Rhine Falls (Rheinfall)

Rhine Falls is a popular excursion for visitors based in the Swiss city of Zurich. Coach and train tours often stop at additional sights, such as Laufen Castle (Schloss Laufen) and the medieval Swiss town of Schaffhausen. Some longer tours even cross the German border and enter the Black Forest region. Day tours departing from Basel, Lucerne, and Munich often combine the falls with tours of Zurich and the medieval-era town of Stein am Rhein.

Some Rhine Falls tours include boat trips along the Rhine River to the rock in the middle of the falls. Another way to experience the falls is from riverside trails and lookouts, such as the Känzeli viewing platform, which will put you close enough to hear the roar and sometimes even feel the spray.

• Be prepared to get wet, especially if you elect to take a boat ride.

• Wear sturdy shoes so you can comfortably explore the scenic riverside trails.

• The falls are accessible to wheelchair users via the Neuhausen am Rheinfall entrance on the north side. Wheelchair users can drive right down to the Rhine Falls basin, and an elevator provides access to the boat landing.

Rhine Falls is situated near Switzerland’s border with Germany. Ride the train to either Neuhausen am Rheinfall on the north side of the falls or to Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall on the south side of the falls. From Zurich, the train ride takes 45–60 minutes. It’s possible to walk between the two sides via a path on the railway bridge.

The best time to visit is during summer, when the volume of water is at its peak and the full power and ferocity of the falls can be seen during boat tours. Summer is also peak visitor season. Come on a weekday or early in the morning to escape the crowds.

If you have time to spare during your visit, wander the historical center of the town of Schaffhausen, upriver from the falls. Surrounded by vineyards, Schaffhausen is known for its pedestrianized old town, where medieval buildings with pastel paint jobs abound. Also nearby is the medieval-era Laufen Castle, which—thanks to its elevated riverside setting—offers unobstructed views of the falls.

Yes, Rhine Falls is worth visiting, especially if you love landscapes. Though it’s not Europe's tallest or grandest waterfall, it is the most powerful by volume. Beyond snapping photos, you can take a boat to the edges of the cascade, visit Laufen Castle (above the falls), climb at the adventure park, and more.

If you’re just popping by Rhine Falls, you can see the cascade in just a few minutes. But if you’re taking a boat trip, you’ll want to give yourself at least an hour, if not more. That being said, most people make a morning or afternoon of it, adding activities like a visit to Laufen Castle or riding the tourist train.

People visit Rhine Falls for several reasons, but the appeal is clear: It’s a beautiful spot combining nature, culture, and family-friendly activities. Beyond taking a boat ride up to the lip of the waterfall, you can visit Laufen Castle—high on a hill above the falls—get some thrills in the adventure park, tour the onsite art gallery, and more.

The south side of Rhine Falls is typically considered “better.” It’s closer to the falls and provides more dramatic views, plus this is where you’ll find Laufen Castle. That said, it requires an entrance fee—the north side does not. There, you’ll find a lovely public-access promenade, playgrounds, and room to wander.

The best time to visit Rhine Falls is in spring after the snow has melted (which makes the falls' voluminous cascade even more spectacular) and before summer’s crowds have peaked. In terms of daytime, golden hour is a great time to visit—as is after sunset, when the rocks of the falls are illuminated.

Yes, you can see Rhine Falls for free from various vantage points along the river. The north side of the falls (opposite the castle) is your best bet—there’s a nice, bench-lined promenade here, plus restaurants, playgrounds for the kids, and no entrance fee (unlike the south bank). Try to avoid the parking lots, as those are paid.