Rhine Falls (Rheinfall) is Europe's largest plain waterfall, 23 m high and 150 m wide, with boat trips to the central rock and viewing platforms at Schloss Laufen.
The Rheinfall plunges 23 metres at Neuhausen, only about 45 minutes by train from Zürich. Viewing platforms on the Schloss Laufen side reach within metres of the water, and small boats run to the central rock. The nearby city of Schaffhausen has a well-preserved medieval centre with painted facades along Vordergasse, plus the Munot, a circular 16th-century fortress with views over the Rhine. The loop works well with either an S-Bahn to Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall and a boat ride, or a train to Schaffhausen and a bus to the falls. Many Zürich visitors combine the falls with Stein am Rhein by continuing along the Rhine from Schaffhausen.
| Distance | 45 km north of Zürich |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 50 minutes by train |
| Getting there | SBB S-Bahn / InterRegio: departs Zürich HB to Schaffhausen or Neuhausen Rheinfall, about CHF 22 (about $28) single |
| Cost | Train about CHF 22 (about $28) each way; boat trips to the rock from about CHF 9 (about $11); viewing platforms at Schloss Laufen charge a small fee |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Rheinfallquai, 8212 Neuhausen am Rheinfall |
How to get there
- Train: S-Bahn to Neuhausen Rheinfall or Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall, about 50 min, about CHF 22 (about $28)
- Train: SBB InterRegio from Zürich HB to Schaffhausen (about 45 min), then local train or bus to Neuhausen
- Car: A4 from Zürich, 40 minutes
Location
Rheinfallquai, 8212 Neuhausen am Rheinfall
47.6779, 8.6150 View on map
Highlights
- Viewing platforms at Schloss Laufen
- Boat trip to the central Rheinfallfelsen
- Schaffhausen old town and Munot fortress
- Rhine-side walk between Neuhausen and the castle
Tips for visiting
- Visit between April and October for boat service
- Leave early to avoid tour groups from 11:00
- Pack a rain jacket; spray from the falls drenches the lower platforms
- Combine with Schaffhausen's Munot fortress for the afternoon
When to visit
Late spring when water volume is highest; weekday mornings.
Accessibility
The Neuhausen side has step-free viewing areas; the Schloss Laufen platforms involve staircases. Stations have step-free access.
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Frequently asked questions
When do boats run at Rhine Falls?
Boat services to the rock operate roughly April to October, depending on water level; the viewing platforms are open year-round.
How long does it take to see the falls?
Allow two to three hours at the falls and a further two hours for Schaffhausen's old town and the Munot.