Are you looking for a unique and memorable destination in Switzerland? Do you want to explore a town that combines medieval charm, natural beauty, and cultural heritage? If yes, then you should visit Schaffhausen, a historic and charming town in the north of Switzerland, near the border with Germany. Schaffhausen is famous for its stunning old town, its impressive fortress, and its proximity to the spectacular Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe.
In this article, we will show you the best things to do and see in Schaffhausen, where to stay and eat, how to get there and around, and more. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast, you will find something to enjoy in Schaffhausen. So, let’s get started!
Things to Do and See in Schaffhausen
Schaffhausen has a lot to offer to its visitors, from historical monuments and museums to scenic views and outdoor activities. Here are some of the top attractions and experiences that you should not miss in Schaffhausen:
Rhine Falls
The Rhine Falls is the main attraction of Schaffhausen, and for a good reason. It is the largest waterfall in Europe, with a width of 150 meters and a height of 23 meters. The sight and sound of the water crashing down is breathtaking, especially during the summer months, when the flow is at its peak. You can admire the Rhine Falls from various observation platforms, or get closer to the action by taking a boat tour that will take you to the rocks in the middle of the waterfall, where you can feel the spray and the power of the water. You can also hike along the banks of the river, or visit the castles and museums nearby, such as Schloss Laufen, Schloss Wörth, or the Swiss Museum of Games.
Tips and practical information:
The Rhine Falls is open all year round, 24 hours a day. The best time to visit is between June and August, when the water volume is the highest.
The admission to the Rhine Falls is free, but you have to pay for the boat tours, the parking, and the entrance to the castles and museums. The prices vary depending on the season and the type of tour. You can check the official website for more details.
The Rhine Falls is easily accessible by public transport or by car. You can take a train or a bus from Schaffhausen to Neuhausen am Rheinfall, where the waterfall is located, or drive for about 15 minutes. There are several parking lots near the waterfall, but they can get crowded during the peak season.
Munot
Munot is a 16th-century circular fortress that dominates the skyline of Schaffhausen. It was built as a part of the town’s defense system, and it played an important role in the history and culture of Schaffhausen. Today, Munot is a symbol of the town, and a popular attraction for visitors and locals alike. You can climb up to the top of the fortress, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the town, the river, and the surrounding countryside. You can also explore the interior of the fortress, where you can see the old cannons, the dungeons, and the wine cellar. Munot is also a venue for various events and festivals, such as concerts, markets, and fireworks.
Tips and practical information:
Munot is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (7:00 pm in summer). The admission is free, but donations are welcome.
You can reach Munot by foot from the old town, or by bus from the train station. The walk takes about 15 minutes, and it is steep and narrow, so wear comfortable shoes and be careful.
Munot is home to a colony of wild muntjac deer, which are fed every evening at 9:00 pm by a Munot guard. You can watch this tradition from the outside of the fortress, or join the guard inside if you book in advance.
Haus zum Ritter
Haus zum Ritter is a 15th-century Gothic house that is one of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in Schaffhausen. It is located in the heart of the old town, on the Fronwagplatz, a picturesque square surrounded by other historic houses and fountains. Haus zum Ritter is notable for its richly decorated façade, which features sculptures, paintings, and coats of arms. The house was originally owned by a wealthy merchant family, and it later served as a town hall, a court, and a prison. Today, Haus zum Ritter is a hotel and a restaurant, where you can stay or dine in a historic and elegant setting.
Tips and practical information:
Haus zum Ritter is open daily from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm. The hotel has 18 rooms, and the restaurant serves traditional Swiss and international cuisine.
You can book a room or a table online, by phone, or by email. The prices vary depending on the season and the type of room or menu. You can check the official website for more details.
Haus zum Ritter is easily accessible by foot from the train station or the bus station, or by car. There are several parking lots nearby, but they can be expensive and limited.
Museum zu Allerheiligen
Museum zu Allerheiligen is a museum complex that includes a former Benedictine monastery, a church, a cloister, and a garden. It is one of the largest and most diverse museums in Switzerland, with collections and exhibitions that cover art, history, archaeology, and natural history. You can see paintings, sculptures, ceramics, coins, weapons, fossils, minerals, and more, from different periods and regions. You can also learn about the history and culture of Schaffhausen and its surroundings, from the prehistoric times to the present day. Museum zu Allerheiligen is not only a place of learning, but also a place of beauty and tranquility, where you can admire the architecture and the art of the monastery, the church, and the cloister, or relax in the garden.
Tips and practical information:
Museum zu Allerheiligen is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm (6:00 pm in summer). The admission is 12 CHF for adults, 8 CHF for students and seniors, and free for children under 16. There are also discounts for groups and families, and free entry on the first Sunday of every month.
You can reach Museum zu Allerheiligen by foot from the old town, or by bus from the train station. The museum is located on the Klostergasse, a quiet street near the river.
Museum zu Allerheiligen offers guided tours, workshops, and events for visitors of all ages and interests. You can check the official website for more details.
IWC Museum
IWC Museum is a museum dedicated to the International Watch Company, a renowned Swiss watch manufacturer based in Schaffhausen. The company was founded in 1868 by an American engineer, and it is known for its high-quality and innovative watches, such as the Pilot’s Watch, the Portugieser, the Da Vinci, and the Aquatimer. The museum showcases the history and achievements of the IWC, and the displays and interactive features of the museum allow you to discover the craftsmanship, the technology, and the design of the watches. You can also see some of the rarest and most valuable watches in the world, such as the Pallweber, the Il Destriero Scafusia, and the Grande Complication.
Tips and practical information:
IWC Museum is open from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and on Saturday, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. The admission is free, but you have to book in advance online, by phone, or by email.
You can reach IWC Museum by foot from the old town, or by bus from the train station. The museum is located on the Baumgartenstrasse, in the same building as the IWC headquarters and factory.
IWC Museum also offers guided tours, workshops, and events for visitors who want to learn more about the IWC and the world of watchmaking. You can check the official website for more details.
Where to Stay and Eat in Schaffhausen
Schaffhausen has a variety of accommodation and dining options for every budget, location, and preference. Here are some of our recommendations for the best places to stay and eat in Schaffhausen:
Hotel Kronenhof
Hotel Kronenhof is a four-star hotel that offers comfort, elegance, and convenience in the center of Schaffhausen. The hotel has 40 rooms, each with a unique style and character, and equipped with modern amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, minibar, and air conditioning. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a terrace, a sauna, and a fitness center. The hotel is located on the Kirchhofplatz, a charming square near the Munot and the old town.
Features and benefits:
Ideal location for exploring Schaffhausen and its attractions
Spacious and cozy rooms with a view of the Munot or the old town
Friendly and helpful staff and service
Delicious and varied breakfast buffet included in the price
Free parking and public transport ticket for guests
Hotel Sorell Rüden
Hotel Sorell Rüden is a three-star hotel that offers charm, history, and comfort in the heart of Schaffhausen. The hotel is housed in a 15th-century building that was once a guild house, and it has preserved its original features, such as the wooden beams, the stone walls, and the stained glass windows. The hotel has 30 rooms, each with a cozy and elegant atmosphere, and equipped with modern amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, minibar, and air conditioning. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, and a meeting room. The hotel is located on the Oberstadt, a lively street near the Munot and the old town.
Features and benefits:
Ideal location for exploring Schaffhausen and its attractions
Cozy and elegant rooms with a historic touch
Friendly and helpful staff and service
Delicious and varied breakfast buffet included in the price
Free parking and public transport ticket for guests
Links and contact details:
Hotel Zak
Hotel Zak is a budget hotel that offers simplicity, convenience, and value in the center of Schaffhausen. The hotel has 20 rooms, each with a basic and functional style, and equipped with essential amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, and shared bathroom. The hotel also has a shared kitchen, a laundry room, and a vending machine. The hotel is located on the Webergasse, a quiet street near the train station and the bus station.
Features and benefits:
Ideal location for accessing Schaffhausen and its surroundings
Simple and functional rooms with a low price
Friendly and helpful staff and service
Free Wi-Fi and public transport ticket for guests
Restaurant Mühle
Restaurant Mühle is a fine dining restaurant that offers exquisite cuisine, attentive service, and romantic ambiance in Schaffhausen. The restaurant is located in a former mill, and it has a cozy and elegant interior, with a fireplace, a wine cellar, and a terrace. The restaurant serves seasonal and regional dishes, prepared with fresh and local ingredients, and paired with selected wines. The restaurant also offers vegetarian and vegan options, as well as special menus for occasions and events.
Features and benefits:
Ideal place for a special and memorable dining experience
Exquisite and creative cuisine with a seasonal and regional touch
Attentive and professional service and staff
Cozy and elegant interior with a fireplace, a wine cellar, and a terrace
Restaurant Falken
Restaurant Falken is a traditional and casual restaurant that offers hearty cuisine, friendly service, and lively atmosphere in Schaffhausen. The restaurant is located in a historic building, and it has a rustic and cozy interior, with wooden furniture, colorful decorations, and a beer garden. The restaurant serves classic Swiss and German dishes, such as fondue, raclette, schnitzel, sausages, and salads, as well as local specialties, such as Schaffhauser Blauburgunder, a red wine from the region. The restaurant also offers live music, karaoke, and quiz nights.
Features and benefits:
Ideal place for a fun and relaxed dining experience
Hearty and tasty cuisine with a Swiss and German touch
Friendly and cheerful service and staff
Rustic and cozy interior with a beer garden
How to Get to and Around Schaffhausen
Schaffhausen is well connected to the rest of Switzerland and Europe by various modes of transportation, such as train, bus, car, and plane. Here are some information on how to get to and around Schaffhausen:
By train
Schaffhausen has a main train station, located near the old town and the bus station. The train station is served by several national and international trains, such as the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), the German Railways (DB), and the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). You can reach Schaffhausen from different destinations, such as Zurich, Basel, Geneva, Bern, Lucerne, Munich, Stuttgart, and Vienna. The journey time and the ticket price vary depending on the destination and the type of train. You can check the official websites of the train companies for more details.
By bus
Schaffhausen has a main bus station, located near the train station and the old town. The bus station is served by several local and regional buses, such as the Verkehrsbetriebe Schaffhausen (VBSH), the PostBus, and the FlixBus. You can reach Schaffhausen from different destinations, such as Winterthur, Konstanz, Singen, and Zurich Airport. The journey time and the ticket price vary depending on the destination and the type of bus. You can check the official websites of the bus companies for more details.
By car
Schaffhausen is easily accessible by car, as it is located near the A4 motorway, which connects Zurich and Germany. You can reach Schaffhausen from different destinations, such as Zurich, Basel, Geneva, Bern, Lucerne, Munich, Stuttgart, and Vienna. The journey time and the fuel cost vary depending on the destination and the traffic. You can use a route planner, such as Google Maps or ViaMichelin, for more details.
By plane
Schaffhausen does not have its own airport, but it is close to several international airports, such as Zurich Airport, Basel Airport, and Stuttgart Airport. You can reach Schaffhausen from these airports by train, bus, or car, as mentioned above. The journey time and the ticket price vary depending on the airport and the mode of transportation. You can check the official websites of the airports and the transport companies for more details.
Getting around Schaffhausen
Schaffhausen is a small and compact town, and you can easily get around by foot, bike, or public transport. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of each mode:
Foot:
Walking is the best way to explore the old town and its attractions, as you can enjoy the atmosphere, the architecture, and the details. However, walking can be tiring and time-consuming, especially if you want to visit the Rhine Falls or other places outside the town center.
Bike:
Biking is a great way to enjoy the nature and the scenery around Schaffhausen, as you can follow the bike paths along the river, the vineyards, and the countryside. However, biking can be challenging and dangerous, especially if you are not used to the traffic, the hills, and the weather.
Public transport:
Public transport is a convenient and affordable way to reach the main attractions and destinations in and around Schaffhausen, as you can use the buses, the trains, and the boats. However, public transport can be crowded and limited, especially during the peak season, the weekends, and the holidays.
Schaffhausen is a historic and charming town in Switzerland, that offers a lot to its visitors, from historical monuments and museums to scenic views and outdoor activities. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast, you will find something to enjoy in Schaffhausen. We hope that this article has given you some useful information and inspiration for your trip to Schaffhausen, and that you will have a wonderful time there.
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to share them with us in the comments section below or on our social media channels. Thank you for reading, and happy travels!