In the northern part of Switzerland, in close proximity to the border with Germany, is the largest European waterfall – the Rhine. The Rhine waterfall (Switzerland) separates the cantons of Zurich and Schaffhausen, very close to it is the town of Neuhausen am Rheinfall.
Scientists believe that this lowland waterfall was formed approximately 500,000 years before our era, during the Ice Age. Under the influence of moving blocks of ice, the terrain changed, mountains collapsed, and riverbeds turned. The rapid flows of the Rhine eroded the deposits of soft ground rocks, which repeatedly changed the riverbed, and now in its center in front of the waterfall stands alone two cliffs-this is all that remains of the rocky formations in the path of this river.
On a note! More information about Schaffhausen and its attractions can be found on this page.
General information
Despite the fact that the height of the Rhine Falls does not exceed 23 meters, it is the largest not only in Switzerland, but also in Europe in terms of the volume of water thrown down. At different times of the year, the amount of water varies, and the maximum width of the stream reaches 150 meters. In summer, the waterfall has the most impressive view: about 600-700 m3 of water rushes down per second, it falls with a deafening roar, boils and rises. In winter, the Rhine Waterfall is not so powerful and full-flowing – the amount of water is reduced to 250 m3-but it still looks majestic and beautiful.
On the north side of the waterfall, there were watermills already in the 11th century. In the 16th century, if not earlier, iron ore was smelted on the Rhine Waterfall. By the end of the 18th century, the furnace was shut down again. In 1810, Johann Georg Neer purchased a steel mill and built it, becoming the first significant industrial plant on the Rhine Falls.
Since the end of the 19th century, the authorities had plans to use the waterfall for electricity generation, but as a result of active public resistance, this was prevented, which allowed the surrounding landscape to be completely preserved. However, there is now a small power station Neuhausen, which has a capacity of 4.4 MW-for comparison, the power of the entire waterfall reaches 120 MW.
In the second half of the 19th century, a railway was built next to the waterfall. Attractions have become easier to reach, which has led to a boom in the hotel industry in this region. The Bellevue Hotel was built in front of the Badische Bahnhof railway station between 1862 and 1844. Guests were able to easily get to the Rhine Waterfall by walking through various parks. The decline of the hotel industry in Neuhausen began at the turn of the century. The reasons were the growth of tourist centers in the mountains of Switzerland, as well as the transformation of Neuhausen into an industrial zone.
What to see near the Rhine Waterfall
The Rhine Waterfall is a popular tourist attraction in Switzerland, which can surprise even the most experienced and experienced travelers. There is also a lot to see nearby.
Vert Castle
A little below the waterfall, if you look along the river, on a small island, rises the castle of Werth. The castle has a good restaurant with national cuisine, a souvenir shop, and a pier nearby. Boats depart from this pier, where tourists can get to the” heart ” of the waterfall-a cliff standing in the middle of the river. In the middle and at the very top of this cliff, there are two platforms from which you can admire the famous natural attraction of Switzerland.
On a note! The most famous castle in Switzerland is Chillon Castle. We will tell you about it on this page with photos.
Laufen Castle
On the opposite bank, at the top of the cliff, there is the castle of Laufen-it has a convenient entrance, there is free Parking nearby. Not so long ago, this castle was restored and opened to the public. In its premises there is an exhibition with exhibits telling about the history of the local region, there are numerous photos of the Rhine Waterfall. For wealthy tourists, a private boarding house was established in the castle, and a souvenir shop was opened for everyone who wanted to buy something to remember a tour of Switzerland.
The Laufen fortress has another observation deck, literally hanging over the raging river. Tourists can get to the main level of the site by elevators, which have a special passage for parents with strollers and for people with disabilities, but you can only get to the higher level by stairs. Many claim that it is on this terrace that you can feel the full power and power of the water element, as well as take the most impressive photos of the Rhine Waterfall in Switzerland. But you can only go there by buying a ticket.
You can also admire the swirling water stream from afar. A little higher up the river in 1857, a bridge was built with railway tracks, along which there is a sidewalk. This means that it is quite possible for pedestrians to be there, combining a walk with observing the natural elements.
Annual show
Every year, on the night from July 31 to August 1, when the Swiss people celebrate a national holiday, the largest waterfall in Europe hosts the show “Fire on the Rocks”. Here they launch fireworks and demonstrate laser light effects, turning the entire nearby territory into a fairy-tale world.
Waterfall in the evening
By the way, the lighting here is turned on daily at dusk – powerful spotlights installed near the water create a fascinating sight. The fortress of Laufen, which stands on a steep bank, is illuminated in a colorful blue color, acquiring a special mystery.
Tourists who want not only to look at the powerful water flow, can diversify their vacation with fishing. The local waters are rich in a variety of fish: chub, rudd, eel, river bass, common barbel.
How to get from Zurich by yourself
You can get to the Rhine Falls from Zurich in different ways – how exactly, everyone chooses the right option.
- From Zurich, you can take the S5 train or S-Bahn to Bulach, which takes about 20 minutes. Then you need to change to the S22 to get to Neuhausen – for second-class travel, you need to pay 15.80 francs, the road will take about 25 minutes.
- It is possible to travel directly from Zurich if you choose the final station of the Neuhausen route. The fare will be 11.6 francs. From this station, the Rhine Waterfall can be reached on foot in 12-15 minutes, guided by the signs. All train tickets can be purchased online at <url> www.sbb.ch.
- From Zurich, you can also drive by car – it can be left in a convenient free parking lot located on the side of the Laufen fortress.
What to see on your own in Zurich
How to have fun at a tourist attraction
The cost of traveling by boat to the cliff in the center of the waterfall is from 7 to 20 francs, depending on the boat and the duration of the attraction — from 15 to 30 minutes. A water cruise from Laufen Fortress to Werth Fortress and from there to the cliff will cost 10 francs for an adult and 5 for a child.
The boat departs from the pier as it fills up, with a frequency of 10 minutes. Throughout the summer, boats run from 09.30 to 18.30, in September and May-from 10.00 to 18.00, and in April and October – from 11.00 to 17.00. At other times, they run only on request, that is, when the tour group has agreed on the trip in advance.
If you have a group of like-minded people or friends, you can book a circular tour, which begins with a trip to the basin of the Rhine Falls, then-a leisurely trip down the river. A 4-hour river rafting trip costs 39.5 francs per person.
Prices for parking and entrance to the observation decks
You can view the waterfall from different angles.
On the north bank, access to the observation deck is free, and parking costs will have to be paid:
- first hour – 5 CHF;
- each subsequent hour – 2 CHF;
- There is no charge from 6 pm to 9 am.
On the south bank (from Zurich) – parking is free. Entrance fee to the observation deck (CHF):
- for an adult – 5;
- children 6-15 years old – 3;
- for groups of 15 to 29 people – 3.
Payment is accepted in euros.
What is useful for tourists to know
- To see the Rhine Waterfall in Switzerland, you do not need to buy a tour at all – you can do it yourself. To go to the waterfall and its surroundings, as well as swim to it, just buy tickets at the ticket offices located in the beautiful administrative building.
- For a boat trip to the observation deck, especially if the weather is not very good, you will need waterproof clothing and shoes.
- To get to the viewing platforms located on the cliff in the center of the riverbed, you will need to go up the steps. There are stone steps leading up to the platform in the middle of the cliff, and an iron staircase leading up to the platform at the top of the cliff. In winter, if the steps are covered with even a slight ice crust, it can be dangerous here.
- Depending on the weather conditions, some activities at the waterfall may not be available. On the official website www.rheinfall.ch. you can find information about what activities are available in the next day.
The Rhine Waterfall (Switzerland) is an outstanding natural attraction that everyone traveling in this amazing country is eager to see.
