Rhine Falls

Rheinfall (the Rhine Falls) at Uhwiesen is among the most visited sights on the Rhine. The falls sit on the border of the cantons of Zurich and Schaffhausen, and the Zurich bank, around Laufen-Uhwiesen, gives you views from above and a close-up approach through platforms below the walls of Laufen Castle.

What are the Rhine Falls?

Europe's most powerful waterfall by volume. The river drops over a rock step roughly 150 m wide and 23 m high. Average flow is about 600 m³/s in summer and about 250 m³/s in winter, so the experience changes with season and water level. The left bank belongs to Laufen-Uhwiesen (Zurich), the right bank to Neuhausen am Rheinfall (Schaffhausen).

What is there to see on the Zurich side?

Schloss Laufen stands on a rocky spur above the falls. It has belonged to the canton of Zurich since 1941 and now houses a museum and a restaurant. Paths and stairs lead from the castle down to viewing platforms right above the plunging water, including the Känzeli, where you feel the spray on your face. This is the spot closest to the roar, so bring a rain jacket.

How do you see the falls from the water?

Boats leave from the Neuhausen bank (one departure point is Schlössli Wörth on the Rheinfallquai). A short loop in the basin below the falls takes about 15 minutes. The longer Felsenfahrt lands at the rock in the middle of the falls, where steps climb to a platform. Sailings depend on weather and river level, and you should expect to get wet.

How do you get there?

From Zurich, take the S-Bahn to Neuhausen Rheinfall station on the Schaffhausen side. On the Zurich side the public transport stop is Schloss Laufen. Car parks are available on both banks, reached from Dachsen or from Neuhausen. The site is open around the clock all year, and the shoreline viewpoints are free. Boat trips and castle entry are paid.

When should you visit?

The Rhine carries the most water in summer, when the falls are at their most powerful, though late spring and early summer can also be the busiest. Winter flow is lower but the place is quieter. Plan boat trips for a day without very high water.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free to visit the Rhine Falls? Yes. The falls are open at any hour, every day of the year. You pay only for boat trips and the castle.

How high are the Rhine Falls? The drop is 23 m high and about 150 m wide.

Which side is better for viewing? The Zurich side (Laufen-Uhwiesen) offers views from above beneath the castle and a walk to the Känzeli. The Schaffhausen side is closer to the boat landings. Seeing both is worth it.

Can you get close to the water? Yes. The Känzeli and Fischetz platforms hang over the churning basin, and boats reach the rock in the middle of the falls.