point for your day trip, allowing you to enjoy the most amazing spots first when there is the least amount of tourists.
Opening Hours and Best Time to Arrive
The Rhine Falls on the southern bank are open year-round, with specific attractions and facilities operating at varying hours. However, the viewing platforms are accessible around the clock. To enjoy the falls with fewer crowds, we recommend arriving as early as possible after sunrise. We arrived at 8:30 AM. This early start not only ensures a more peaceful experience but also provides the best light for photography and videography.
Start at Schloss Laufen (Southern Bank)
Begin your adventure at Schloss Laufen, where you can buy your ticket to access the castle grounds, viewing platforms, and the panoramic glass lift. The entrance fee is CHF 5 (ca. USD 5.50) for adults and CHF 3 (ca. USD 3.30) for children.
Tip: If there is a long queue at the ticket corner, walk past it towards the castle. Just before the stairs that go down to the platforms, there is a ticket machine where you can usually buy your ticket without having to queue! This is also where you can get your ticket if you arrive before the ticket corner opens.
Once you’ve got your ticket, follow the signs to the Rhine Falls (past the castle) and walk down the stairs. You will arrive at a large platform (called Känzig) offering a great view from above the falls. However, we recommend heading down the stairs further until you reach the lowest platform, the Belvedere. This platform is extremely close to the water and provides the best view, allowing you to fully appreciate the Rhine Falls’ power and beauty. By doing this first, you can avoid larger crowds that tend to gather later in the day. For those interested in taking pictures or videos, this is the perfect opportunity. The early hours ensure fewer tourists, giving you ample space to capture stunning shots.
Lunchtime Delight: Schlössli Wörth (Northern Bank)
After an exhilarating morning, it’s time to refuel. Walk or drive to the northern bank and park at Rheinfall Parking 1 (or 2, 3, or 4 if Parking 1 is occupied). Once parked, head to Schlössli Wörth, a charming restaurant with a terrace offering splendid views of the Rhine Falls. Although labeled as fine dining, the atmosphere is relaxed and the food is quite basic, making it a great spot for a quick lunch or a refreshing drink.
If you are on a budget or in a hurry, there are plenty of snack bars along the northern bank where you can grab something to eat and enjoy it on a bench or while walking. Alternatively, you can bring your own food.
Book a Boat Ride
At Schlössli Wörth, you can book a boat ride to get up close to the Rhine Falls. We recommend the Yellow Line, which takes you to the rock in the middle of the waterfall called Rheinfallfelsen. The cost for the Yellow Line boat tour is CHF 20 for adults and CHF 10 for children from 6 years old (free for children younger than 6). This ride offers a thrilling experience and a unique perspective of the falls from the central rock formation. Be prepared to get wet!
Tip: Book your boat tour here in advance to avoid waiting hours!
Afternoon Exploration: Nature Trails and Scenic Walks
Post-lunch, take a leisurely walk along the well-marked trails surrounding the Rhine Falls on the northern bank. This area is free of charge and accessible year-round.
Essential Information for Your Visit
- Location: Rhine Falls, Switzerland. Start with the southern bank at Schloss Laufen.
- Getting There: Easily accessible by train or car from all major Swiss cities like Zurich.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer are ideal for experiencing the falls at their fullest flow.
- Opening Hours: The platforms on the southern bank and the entire northern bank are open year-round, 24 hours a day. Boat tours, restaurants, and castles have their own opening hours.
- Entrance Fee: The southern bank is CHF 5 (ca. USD 5.50) for adults, CHF 3 (approximately USD 3.30) for children. The northern bank is free of charge.
- Boat Tour Fees: The Yellow Line is CHF 20 (approximately USD 22) for adults (from 16 years of age), CHF 10 (approximately USD 11) for children from 6 years old, and free for children younger than 6. Other boat tours range from CHF 5 to CHF 20 per person.
- Nighttime Illumination: If you have the chance to stay for sunset, the falls are illuminated after the sun sets (except on nights of the full moon and the following night). For detailed lighting hours, click here.
- Clothing: Wear comfortable shoes suited for plenty of walking and bring a waterproof jacket if you want to go on a boat tour.
- What to Bring: Sunscreen, drinks and snacks.
- Book in Advance: If you want to go on a boat tour, book your ticket early to avoid waiting hours.
- Drones: It is allowed to fly small drones over the Rhine Falls for filming. This provides a unique opportunity to capture breathtaking aerial footage of this natural wonder. Just make sure to respect other people and the environment when filming.
If You Are in a Hurry
If you don’t have a lot of time but still want to enjoy Europe’s biggest waterfall, we recommend visiting the southern bank only and skipping the northern bank as well as the boat ride. Go to Schloss Laufen and its Belvedere platform first and then decide how much longer you want to stay. You can get a great view and experience within about 45 to 60 minutes if you need to be quick.
Conclusion
A day at the Rhine Falls is more than just a quick sightseeing stop; it’s a fun and exciting adventure in one of Switzerland’s most impressive natural spots. From the powerful roar of the falls at the Belvedere platform to the thrill of a boat ride up close, there’s so much to see and do. Enjoy the view from the platforms at Schloss Laufen, or take a scenic walk along the northern bank’s trails. The views are stunning from both sides of the falls, and taking a boat ride adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your visit. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, Rhine Falls is a must-see that you’ll remember long after you’ve left. So, get ready to have a great time and experience the best of Swiss nature at its finest!