Rhine Falls & Stein am Rhein Half-Day Tour from Zurich

The Rhine Falls

The Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen is the largest waterfall in Europe by volume. The river drops about 23 metres across a width of 150 metres, and in early summer, when snowmelt from the Alps swells the Rhine, several hundred thousand litres of water thunder over the rocks every second. The falls formed around 15,000 years ago, when the river was pushed into a new bed after the last Ice Age.

In the middle of the falls stands a tall limestone rock that has resisted the current for millennia. Is the Rhine Falls worth visiting? Standing on a platform a few metres from the torrent, feeling the spray and the roar, most visitors say yes without hesitation. It is one of the most popular day trips from Zurich.

Laufen Castle and the viewing platforms

Schloss Laufen sits on a rocky spur on the south bank, directly above the falls. First mentioned in the 9th century, the castle now houses a visitor centre and is the gateway to the best viewpoints. Your Rhine Falls tickets on this tour include entry here, which opens the paths and steps leading down to the Belvedere platforms that hang just above the water.

A panoramic lift and staircases connect the castle with the lower viewpoints, so you can choose how close to get. From April to October you can also take an optional boat ride to the central rock and climb it for a thrilling view; it is paid on the spot. Bring a light rain jacket, as the spray reaches the lowest platforms.

Stein am Rhein, the painted town

Stein am Rhein sits where the Rhine leaves Lake Constance, and its old town looks almost untouched since the Middle Ages. The Rathausplatz, the town hall square, is lined with half-timbered houses whose façades are covered in colourful frescoes from the 16th century, depicting history, legends and moral tales. In 1972 the town received the first Wakker Prize for protecting its heritage.

On the guided walk you also see the former Benedictine monastery of St George, founded in the 11th century, the town gates and towers, and Hohenklingen Castle watching from the hill above. After the tour there is free time for photos along the river promenade or a coffee on the square.

Schaffhausen and the Munot

Between the waterfall and Stein am Rhein, the route passes Schaffhausen, a medieval trading town that grew wealthy because boats had to unload their cargo before the falls. Its skyline is crowned by the Munot, a round fortress built in the 16th century that still has a watchman who rings a bell every evening.

The drive continues through rolling farmland and small villages of northern Switzerland, close to the German border. Your guide shares stories about the region along the way, so even the coach journey becomes part of this Rhine Falls day trip from Zurich.