Europe’s most powerful waterfall, the Rhine Falls are our go-to day trip for any visitors. We’ve already been there about 5 times already and every outing continues to amaze us! These falls are super easy to reach and are among the cheapest attractions in Switzerland. Read on for a detailed guide on how to visit the stunning Rhine Falls.
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Where are Rhine Falls located
Rhine Falls are Europe’s most powerful waterfall and are located in the north of Switzerland – fairly close to Zurich. These falls were formed in the last Ice Age – read here about the interesting geological phenomena that led to their creation.
There are two sides to the waterfall,
- Northern Banks – Has a long promenade along the Rhine river. The falls are visible from a distance
- Southern Banks – This entrance takes you through Schloss Laufen (Castle of Laufen) to multiple terraces that give you a view of the Rhine Falls from several vantage points. You can get close enough to get wet!
I find the Southern Banks to be vastly superior to the Northern one since you can get up close to the waterfall from this side. You can stroll over the train bridge from the Southern side to the Northern side as well.
Have limited time in Switzerland? Here’s a 5-day Switzerland itinerary to take in the best of the country!
What is the best time to visit Rhine Falls
Rhine Falls remain open throughout the year. It’s equally wonderful to take in the falls with snow surrounding them in the winter as it is to visit in the summer. I’ve been there in April, June and July and have enjoyed myself every time. I’d still suggest Summer as the best time, preferably May to July to get the best views.
How to get to Rhine Falls
Rhine Falls are easily accessible by train or by road from Zurich/ Lucerne
By train:
Northern Banks – Head to the Neuhausen Rheinfall station. It takes 50 min – 1 hour from Zurich HB, ~2 hours from Lucerne
Southern Banks – Head to the Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall from Zurich HB. It takes 45 – 50 min from Zurich HB, ~2 hours from Lucerne
By car:
Northern Banks – Head to Parkplatz Rheinfall
Southern Banks – Head to Parking am Schloss Laufen
Opening hours of Rhine Falls
Northern Banks – 24 hours free access
Southern Banks – Opening hours for ticketing:
| June / July / August | 08.00 – 19.00 |
| September / October / April / May | 09.00 – 18.00 |
| November / February / March | 09.00 – 17.00 |
| December / January | 10.00 – 16.00 |
Tickets/ Prices for Rhine Falls
Northern Banks – No entrance fee
Southern Banks – 5 CHF per adult entrance fee. Tickets can be bought at the site or online
See also: Where to stay to visit Rhine Falls
Guide to visiting the Rhine Falls
Rhine Falls is where we take all our visitors to provide the ‘wow’ factor. We always head to the Southern side which also has a great Rhine Falls board set up against which you can take great pictures!
The parking area on the Southern Banks of Rhine Falls have these boards set up
If you come by train, take the elevator from the train station up. You can also walk up if so inclined. From where the elevator drops you at the top, take a right and head to the visitor centre to buy tickets. If you already have your tickets, take a left and cross the turnstile scanning your ticket.
Soon as you cross the turnstile, the falls start coming into view. We love the slow build-up to the falls that you get heading from the south side. As you go down 1 level, there is a nice viewpoint from where you can see the falls from the top.
Heading further down, you come to the main viewpoint where the falls are immediately below you. It’s an absolutely breath-taking spot. The rushing, foaming water is incredible to watch. We usually spend a long time on this platform taking pictures or relaxing on the benches.
Rhine Falls – you can visit the island in between on a boat
The main platform allows you panoramic views of the falls
After you’ve had your fill of the view, start walking down to the next platform. This one brings you right next to the water rushing down, close enough to touch! This is a small area and tends to get crowded so keep moving to the next platform.
This next platform juts out over the river, slightly below the falls so you are able to see the falls from the front. It’s an amazing sight – almost hypnotic! You can also get wet at this spot if it’s windy. This one is my favourite platform – it’s incredible how close you are to the Rhine Falls.
Up close and personal with the spectacular falls!
My favourite viewing platform – the water almost has a hypnotic effect here!
It usually takes us a couple of hours to get to this viewpoint – what with taking pictures/ videos or just taking in the view, time just flies!
You can next head further down and get on one of the boats to go closer to the falls. Check out the boat tours here.
The Rhine river – oddly calm immediately after the fall
After the tour, you can head to the Northern banks of the falls if you wish by crossing the train bridge. But we usually end our tour here and head back up using the elevator.
Practical tips for visiting Rhine Falls
- Wear sturdy shoes – the path between the platforms is a bit bumpy
- Hold on to your camera when filming the falls – it can get wet and slippery. I almost dropped mine down into the river once!
- I wouldn’t recommend the boat tour – it offers really no special views that you can’t get from the viewing platforms
Other activities at Rhine Falls
- The Rhine Falls are illuminated at night. You can check out the schedule here. We’ve not seen it yet but plan do this soon.
- Visit the nearby town of Schaffhausen
Have you been to Rhine Falls? What was your favourite part?
Are you planning a trip? Let me know if you have any questions.
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More information for your trip to Switzerland:
ITINERARY GUIDE: Travel guide to Switzerland | 5 days in Switzerland | Best time to visit Switzerland
BUCKET LIST DESTINATIONS: 25 best places to visit in Switzerland
HIDDEN GEMS: 10 hidden gems in Switzerland
TRAIN RIDES: The Golden Pass train line
HIKES: Bannalpsee | Oeschinensee | Hike to Bachalpsee | Swiss Grand Canyon | Gornergrat hike | 5 lakes hike
LAKES: 7 most beautiful lakes in Switzerland | Lake Brienz | Melchsee-Frutt
MOUNTAINS: Mount Titlis | Mount Rigi | Schynige Platte
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If the southern bank ticket office closes at 19:00 but the viewing points can be visited around the clock, does that mean the visit is free after 19:00? Or that you need to get past the entrance gates before 19:00 to see the falls at sunset or at night?
I’d love to see these falls illuminated at night. I also love the easy access to the falls on public transportation. A less commercialized Niagra Falls seems right up my alley.
That’s one of the things I love most about Switzerland (and Europe too) – how easy it is to plan an entire trip using just public transportation!
Your picture is amazing and I especially love the rainbow. I’ve never heard about this falls glad to read about this now.
Thanks, April!
I haven’t heard of the Rhine waterfall. It looks very impressive. Certainly has the WOW factor.
Rhine Waterfall sounds fantastic, I can see why you take your visiting friends and family there. The southern side would be fantastic as you get to feel the water.
The Southern side does give you a feel of the water – to the point of getting wet if you stay too long!
Reading through your post, I started wondering if the Rhine River Falls have some similarity to the Niagara Falls? I guess that Niagara Falls are likely bigger, and steeper. Both have paths close to the falls, boat tours and nightly illumination and they are loud!
Loved the shot of a rainbow over the waterfall. Beautifully captured. I visited Switzerland last year but somehow missed going to the Rhine Falls. After reading your post, I’m putting Rhine Falls on my to-visit list.
Thanks for sharing such a great post. I’d love to visit Rhine Falls one day. I guess it’s a good excuse to plan a trip to Switzerland!
Haven’t been to this part of Switzerland but is definitely on my list. The Falls look beautiful, reminds me of Niagara Falls. Would love to see it illuminated.
Rhine Falls looks so amazing! Looks even better than Niagara! ??
It indeed is amazing! While less dramatic than Niagara, I like it more because it feels less commercialized.