How to Visit the Rhine Falls in Switzerland, Europe's Largest Waterfall

We spent a long August weekend exploring some of southwestern Germany, plus detours to a few other countries along the way.

Our main goal was to visit Büsingen am Hochrhein, a German exclave surrounded entirely by Switzerland, near Schaffhausen. In my mission to visit every single country (and territory) in the world, my adventures sometimes see me traveling to some rather unique destinations that are often unlikely to be on most people's radars. Büsingen am Hochrhein is one of two German autonomous regions (the other being Helgoland).

→ Check out my guide to visiting Büsingen am Hochrhein!

Along the way, we stopped to see the Bodensee, Europe's third largest lake and to take in the views from my favourite viewpoint at the Schloss Vaduz in Liechtenstein.

After Büsingen am Hochrhein, we realized how close we were to Europe's largest waterfall and simply could not miss that. Here is my guide to visiting the Rhine Falls in Switzerland:

How to Get to the Rhine Falls

The Rhine Falls are in northwestern Switzerland, close to Schaffhausen and just north of Zurich.

By flight: The closest airport to the Rhine Falls is in Zurich, about half an hour away by car.

→ If you don't have your own car, you can rent one in Zurich.

You can also travel by public transport to the Rhine Falls. From Zurich Airport, take the S24 tram to Neuhausen, from where it's a 15-minute walk to the falls.

By car: The best way to reach the Rhine Falls is of course with your own wheels. There is paid parking at the falls.

How to Visit the Rhine Falls

The Rhine Falls are the largest in all of Europe by volume! The falls toss 600 cubic metres of water per second over the Rhine River. These are incredibly powerful falls and not to be missed. Stretching 150 metres wide and about 23 metres tall, you can spot them from a number of different view points.

You have to pay for parking at the falls, but checking out the different viewpoints themselves for the Rhine Falls is free. The most popular viewpoint is a short walk down from the car park, but we actually both agreed that our favourite viewpoint was from higher up near the train station, giving a panoramic view over the entire falls and the Rhine River. From below, you can't quite grasp the size and height of the falls.

There are a few things at Rhine Falls with a ticket price, if you want to add on to your experience:

Schloss Laufen

There is a small fee to visit the castle at Rhine Falls which includes access to the Historama, Belvedere Trail walk, viewing platforms and a ride in a panoramic glass lift. There is also a restaurant on site.

→ Book tickets for Schloss Laufen.

Boat ride up to the falls with Rhyfall Mändli

You can book a boat tour to get up close and personal with the falls. There are a number of different tours available, some including access the climb the rock in the middle of the falls. Boat tours are only available in the summer months so check before you book!

→ Book at boat tour on the Rhine Falls.

GET READY TO TRAVEL!

— Book tours and experiences - with GetYourGuide

— Get all the gear you need for your trip - with Amazon (North America)

— Get all the gear you need for your trip - with Amazon (Europe)

— Find a place to stay - with Booking.com

— Choose a hostel to stay at - with Hostelworld

— Purchase global travel insurance - with World Nomads

— Load an international eSim on your phone - with AirAlo

— Start your own travel blog - with Hostinger

— Join the GetYourGuide Travel Creator Community - with GetYourGuide

This post includes affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and buy something I have recommended. It won't cost you any extra money, but helps keep this blog going!

Jana Meerman

Hi! I’m Jana, a Dutch-German-British-Canadian with a dream of seeing every country in the world. I am a storyteller, photographer and adventurer passionate about documenting and sharing my travels.

Find me on: Instagram | Facebook