Europe's Largest, Most Powerful Waterfall Boasts Unmatched Beauty Year-Round In Switzerland

Switzerland's beauty is unmatched. From the awe-inspiring Swiss Alps to the gorgeous lakeside towns, visiting this stunning country will leave you wishing you could afford to live there. For those who can't and plan on only spending a bit of time here, figuring out where to go in a country with so much beauty can prove difficult. Most travel to bigger cities such as Geneva, Zurich, or Basel, and while these cities have their charms, the country's real beauty lies in its nature. What better way to spend a day in the great outdoors than by exploring Europe's largest waterfall? 

A 40-minute to an hour train ride from Zurich and near the quaint town of Schaffhausen, Rhine Falls is the perfect way for travelers to get up close and personal with nature. The best part for those who enjoy exploring the wilderness without having to get down and dirty is that no hiking is necessary to get here! At a width of 492 feet and a height of 75 feet, this massive natural wonder attracts visitors from around the globe. Standing above or below the falls, explorers can feel the spray of the water as they enjoy the thunderous roars of the falls crashing into the rocks below. Surrounded by the best Swiss Alp views, a trip to Rhine Falls is the perfect way to spend a day combining nature with Swiss culture.

Multiple transportation methods allow visitors access to the falls. For those arriving by car, there are parking lots on either side of the river. Be warned, however, that these falls see millions of visitors each year, so parking may be limited depending on when you visit. By train, visitors can access the falls via two stations: Neuhausen am Rheinfall on the falls' northern side or Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall on the southern side. Each station is within walking distance of the falls. There are a few ways to view the Rhine, however, by boat is the most exhilarating option. 

The rock tour is a 30-minute boat ride that takes visitors to a gigantic rock in the middle of the falls. Here, riders will disembark the cruise and climb the steps to the top of this natural monstrosity, which offers stunning 360 views. Another option is the Rhine Falls audio guided tour, which takes visitors on a 30-minute trip along the river while facts and stories play through their headphones. There are also shorter trips like the Rhine crossing cruise, which takes you from one side of the falls to the other, or the short round trip cruise, a 15-minute boat ride that offers views of the falls from different angles. Tickets vary in price and are available online or at the boat docks of Schloss Laufen or Schlössli Wörth. 

There are also a few viewing platforms for those who prefer to see the falls from land. They are built up on both sides of the falls and extend out above the water. The northern platform is free, but Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall platform has an entry fee. There is also a railroad bridge with a pedestrian walkway that crosses over the falls. 

Aside from visiting this stunning natural wonder, there are a few other things to do in the surrounding area. Paying a visit to the neighboring medieval town of Schaffhausen is a great way to combine a day at the falls with Swiss culture. Take some time to wander about the old town and take in the frescoes with Swiss and German architectural influences. Climb to the top of the hill where Munot castle sits awaiting visitors to enjoy breathtaking views of the town and vineyards below. Speaking of vineyards, why not try some local wines? Around 69 acres of vines grow around Schaffhausen and the neighboring town of Reiat, with pinot noir being the most popular variety. 

Pay a visit to the All Saints Monastery, a once-Benedictine monastery that houses Switzerland's largest cloister, a beautiful church, and a delightful herb garden. Additionally, the Schaffhausen region has trails that rival the best hike in Switzerland. Trails pass along the roaring Rhine and through vineyards and dense forests, making them ideal for nature lovers. No matter if you decide to spend your day here exploring the falls, hiking past greenery, or simply enjoying an underrated European city with unique wine and architecture, it will be a day well spent.