Rhine Falls or Rheinfall is Europe's largest and said to be the most powerful waterfall. Located in the northern part of Switzerland in the canton of Schaffhausen, in a town called Neuhausen am Rheinfall.
Schaffhausen borders Germany and is home to 35 sites listed under `Swiss heritage sites of national significance´ but Rhine Falls tops the attraction among the visitors.
Rhine Falls is 23 meters high and 150 meters wide. Formed during Ice Age, this falls is fed by Rhine river. There are 2 big rocks in the centre (next to the falls) and one can climb to the top of the rock - Rheinfallfelsen which is the observation deck for panoramic views of the falls and the serene beauty of the surrounding town, Neuhausen. There are several observation decks at various levels to experience the majestic falls up and close.
You can explore the place by foot or take boat ride close to the falls. I didn't take the ride as there was a long queue. But instead, strolled around starting from castle Wörth.
Wörth castle or Schlössli Wörth - This 13th century historic monument is also known as `The floating island fortress´ since it is washed off from Rhine river and is now turned into a restaurant serving food with stunning views.
There's a boat terminal by the castle and one can buy tickets for the boat ride as well - there are 3 lines or routes available:
Red line - a 3 min short ride costing CHF 5.00 takes you from Wörth castle to the lower deck of Laufen castle
Blue line - a 25 min ride costing CHF 7.00 takes you from the castle to around the falls plus the red line
Yellow line - this line takes you close to the rock where you can climb the steepy narrow stairs to the top of the rock and enjoy the incredible views of the falls.
As you walk further, there's a bridge - Rheinbrücke bei Laufen, that connects to the Laufen castle. The pathway to the bridge is an easy hike and provides different outlook to the falls at various stages.
There's also a railway line next to the foot bridge connecting to Laufen castle.
Laufen castle or Schloss Laufen - overlooking Wörth castle on the opposite side of the riverbed, this castle is a 'Swiss heritage sites of national significance'. This place is now turned into a restaurant and a youth hostel. It has a glass lift/ elevator to the below viewing platforms but hiking down is way more fun. One has to be mindful about the slippery stairs/floor though. Gallons and gallons of water gushing down with an immense force will let you feel the power of water and is an experience to soak in.
There are 4 to 5 viewing platforms across and here is where you actually get to experience this natural yet powerful element in all its glory! Watch the video here!
You can either exit the same route via the bridge or here at Laufen castle.
There are several restaurants around for the hungry tummy, you can even indulge in the Swiss traditional dishes at one of these castles i.e., Laufen or Wörth castle.
There's a souvenir shop, kiosk, fast food point near Wörth castle. I also remember there was a chai (tea) stall by an Indian (near Laufen castle) and it felt awesome to chit-chat with someone belonging to your own country in a foreign land. You also see a lot of Germans visiting this place during weekends as it borders Germany.
How to get there:
Switzerland is known for its well-connected public transportation. You can take train from Zurich to Neuhausen am Rheinfall which is an hour ride. You can check for the availability and book tickets accordingly at SBB Railways. The german trains - Deutsche Bahn also provides train service to Schaffhausen. Plenty of parking spaces are available if you plan to visit on your own vehicle.
Things to do:
Apart from checking out waterfalls, castles, bridge, river, you can also visit old town of Schaffhausen, Munot fortress (make sure to check the view from top of the fortress of the old town and Rhein river), savor swiss dishes, capture moments and make memories :)
So if you are planning to visit Switzerland, make sure to add this place to your itinerary and enjoy this powerful yet the coolest waterfall experience up and close!
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Photos by Annet P S
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