Schaffhausen (Switzerland) is a city located at the northernmost point of the country, located in the upper reaches of the Rhine, between Lake Constance and the Black Forest. This small German-speaking city is the capital of the Swiss canton of the same name.
According to 2020 data, a little more than 35.5 thousand people live in this city.
Schaffhausen is known worldwide for the Rhine Waterfall. It is also known as the city of Switzerland, where the factory “IWC Schaffhausen”, which produces luxury Swiss watches, operates.
What to see in Schaffhausen
Although Schaffhausen is quite small (even by Swiss standards), many tourists come here. However, most go only to see the famous Rhine Waterfall, which is located nearby.
But the city of Schaffhausen itself deserves to live in it for at least a few days, walk along the quiet narrow streets and cozy quarters with merchant houses, see architectural and historical sights, feel the local atmosphere and restrained chic. Schaffhausen harmoniously combines the traditional Swiss urban landscape with exclusively local, unique “chips”.
Old Town
The Old Town can be viewed in just 40-50 minutes, walking quietly. There are many interesting and unique details that you will definitely want to explore without too much haste.
The real” highlight ” of Schaffhausen is the bay windows, of which there are more than 170. Each of them is a separate work of art with original sculptures, forged elements and other decorations.
There are many beautiful fountains here. It is noteworthy that only drinking water flows from them.
An interesting feature of Schaffhausen are the facades of buildings painted with colorful frescoes. The facade of the Thiergarten restaurant looks original – although the building was destroyed in 1944, it was completely restored and the painting that decorated the facade was recreated. Thanks to the frescoes covering the walls, the Haus zum Ritter (Knight’s House) is very famous in Switzerland.
Knight’s House
The Knight’s House, a famous landmark in Schaffhausen, is located at Kronengässchen, 3. The building was built in 1492, in 1566 it was rebuilt by Ritter Hans von Waldkirch – since then it has become known as the”Knight’s House”.
The original frescoes that adorn the facade of the Haus zum Ritter were made by Tobias Stimmer in 1568-1570. In 1935, the frescoes were removed from the facade to protect them from destruction, and Stimmer’s work was very skillfully reproduced by the artist Carl Roesch. As for the originals, they are located in the Museum zu Allerheiligen, which occupies the building of the Monastery of All Saints.
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Benedictine Monastery of All Saints
All Saints ‘ Abbey is located in the Old Town, address: Baumgartenstrasse 6.
The monastery (founded in 1049) with its church and church tower (12th century) is the largest and best-preserved monastery complex in Switzerland. There is a magnificent Junkernfriedhof garden – an old cemetery where the nobles of Schaffhausen were buried in the XVI-XIX centuries. The largest indoor gallery in Switzerland is located around the garden.
During the Reformation, the monastery buildings were closed and transferred to municipal ownership. Currently, the monastery Cathedral of St. John is an active church of the local parish. Some of the old buildings house the local history museum zu Allerheiligen, whose exhibits tell about the cultural life and history of the people of the northern part of the country. The Schillerglocke (“Schiller’s Bell”) is the most famous of all the exhibits of the museum – it was thanks to it that the poet was inspired to create the “Song of the Bell”.
- Admission to the museum costs 12 francs for adults and 9 francs for students and seniors.
- Opening hours: from 11 to 17 every day except Monday.
- Address: Klosterstrasse 16, 8200 Schaffhausen, Switzerland.
Fort Munot
Another attraction of Schaffhausen and all of Switzerland is the Munot fortress (Munot, Munot). It is located near the monastery complex, at 17 Munotstieg.
The ring fortress wall was built in the period from 1564 to 1589, the project was made by the famous artist Albrecht Durer. Durer was sure that circular fortifications were the most impregnable, since they allowed for effective defense from all sides.
The fortress of Munot perfectly coped with its defensive function for two hundred years, failing only once – in 1799 it was taken by the French. A few years after that, the fortress lost its significance, its condition was no longer looked after, and it began to collapse.
After the restoration, Muno became accessible to all comers-admission is free. From its battlements and battlements, you can see beautiful Swiss landscapes. As many centuries ago, every evening at 21: 00 the bell rings here-previously it was a signal to close the city gates and all inns.
The fortress is open to the public at such times: in May-September from 8: 00 to 20: 00, in October-April from 9: 00 to 17: 00.
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Rhine Waterfall
The most striking natural attraction in this region of Switzerland is located outside the city limits of Schaffhausen – the Rhine Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Europe. The waterfall gains its greatest strength in early summer, and it is at this time that many tourists come to Schaffhausen who want to see it.
The nearest train station to the waterfall is Neuhausen am Rheinfall, a 3-minute drive from the main city station. The most convenient way to get here from Zurich is by direct train to Neuhausen Station. And then take a walk.
The waterfall can be admired from various viewing platforms, of which there are many on the north bank of the Rhine. But the best view and the most luxurious view is from the south bank of the river, from the site at Laufen Castle. Read more about the waterfall and how to get to it here.
Laufen Castle
To reach the castle, you need to go upstream along the north bank, cross the railway bridge to the south bank, and then climb up the steps to the top of the cliff. To enter the territory, you will have to pay 5 francs for an adult and 3.5 for a child under 16 years of age.
On a small area in front of the castle there are souvenir shops, several restaurants. There is also a relatively cheap bistro where you can have a delicious and satisfying meal for 25 francs (from November to March, the bistro is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays).
Lifen itself was recently renovated and opened to the public. In some of its rooms there is an exhibition telling about the history of the region. Wealthy tourists can stay in a private boarding house located in other parts of the castle.
There is an observation deck on the territory, from which you can see the full strength and power of the Rhine Waterfall. The main level of the observation deck, which overhangs a stormy river, can be reached from the castle by elevators. At a higher level, you will have to climb the stairs. Standing on this platform, you can take magnificent, most beautiful photos of the famous waterfall at Schaffhausen.
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How to get to Schaffhausen from Zurich
The nearest airport to Schaffhausen is Zurich Airport. Several trains to Schaffhausen depart directly from Zurich Airport every hour. The trip, depending on which train it will take, will take 30-60 minutes. A one-way trip in 2nd class costs between 18 and 23 francs. You can view the timetable and buy tickets on the Swiss Railway website www.sbb.ch.
There is one important point to consider when buying train tickets to Schaffhausen: it is best to take them to Neuhausen am Rheinfall station, which is closest to the Rhine Waterfall. Schaffhausen Central Station is only a 3-minute drive away (40 minutes on foot), and the ticket price remains the same. However, if the final station is Schaffhausen Main station, then you will need to buy a ticket to Neuhausen, near which there is a waterfall, separately.
From Zurich to Schaffhausen (Switzerland), you can order a taxi, then the driver will meet you at the airport or stop at the hotel. The transfer fee is about 200-250 francs.
