Rhine Falls

I spent four hours at the Rhine Falls, and honestly, it is an experience everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. The sheer power and beauty of the water are incredible to witness in person. Four hours was the perfect amount of time to walk around, take in the views from different angles, and just enjoy the atmosphere without rushing. The scenery is stunning, and the sound of the falls is unforgettable. If you are in Switzerland, do not miss this!

The Rhine Fall offer a truly spectacular natural experience. We have visited several times and we loved it everytime. Until now, we have always chosen the entrance via Laufen Castle, which features a panoramic trail and a viewing platform situated halfway down. A staircase leads directly to the base of the falls, and after passing through a short tunnel carved into the rock, visitors can admire the waterfall from an impressive side vantage point. Watching the immense volumes of water cascade downward is endlessly captivating — a sight that draws us back time and again. I can also recommend to enjoy the boat ride to the Fall. It‘s a great experience!

Rhine Falls is one of those places that truly deserves its reputation, and visiting it with my friends and family made it even more special. From the moment we arrived, we could hear the powerful roar of the water, and it built up our excitement before we even reached the main viewing areas. When we finally saw the falls, it was absolutely amazing—an enormous stretch of rushing water crashing down with so much force, creating mist in the air and a dramatic, unforgettable view. We spent a good amount of time walking between different viewpoints, and I really liked that each platform gives a different perspective. Some spots are perfect for wide panoramic photos, while others bring you closer so you can actually feel the spray and the energy of the waterfall. Everyone in our group enjoyed it, especially the kids, who were fascinated by the sound, the speed of the water, and the overall atmosphere. One highlight for us was simply taking our time—stopping for photos, enjoying the fresh air, and watching the boats near the falls. The area is well organized, with clear walking paths, places to sit and rest, and facilities nearby, which makes the visit comfortable even with family. Overall, it was an amazing experience and a perfect day trip. If you’re in Switzerland and want a place that feels exciting, natural, and memorable for all ages, Rhine Falls is absolutely worth visiting.

It is a beautiful waterfall. I came to it with the knowledge that it is Europe's largest and most powerful waterfall but when I saw it I was not impressed at all. Compared to the major waterfalls in other continents, it is not that large or powerful. But it is beautiful. And the walkway that leads to it is fine. There is plenty of water and it is so beautifully blue. The foamy water under the waterfall is nice to see. And there are quite a few waterbirds there such as gulls.

It's impressive with the entry ticket to get the panoramic view and to directly face the waterfall at the platform extended outwards. I visited not at the best time as there were some constructions ongoing and some roads are blocked and the weather was also grey. Maybe I should come again during summer times. There is also a small museum at the Schloss Laufen where the history of the Rhine falls were explained. It's just before one enters at ticket checkin on the right hand side. It's also worth it to take a walk outside, passing the bridge to the train station.

An absolutely breathtaking experience! Rhine Falls is a spectacular natural wonder—powerful, majestic, and beautifully accessible. The viewing platforms offer stunning perspectives. A must-visit if you're in Switzerland!

Absolutely breathtaking! The view of Rheinfall is simply amazing—powerful, majestic, and unforgettable. Whether you're standing on the viewing platform or taking a boat ride close to the falls, the experience is incredible. Nature at its finest!

Absolutely magnificent. Park on the south side, took the elevator to the 1st viewing, then took the down to the next 2 viewings - excellent (but equivalent to 35 floors). Then we came up and walked all the way to the north end viewing (fast walk including up and downs and taking pics about 45 minutes).

That "chasing waterfalls" song from TLC was in my head the entire time. Honestly, I don't think I've ever seen so many waterfalls in my lifetime. You don't even have to be in Lauterbrunnen Valley to see them all. This one is on the Rhine River as you're making your way to Germany. I totally recommend entering through Schloss Laufen on the southern bank. There are many viewing platforms that give you closer views and sounds of this powerful waterfall as you walk along the Belvedere Trail. There's even a glass lift with beautiful panoramic views that takes you down to the lower platforms. The north side will more than likely give you a bigger picture of how wide it is and the strength of it. Go to both sides if you have the time. There's also a boat option that will take you even closer without the long walk. There are so many ways to experience it. It was amazing to be so close to it. There is an open area under a limestone rock ceiling that allows you to feel the spray and hear the roaring of the water. It's a great sideways view of the flowing water. I saw the beautiful rainbow over the falls just prior to getting to that observation area. This is also where you can get a great view of the large rock (Rheinfall-Felsen) in the middle of the falls that is a remnant of the cliff that was once there. We saw people taking stairs up to the top of that rock from the boat. Another observation to note is the beautiful color of the water. The photos and videos don't really capture the beauty of it. It's so blue!! It was another memorable visit coupled with a stop at Stein am Rhein for lunch. We couldn't have asked for better weather that day. Amazing!

Stunning!!! While on a business trip in Germany, I had a weekend to kill. Literally by pulling up Google Maps on my phone, I looked for nearby places to explore over the weekend. Within a 2 hour drive from my location, I came across Rheinfall. The 2 hour drive was incredible. Driving through the Black Forest of Germany and the hills of Germany and Switzerland is absolutely breathtaking nature at it's finest. Periodically driving through small European Towns/Villages that really add incredible color to the journey. Then I arrived to Rhinefall..... The first thing you notice is the uptick in traffic. Not hateful, but it's definitely a more touristy area. While looking for parking, I did notices that there is at least one public lot that you can reserve in advance and additional lots that are a little farther away. I did choose the farthest public lot, which was the closest non-reservation public lot, and parked there. I cannot recall the pricing. It was a bit of a walk, but a pretty nature walk. There is a path that will lead you right to the river so you can walk along the river to the Rheinfall viewing areas. The waterfalls of Rheinfall are gorgeous. Now, this isn't Niagara Falls, in size, but it truly is beautiful. There are plenty of paths, stairways and bridges to get you to various parts of the falls. Please note that there are a lot of stairs if you're looking to really explore here. A lot of walking, in general, but a lot of stairs to get everywhere. All worth it because every angle and location gives you a perspective equal or more beautiful than the last. They do have 15 and 30 minute boat tours that take you to the foot of the falls. I did not choose to do this, but I did look into it and they looked quite affordable. These boat rides are constantly going back-and-forth. There are typically no less than 6 of these boats shuttling tourists to-and-from the falls to the dock. The main reason that I did not opt in for the ride, although I really wanted to, is because of the wait. The queue for the boats is hidden in a covered area. Once you purchase your tickets, you make the walk to the queue area and find yourself in a long snaking line. On the particular day that I was visiting, the temperatures were excessively hot and humid and it was not how I wanted to spend the day. There are public restrooms, cafe's with food, drinks and ice cream and places to sit while you're visiting. It's a great place to make a half-day or day excursion out of. Would I go back? I may go back some day, but I'm glad I did get to see it. Though I may not go back, I would absolutely recommend it. I would recommend not going when it's incredibly hot and humid though, because there really is no escape from the heat. But, that beautiful crystal blue cold water looks awfully tempting to jump into.

If you are anywhere near the Rhine River, you absolutely must do a boat tour to the waterfalls/Rheinfall! The boat ride from the loading platform to the falls is not a super long one, but it is full of gorgeous sites, like the impossibly blue water beneath you, the Lauren Castle that overlooks the falls, and the mist coming off the falls that makes little rainbows. Once you get up to the falls, it's awe inspiring how powerful they are. You can't even hear the person standing next to you - and you probably don't want to even talk to anyone and zone out, looking at the waterfalls. You'll get pretty damp/wet when you get close to the mist and splash of the falls so if that is a concern for you, definitely wear a hat and bring a poncho! You definitely will not regret the 20 CHF boat ride once you return from the trip, having seen some of the most beautiful falls in Europe.

Rheinfall is an impressive waterfall and is claimed to be the largest in Europe! But it's a little deceiving because it's not particularly tall, but I think it's largest in terms of water volume. And when we went, Switzerland had a series of major storms so there was even more than usual. From Zurich HB, take the S9 all the way to Neuhausen Rheinfall, about 50 minutes total. Pro-tip, sit on the right side of the train and you'll get some impressive views of the falls in the final 5 minutes of the train ride. From the station, there are a couple of ways to explore the area but we went down a series of two elevators and walked down a hill until we were on the opposite side of the falls. On a clear, sunny day, the falls just look incredible and we lingered around here to take lots of pictures. As you continue along the water, you'll eventually hit a couple of shops, restaurants, and Schloss Wörth (castle). We crossed to the other side on a boat and from there, we walked along the Platform Trails until we reached the top of Schloss Laufen (another castle). For 5 CHF, you can access the Platform Trail, which hits a series of viewing platforms that get you up close to the water. And from here, you could really feel the power of the falls. It's hard to talk to people because of the thundering noise and if you stand there long enough, you'll get soaked from the spray. Lots of good photo ops too! Overall, I had a great time walking around but sadly, it was cut short by a thunderstorm. I'd love to come back and explore the surrounding areas more!

Such a beautiful landmark, and extremely impressive when you're up close to the falls! We took public transportation to get to Rheinfall, and it was pretty easy to navigate once we got off the stop. There's a series of elevators to take you down to the ground level, and you walk a bit around the waters to get to shops and the boat tours. You can choose to take a boat that goes right next to the falls, and if so, be prepared to get wet! We took another boat that drops us off at the cliffside, where you can do a small hike up to the viewpoint right next to the falls. It's so much different being up close, where you can barely hear each other speak because of how strong the water is! There's a cute photo op at the top of the cliff as well. At the base of the falls and at the top, there are souvenir shops for you to memorialize your visit!

Beautiful views, especially when you get up close! There are different boat tours that take you varying distances in relation to the falls. Sadly because of extremely high water levels at the time of our visit, the boat tour that takes you to the little rock island in the center of the falls was closed. But you can also pay a small fee to get to the viewpoints that are right up against the falls. Plenty of shops scattered around the area where we picked up a few souvenirs.

Absolutely beautiful place to spend a nice day. We weren't really sure which side of the falls to drive to so we randomly chose a side based on available parking. We parked at the Rheinfall Touristen Parkplatz and walked over to the falls. There is plenty of parking on this side. One thing to note if you're driving this way, you will most likely be passing through Germany. Make sure to have your passport on you if you are stopped by border control. There are tour boats available from either side of the Rhine River. We chose to take the blue line which is the shortest and cheapest tour. We were able to book same day. I skipped the long lines at the ticket booths and just ordered from my phone while we were walking around. It's a 15 minute boat ride that brings you up close to the falls. There are several other tours that are longer and one even stops at the little island near the falls. For us, the 15 minute tour was just enough time. Aside from the boat tours you can visit the castle or just walk around and enjoy the weather. There is a playground for kids and plenty of food around. We also watched people getting in the river with floats and kayaks from this side. I highly recommend a visit to this area.

This is a majestic waterfall and the largest in Europe! It's the best day trip from Zürich and probably worth your time to visit anywhere near the area. Visit on a weekday to avoid the huge crowds that visit on weekends. The north side of the bank has a free hiking trail, viewing platforms, and a ferry ride you can pay for which will take you to a rock island right by the falls. The entire area is extremely developed but in a mostly tasteful way that doesn't dustrupt the natural beauty very much. You can a train to or from Zürich on either bank of the river. Avoid buying food around the falls because all the prices are crazy inflated.

One of the classic sights in Switzerland. Been here many times. But it's always worth a trip and every time an impressive sight....even not being among the world's biggest falls, it's in the European Top 3. 600 m³/s water drops on average in summer 23m down. From the South Side you can get really close, but as a whole, you can get a good view from the northern side in Neuhausen, where you can park easy and walk along the river on the Rheinfallquai and cross the bridge to the other side. Depending on the season and the rain in the past few days the falls carry more or less water. Of course it's best if you catch it when lots of water flow through the Rhein river. Take a boat across the river for different views or catch one that goes to the Rheinfelsen in the middle of the falls. Not for folks who get seasick easy.

The Rhine Falls ( Or Rheinfalls) is located in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, and is the most powerful waterfall in Europe. There are a multitude of ways to see the falls- we selected the easiest, which was also free: to just view from dock where the store is. For more adventurous people, there are a plethora of different boats that go varying distances to the fall. The boat that goes right up to the falls also lets passengers off to climb to the top of the rock that is situated right in the middle of the falls. This is an extremely popular attraction in Switzerland, and I can see why. It's breathtakingly beautiful, and the water is the bluest of any water I have ever seen.

Wow so beautiful!! Popped through while on a tour and we were brought by and walked the trail. The waterfall was so cool!! We could feel little sprays of the water up on the trail, so be careful - it could be a little slippery. We even got to bring our dog with us, which was nice that we didn't have to leave her behind or not get to explore. We opted to not take the boats down to the bottom, we didn't have a change of clothes and we would have gotten super wet. I loved the crepe cart that is at the top of the trail. I was so so hungry and it was the perfect treat. Also stopped by the gift shop and picked up and over priced shot glass and I'm not even mad about it!

With a height of 23 metres (75 ft) and a total width of 150 metres (490 ft), the Rhine Falls on the border of Germany and Switzerland is Europe's largest waterfall. The Duke of Jestetten built the castle--Schlößli Wörth--in 1398 along the Rheinfall's banks here to serve as a customs house along the trade route between Lake Constance and Basel and the Upper Rhine. When a railway was built nearby in 1835, the water trade route on the Rhine lost its importance, and the Canton of Schaffhausen converted the castle into a restaurant which remains popular with tourists to this day.

Rheinfall is absolutely gorgeous and really is a breathtaking experience. If you've been to Niagara Falls, this place is essentially a smaller version of Niagara with much cleaner and fresher air. The water is actually very clean and clear, so clear that you can actually see the fish swimming upstream in their natural environment. The falls themselves are a beautiful sight and the amount of water flowing through here is absolutely astonishing. There are a couple restaurants nearby that are gorgeous and you actually can either take a small boy to the center or walk up directly next to the falls to see them up close. Overall, this is one of those gorgeous places on earth that you must experience if given the opportunity. Pros- Picturesque Views for days... Fresh/clean air Clear water Restaurants nearby Castle overlooking falls Scenic Nice walking areas nearby Cons- Pay for parking A bit off the beaten path

Nature is incredible! Worth the trip to see Switzerland's and Europe's largest waterfall. Tickets weren't very expensive at all, you walk the path down (so lots of stairs to come back up) and there's a main platform where you can see all the waterfall. There is an elevator but it doesn't take you all the way down so you'll still need to take part of the stairs. Keep that in mind if you have senior citizens with you. There's a gift shop at the entrance and a hotel inside which might be open seasonally. Also during the summer, you can take a boat tour that takes you up close to the falls.

Fantastic half-day trip, it is not the biggest fall I have ever seen, but it is still fantastic to get up and close to see the power of mother nature. Highly recommended if you are in Zurich and looking for something to do

Amazing!!!! I have been wanting to visit the Rheinfalls for a long time. I didn't even know about them until I moved to Switzerland. The Rheinfalls is the largest waterfall in Europe and is just a short walk from the Neuhasen am Rheinfall SBB train stop. You can easily get here by train from Zurich within 50 minutes. There is typically a direct train 1x every hour. I didn't have time but there also seems to be a nice walk along the river connecting the town of Neuhasen and Schaffhausen. You can hear the falls before you reach them. Once I saw them they took my breath away. It is not the size of the Niagra falls, but it is unique and wonderful in it's own right. You can't compare them. Activities on-site: However, like the Niagra falls during the summer season you can get a ticket on a boat for about 8 CHF and ride up to the falls. The boat will even drop you off at the rock in the middle which you can then climb some stairs up to the top off. On the right hand side of the falls is a castle, which has been renovated into a Youth Hostel. I definitely would LOVE to stay there sometime. There are also a few quick places you can buy and eat a snack at, or a restaurant for a sit down meal. Of course there are lots of different trails marked that you can walk on and enjoy different views of the falls from.

The largest waterfall in Europe! Although it does pale in comparison to the Niagra Falls, it's still a beautiful spot to visit. You can ride a little boat to the rock in the middle, but it's really crowded with everyone standing on the top. Only about an hour train ride from Zürich, but I've also taken the train to Rheinau and then hiked the rest of the way there. It's an easy 3-hour hike along the scenic Rhine River. Tip #1: Pay CHF 5 to enter Schloss Laufen and get gorgeous views of the waterfall up close. Tip #2: Pop over to Stein am Rhein afterwards to check out all the beautiful frescos painted on the medieval buildings in the old town.

I was in Zurich and had a Saturday to look around and do a day trip. I had already done Jungfrau and Mount Titlis and decided to explore the Schaffhausen area based on a friend's recommendation. I am glad I did. It was only around 50 mts by train from Zurich and the Rheinfall was spectacular. It reminded me of Niagara (smaller version) which I also love. Something about large volumes of water that is very mesmerizing. I loved that there are several different views that you can get of the falls. Lot of great spots to get amazing photos. Entrance is only 5 CHF. There is also a museum about the falls though I did not find that too interesting. Highly recommend a trip here and make a stop in Schaffhausen as well.

Very nice views, great atmosphere. At the Rheinfall, you'll have a great time, I promise

Located in Switzerland, this waterfall is the largest in Europe, but second compared to Niagara Falls. We took a boat ride right up to the falls to get some gorgeous pictures and feel the mist of the massive waterfall. This place is known for tourism, but wasn't too crowded, and not too long of a wait for the boat ride. Breathtakingly beautiful and worth visiting!

The largest waterfall in Europe was located within a short walk of my European home. While it's not like America's Niagara Falls, what it lacks in height it makes up for in grandeur. Formed during the last ice age 14,000 to 17,000 years ago, Rheinfalls creates a boundary line from Canton Zurich and Canton Schaffhausen. The falls flow into a bay area, with the larger waterfall belonging to Schaffhausen and the smaller to Zurich. Legend has it the ownership of these falls was an epic accomplishment for Schaffhausen as it rivals the large city of Zurich. My first visit to Rheinfalls was at night, with the waterflow illuminated with moonlight. I strolled along the bay area, then ascended a stairwell along side the falls where I saw the water trickling down the plateau. Breathtaking. I later returned during the day to see the falls. While the evening viewing is the most spectacular, the daylight is better for seeing the landscape and rock formations along the way. In the distance, an elevated rail line runs above the stream. It's as if I were looking at a portrait, not nature. Rheinfalls are one of the world's greatest wonders, in my opinion. Definitely worth checking out, plus it's free to the public!

Really nice falls with a lot of vantage points as well as places to sit. Super accessible by train, the falls can be seen right from the train if coming from Zürich. Some of the reviews are negative and you might think that the falls are not so high if you have been to the Niagara Falls a few times but visiting is totally worth it especially on a sunny day.

This review is a "drive-by" review because we saw this magnificent waterfall while on the train ride from Germany to Switzerland. It was gorgeous, so blue and powerful! Wish we had time to visit this Waterfall during our stay in Lucerne, but perhaps for a future visit? :)

The falls of river Rhein are the. Place to visit if you are touring or passing by the area. You should visit both sides ( easy to cross by foot. Spring is great period.

Easy to get by train. Recommend taking the boat to the middle rock in the middle of the falls. Can climb up steps to view the falls right in the middle of it. Be careful you can get wet on the boat. Also recommend going over bridge that train passes on wait for train to pass.

I was super amazed by the volume and power of the water! A must see if you are near or in Schaffhausen. There is parking there and nice hikes! The parking lot is super close to the waterfall and the hikes are super easy to do. Do one of the boat trips, it's worth it! The trip number 1 takes you to the middle of the waterfall (on a rock) and then you can get out of the boat and climb up to get a view from the middle of the fall. Be prepared to get wet. The food there is quite expensive though, I paid 4 euros for a small bottle of coca-cola from the snacks shop. The souvenir shop has more stuff about Switzerland than about the Waterfall. So I think the best thing you can take with you is a video you can record when the boat trip takes you up close to the falls!

An impressive waterfall, and not too many crowds; but you really should pay the CHF 5 to access the paid area for views. Especially on the southern bank, they've gone out of their way to block views of the falls from all the free areas. The small cafeteria and souvenir shop are predictably crowded and sub-par, and the giant "Beware of Pickpockets" posters don't help the atmosphere.

Rheinfall waterfall is the largest plain waterfall in Europe. It is accessible by train from Zurich to Schloss Laufen am Rhein within about an hour. There was a castle that had a wedding on. Entry to the castle and waterfalls was 5 Swiss francs. The castle had history of the draw of people to the Rheinfall, a beetlejuice-esque dinner and piano played by piano; it was quite ghostly. The fall it's self was very impressive. You could walk down to meet a boat for a river cruise (separate ticket) where you could climb some steps and be standing in the middle of the waterfall.

1st time to Switzerland and this was one of the things we did - pre-arranged by our tour guide. It was a nice break from our usual touring and it was beautiful to see. The restaurant that sits out near the water was not worth eating. Recomend - Mt. Pilatus, was definitely worth the time and the money

Stopped here as part of a tour and absolutely loved it. There isn't much shade so it got pretty hot, but we solved the issue with soft serve (#notmadaboutit). The falls are beautiful and the area offers stunning views. I would encourage bringing water and a camera!

No comparison to Niagara Falls in the States but still beautiful. In case you want to ride the boat, be sure to check the departing schedules prior to roaming around the falls. They have a few ride options, cost depends on the length of the sail. You may have to wait 30-45mins for the next boat ride, so plan accordingly.

My husband and I were visiting our Swiss friend and his dear wife this time last year. Part of our visit included a trip to this gorgeous location! Very professional staff, breathtaking views of the Rheinfall and local terrains (beautiful mountain views, castles, and nature). I look forward to visiting this again when we return to Europe.

What's not to like? It's a lovely stop. Don't go out of your way for it- it's not that spectacular, but if you are driving by, by all means- stop. The falls give you a wonderful opportunity for picture taking (and selfies!) We liked the souvenir place- I got a great deal on chocolate there (sale! 5 bars for 7.90 Swiss Francs! Best deal I saw on the whole trip.) The bathrooms were smelly, but relatively clean (someone was peeing on the seats- so you may have to clean them. But I got used to that. Pee on most of the seats where we went in Europe.) I was here with a bus tour, so we didn't have to pay parking- but I think it's worth the price I see other people quoting. I did not go in the restaurants or on the boat- though I definitely would have- but we only had 45 minutes here. If I had been on my own I would have at least had a drink here and gone on the boat. I really liked this stop. In the summer, the average water flow is 700 m³/s!!!!

Super location. A definite must see spot on your Swiss travels. The various view points to watch the falls blow your mind away. The boat rides are great. Depends on which you would like to take. We took the 3 hour one and it took us to a village on the Swiss side where we went for a walk to find a great hidden restaurant 'Binz Gastro' in a village which offered great tasting food and the French fries were to die for. The white fried fish was their speciality. Must visit. Sehr schon und sehr gut.

Not NIagara Falls, but very beautiful, wild and roaring. Visited through the park and paid our 5CHF to walk down to a platform so close that you were sprayed and cooled from the falls. The rock formations are unique and you can get onto some of them from the other side of the Rhine. Bring your own water and snacks, the prices charged by the cafeteria at the visitor center pale in comparison to the damage a pickpocket would inflict.

Took a day trip down to see the falls. Weather was a little rainy but still beautiful. Took to 6 CHF boat trip--- about 6.50 US. Short trip but 15 minutes of fun. Driver takes the boat really close to the falls for some great picture taking. You might get wet! Tourist shops on land are full of nice Swiss goodies. Lots of fun. Parking was 7.00 CHF but still a very reasonable day by Swiss price standards. Restaurant available but I did not eat.