Explore Rhine Falls | Europe's Largest Waterfall Guide

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References: https://www.traveltyrol.com/rhine-falls-guide/ https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/a-guide-to-visiting-the-rhine-falls-switzerland/ https://switzerland-tour.com/destinations/the-rhine-falls

One of Europe’s most magnificent natural attractions is the Rhine Falls, the biggest plain waterfall on the continent. Known as a beautiful natural spectacle, Rheinfall is found in northern Switzerland near Neuhausen am Rheinfall Village. Because of its impressive size and idyllic location, the Rhine Falls are also one of the most popular destinations in Switzerland. The falls get around one million visitors annually.

If you plan to visit Rhine Falls on your next trip to Europe, you’ll want to use the guide below to help plan your excursion. Below, you’ll find tips, advice, and more on this Switzerland attraction.

Why is the Rhine Falls so popular?

As mentioned, the falls are quite large. In fact, the Rhine Falls are about 150 meters wide and 23 meters tall. During the summer, around 600 cubic meters of water charge over the falls, creating a stunning display for visitors. On top of the views the falls offer and their sheer size, they also provide visitors with a rich history. This waterfall was created around 15,000 years ago, during the last ice age.

Getting to the Rhine Falls

These beautiful falls are located on the Rhine River (also known as the High Rhine). There are multiple ways to reach the Rhine Falls, making it an easily accessible attraction. You can take a car or train to the falls, with the easiest method being by car. If you travel by train from any of the Rhine Falls Hotels in Zurich, you’ll need to arrive and depart from the Rhine Falls Train Station at the Laufen Castle (also known as Schloss Laufen). Those driving will find a car park available at the Laufen Castle (southern bank) and Schlössli Wörth (northern bank) of the falls. There is a small fee for parking on the northern side of the falls, though parking at Laufen Castle is free.

How to Experience the Switzerland Rhine Falls

Just like there are multiple ways to get to the falls, there are multiple ways to enjoy the Rhine Falls. Below are a few methods you can use to enjoy this natural attraction.

Hiking Options Around the Falls

A few hiking routes are available for visitors, each varying in views and lengths. The shortest route (3.4 km) will take you around the basin of the falls. There is also a 5.5 km hike, which allows you to travel from Rhine Falls to Schaffhausen, a charming town on the river. Those who want to spend about an hour hiking can take the Circular Trail, a 7.2km route beginning at Dachson (another nearby town).

Rhine Falls Boat Ride

One of the best and most popular ways to see the falls is via boat trips. Four boat ride options are available, ranging from a short ride from bank to bank to up-close experiences with the falls. Each boat trip has different pricing, though they all leave from the northern bank. The ferry is an exception, as it runs from bank to bank. Remember, boat trips are not available in winter, so visit during the other months for this experience.

Additional Viewing Options

If neither a boat ride nor hiking appeals to you (or you want additional ways to explore the area), you’re in luck! There are activities for all types of visitors, from adventurous to active. Biking trails run along the Rhine Falls, with the option to take a self-guided Rhine Falls tour via bicycle. You can also take a canoe tour, which is available spring through fall each year.

The Rhyfall-Express, a small train/shuttle, is another way to view the falls briefly. This shuttle helps take you back and forth from the falls to Schaffhausen. The Adventure Park is a must-try for those interested in combining heart-pumping activities with views of Rhine Falls. Here, you can climb, cross, and explore the biggest forest rope course in the country. It’s an activity that the whole family can enjoy, as kids ages four and up are permitted at this attraction.

Those visiting during the summer months will want to head to the falls on July 31, when there is a spectacular fireworks show at the falls. This fireworks display only occurs on July 31 each year, so it’s worth the trip if you’re in Switzerland during this time.

Best Time To Visit Rhine Falls

For the most impressive Rhine Falls experience, it’s best to visit during the summer or spring. The falls have a higher water flow during these seasons, providing a more exciting visit. In particular, May through June are great months to visit, as there are fewer crowds to battle at the falls. If you don’t mind chilly weather, the falls are also exquisite in the winter, though there are no boat rides at this time.

How much time needed in Rhine Falls?

The amount of time needed to view the Rhine Falls depends on the method you select for viewing the falls. It will likely take around 2-3 hours, especially for visitors who plan on hiking around the falls. Those planning to take a boat trip near the falls can experience this attraction in a shorter time (about 30 minutes to one hour). There is no maximum time limit, even when using paid parking, so you can stay as long as you need to fully experience the falls. The falls are open 24/7 and are worth seeing at night as they are illuminated after dark.

Which side of Rhine Falls is better?

There are plenty of reasons to view each side of Rhine Falls, with the best side to visit aligning with your needs. If you plan on taking a boat ride in the Rhine Falls basin, head to the northern bank, as you’ll be catching your boat from here. You’ll also have views of the falls from this bank, though they’ll be slightly further away. The southern bank has viewing platforms that allow you to get quite close to the falls. Additionally, the castle is accessible on the southern bank of the falls.

After planning your visit to the Rhine Falls using this guide, check out our blog for more travel advice for future excursions. From guides to tips for visiting popular attractions worldwide, you’ll find helpful information to make your travels smoother.