Laufen Castle at the Rhine Falls

Highlights Eastern Switzerland

The grand Laufen Castle stands tall overlooking the Rhine Falls providing a sight of the powerful river and the roaring waterfall. The region surrounding the Rhine Falls is enveloped by a scenery of woods, fields and vineyards.

View of the Rhine Falls from Känzeli

View of the Rhine Falls from Känzeli

From this point a path leads to Känzeli, a spot that offers visitors a up view of the Rhine Falls. Below the castle there is a Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) station where the S12 and S33 trains operate between Winterthur and Schaffhausen. To return to the castle you have the option of taking the elevator or enjoying a stroll.

It’s not, about marveling at the backdrop of the Rhine Falls; delving into the castle itself and discovering more about its thousand year history in the “Historama” is also worthwhile. The castle, first mentioned in a document dating back to 858 was initially strategically important as a defense point, along the Rhine. Throughout centuries it has been. Reconstructed times while preserving its original charm.

Laufen Castle

Laufen Castle

During the century Schloss Laufen was acquired by the city of Zurich. The residents of Zurich expanded the estate. Used it as a hub, for managing their affairs in the area.

Throughout the Middle Ages Laufen Castle found itself entangled in conflicts, including disagreements, between Zurich and Schaffhausen cities and noble families. It played a role in the political tensions of that era.

By the century Rhine Falls started gaining popularity as a tourist spot. Schloss Laufen became a starting point for travelers to witness the waterfall. A railway line was constructed to make it easier for people to reach Rhine Falls.

Rhine Falls video 🇨🇭 right on the water from the Rhine Falls

Laufen Castle Restaurant

Laufen Castle Restaurant

The Rhine Falls stands as the waterfall, in Europe stretching 150 meters wide and reaching a height of 23 meters. On a day an impressive 22,200 cubic meters of water cascade over the rocks every minute at the Rhine Falls. This flow varies significantly throughout the year; during summer it typically hovers around 600 m³/s while in winter it decreases to 250 m³/s. The highest recorded discharge occurred in 1965 at a rate of 1,250 m³/s whereas the lowest was documented at a 95 m³/s in 1921.

Visitors have the opportunity to approach within up to 50 meters of the waterfall on tour boats. Nestled amidst the cascading waters is a rock that has withstood natures forces for millennia. Accessible, via these boats is this enduring rock.

Ascending this rock entails navigating an steep staircase boasting over 100 steps leading to its summit. Witnessing this awe inspiring spectacle close is made possible from the vantage point of a lofty viewing platform standing at a height of approximately 30 meters.

Rhine Falls 🇨🇭 directly on the water of the Rhine Falls

You can see the waterfall from spots, on both sides of the Rhine with some places giving you a view over the river. There’s a platform where you can stand above the waterfall for an amazing perspective.

In Neuhausen near the Rhine Falls basin there’s the Schlösschen Wörth restaurant. Next to the Rhine Falls, in Laufen you’ll find Schloss Laufen, which also has a restaurant.

Rheinfall 🇨🇭 direkt am Wasser vom Rheinfall

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Video STREET VIEW: Laufen Castle at the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen in SWITZERLAND

Castle Laufen in Switzerland is a must see location for all tourists who want to have the best view on the Rhine Falls.

STREET VIEW: Das Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall bei Schaffhausen in SWITZERLAND

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