Discover the Majestic Rhine Falls

Fantastic views.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

After the motorway exit, a route of around two kilometres leads directly to Laufen Castle. When I got there, I found enough parking spaces, including for camper vans, but these are subject to a fee. The first sight of the castle against the picturesque backdrop already aroused anticipation of the upcoming experience. To get to the Rhine Falls themselves, you enter the site through an impressive archway. Here you have several options. My recommendation is to first go to the right side of the Rhine Falls by walking down to the railway bridge. From there you get a first impression of this impressive natural spectacle. On the right bank of the Rhine, access is free and you can watch the waterfall from the Rhine Falls basin at Schlössli Wörth. Even if you see the Rhine Falls from a certain distance here, the view is no less impressive. A special highlight on this side is the old water mill, which has been turning to the rhythm of the Rhine for countless years. If you want to go on a boat tour, you should also go to the right bank of the Rhine. About a kilometer after the mill, various boat tours are offered that give you the opportunity to experience the Rhine Falls up close from the water. After I had had my fill of the right side, I made my way back to the left bank of the Rhine to explore Laufen Castle more closely. The central square of the castle is equipped with numerous ticket machines, as access to this side of the Rhine Falls is subject to a fee. However, the entrance fee of 5 francs includes some spectacular extras: the lift down to the Rhine Falls, the passage through a cave and the so-called balcony, a viewing terrace directly at the waterfall. The ride down to the Rhine Falls in the lift is an experience in itself. The view of the lush greenery of the surrounding area is a highlight, especially for visitors from southern countries, as such rich colors often seem foreign. Once you get to the bottom, there are two very interesting platforms that offer an unforgettable view of the Rhine Falls. To get to the first, slightly higher platform, you have to go through an impressive rock formation and a cave about 20 meters long. The sound of the roaring water gets louder and louder until you are finally greeted by the power of the falling water. Not two meters away, the Rhine plunges at a breathtaking speed from a height of 23 meters. It is the largest waterfall in Europe and, depending on the time of year, up to 600 cubic meters of water can thunder down per second. The Belvedere viewing point is even more impressive. Here you stand face to face with the waterfall, so close that you almost feel like the water is touching you directly before it flows under the balcony. This platform juts out directly over the Rhine and offers a fantastic panoramic view. This moment lets you really grasp the full extent of this natural wonder and makes the 5 francs entrance fee more than worthwhile. A little further down there is another smaller platform called the Känzeli viewing point. Especially later in the day, you can often enjoy these viewing platforms on your own as it can be a bit busier during the day and in the afternoon. For hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers, the panoramic path around the Rhine Falls is ideal. This circular route offers different perspectives and leads directly back to Laufen Castle, which is also included in the entrance fee. In the castle itself, you can fill up your water bottle for free at the fountain, as the water is drinkable everywhere. After all these unforgettable impressions of the Rhine Falls, it is pleasant to end the day with a coffee in the restaurant of Laufen Castle. The interplay of nature and comfort offers a perfect end to an eventful day.

Really nice place to visit, water fall is amazing