Pure adventure at the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen: High above the largest waterfall in Europe, feel the roar of the rushing water masses all over your body. You can visit and experience castles, the Rhine Falls basin and even the mighty rock in the middle of the waterfall on special boats.
Rhine Falls – Europe’s largest waterfall
Rhinfalls in Schaffhausen
The Rhine Falls is the largest waterfall in Europe – 150 meters wide and 23 meters high. When the Rhine has an average flow rate, 370 cubic meters of water per second plunge over the rocks in the Rhine Falls. The volume varies greatly: average summer discharge approx. 600 m³/s, average winter discharge approx. 250 m³/s. The highest discharge was measured in 1965 at 1,250 m³/s, the lowest in 1921 at 95 m³/s.
The waterfall can be observed and photographed from several vantage points on both sides of the Rhine. Some of the viewpoints even project over the Rhine. On one platform, you can even stand above the waterfall and get unique perspectives. Wörth Castle is located on the Rhine Falls basin in Neuhausen. From here, excursion boats can take you as close as 50 meters to the waterfall.
Rhine Falls and Castle Laufen
In the middle of the waterfall is a mighty rock that has defied the elements for thousands of years. The rock can be reached by excursion boat. The rock can be climbed via a narrow and steep staircase with over 100 steps. On the 30-metre-high viewing platform, you can experience the natural spectacle up close. On the way back, you will be treated to another unforgettable photo opportunity that you should not miss.
On the way from Lake Constance to Basel, the High Rhine is repeatedly confronted by resistant rocks. They narrow the river bed and create rapids. The Rhine Falls is the most challenging obstacle and at the same time one of the most beautiful natural experiences in Europe.
Did you know that only eels can swim up the Rhine Falls?
Various species of fish can be found in the Rhine around the Rhine Falls, including: Grayling, barbel, pike, carp, zander, trout, eel, perch and catfish. The Rhine Falls cannot be crossed by fish upstream, except for the eel. The latter meanders sideways, outside the riverbed on land, up over the rocks.
Rheinfall mit Rundfahrt
Geologically speaking, the Rhine Falls are around 15,000 years old. It was formed at the end of the last ice age when the ice masses melted. The Rhine carved its way through the rock to take its present course. However, the Rhine Falls themselves were only formed later through erosion and weathering of the rock.
The Rhine Falls offer an impressive natural spectacle and are located around four kilometers to the west below the town of Schaffhausen. It is an important tourist attraction in Switzerland and can be visited all year round. The Rhine Falls and the Munot Fortress are the well-known landmarks of the town of Schaffhausen.
Experience the Rhine Falls up close with round trips
Experience the fascinating splendor of this natural wonder up close by taking part in a Rhine Falls cruise. On board the boat, accompanied by experienced captains, you will get close to the impressive water masses of the Rhine Falls in safety. During the trip, you will gain insights into the Rhine Falls area and feel the impressive power of the water in harmony with the picturesque surroundings.
This captivating Rhine Falls tour allows you to experience one of Europe’s most famous natural sights from its most beautiful side. Change your perspective and capture the best moments of this relaxing water adventure with perfect photos.
Laufen Castle at the Rhine Falls
During the Rhine Falls round trips, you can choose between different options: the Small Round Trip (15 minutes), the Grand Round Trip with audio guide (30 minutes) and the absolute highlight, the Rock Trip. The rock tour offers a unique perspective of the Rhine Falls.
A boat takes you directly to the heart of the waterfall, the imposing central rock. During a 20-minute stop there, you have the opportunity to climb the more than 100 steps to the 30-metre-high viewing platform.
Laufen Castle at the Rhine Falls
Laufen Castle, dating from the 11th century, is situated on a rock above the Rhine Falls and offers a wonderful view of the waterfalls. There is also a restaurant, a museum and a viewing platform. The new adventure trail with an elevator system provides obstacle-free access to the natural spectacle. The Rhine Falls are surrounded by picturesque countryside, forests, pastures and vineyards.
Tomasee in the Gotthard massif
Tomasee – cradle of the Rhine
The Rhine rises at the small Lake Toma in the Gotthard massif, flows through several European countries and finally flows into the North Sea.
The origins of the mighty Rhine, Lake Toma, are located in the middle of a protected area at an altitude of 2,345 meters.
From the Oberalp Pass, a picturesque one-and-a-half-hour hike leads to Lake Toma, which extends below the Piz Badus. This idyllic area is adorned with alpine roses, daisies, meadow foamwort and gentian. Only here can the river, which flows through four countries, still be crossed in a single step.
Rhine Falls circular trail hike
Schlössli Wörth at the Rhine Falls
The two Rhine Falls circular trails around the Rhine Falls basin are leisurely walks along the banks of the Rhine and are therefore perfect for combining these circular tours with a visit to the Rhine Falls and the many attractions around it. The short circular walk takes one hour and the long walk takes just under two hours.
The short Rhine Falls circular trail offers a leisurely, one-hour walk along the banks of the Rhine. Passing Laufen Castle and crossing the large railroad bridge to the mill wheel house, the trail descends via steps to the Rhine Falls basin. From there, the idyllic path continues along the beautiful riverside promenade, past the Park am Rheinfall and Schlössli Wörth restaurants.
It then continues along the edge of the forest to the Nohlbrücke bridge and from there back to the starting point.
The small Rhine Falls circular route shortens the loop and you can cross the railroad bridge at Schloss Laufen directly.
Video Rhine Falls
Be inspired by the roar of Europe’s largest waterfall…
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Video Rhine Falls – Europe’s largest waterfall
The Rhine Falls is the largest waterfall in Europe. It is 150 meters wide and 23 meters high. At the average water level of the Rhine, 22,200 cubic meters of water per minute plunge over the rocks in the Rhine Falls. This volume is subject to considerable fluctuations: While the average discharge in summer is around 600 m³/s, it is around 250 m³/s in winter. The highest documented discharge rate was recorded in 1965 at 1,250 m³/s, while the lowest was 95 m³/s in 1921.
It is possible to get up to 50 meters close to the waterfall with excursion boats. In the middle of the waterfall is an imposing rock that has defied the forces of nature for thousands of years. This rock can be reached with the help of the excursion boats. To climb the rock, a narrow and steep staircase with more than 100 steps leads to the top. From the 30-metre-high viewing platform, you can experience the impressive natural spectacle up close.
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Video Rhine Falls 🇨🇭 directly on the water of the Rhine Falls
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