A short walk from Dachsen station past Schloss Laufen to the viewing terraces at the Rhine Falls, the largest plain waterfall in Europe by volume, a half-day trip from Zürich.
The Rhine Falls lie on the border between the cantons of Zürich and Schaffhausen, about 45 kilometres north of the city. A short walk from Dachsen station, reached by regional train from Zürich Hauptbahnhof toward Schaffhausen, leads through woodland and fields to Schloss Laufen, whose terraces overlook the falls from the Zürich side. A path with stairs descends to a platform close to the spray, and the walk can be continued across the river on the railway bridge or along the Neuhausen side, where more viewing platforms and a boat service operate. The path is about 4 km, mostly paved or gravel, with some steps. At peak water in early summer the volume and noise are greatest.
| Distance | about 4 km from Dachsen station |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | Regional train from Zürich HB toward Schaffhausen to Dachsen (about 40-50 min); alternative to Neuhausen Rheinfall station on the Schaffhausen side |
| Best season | Year-round; late spring and early summer for the highest water volume |
| Address | Bahnhof Dachsen, 8447 Dachsen |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Rheinfall, Laufen-Uhwiesen (canton Zürich) and Neuhausen (canton Schaffhausen)
What to bring
- Sturdy walking shoes or trail runners
- Water (at least 1 litre)
- Light rain layer
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- ZVV day pass or SwissPass, or the ZVV app, for the public transport legs
Location
Bahnhof Dachsen, 8447 Dachsen
47.6517, 8.6163 View on map
Highlights
- Rhine Falls, the largest plain waterfall in Europe
- Viewing terraces at Schloss Laufen on the Zürich bank
- Boat trips to the central rock from the Neuhausen side
- Easy 50-minute train ride from Zürich HB
- Walk can continue across the river to Neuhausen
Tips for visiting
- Take the regional train toward Schaffhausen to Dachsen, which is the closest station on the Zürich side.
- Wear non-slip shoes near the viewing platforms because the spray makes steps wet.
- Check Schloss Laufen opening hours and any viewing-platform fee before going.
When to visit
Year-round; late spring and early summer for the highest water volume
Accessibility
Upper terraces are reachable with a short walk, but the descent to the lower platforms involves many steps; the paths are not fully wheelchair accessible.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How far is the Rhine Falls from Zürich?
About 45 km; the journey by train takes roughly 50 minutes.
Which station is closest?
Dachsen station is closest to Schloss Laufen on the Zürich bank; Neuhausen Rheinfall serves the Schaffhausen side.