The Great Rhine Falls in Switzerland – Europe’s Largest Waterfall

The Rhine falls in Switzerland is a stupendous beauty with the cascading water of the river rhine falling for about 78 meters. The Rhine falls is being made by the tributary current of Rhone, situated on the border of Germany and Switzerland. Tourists from different parts of the world arrive in Switzerland just to watch this spectacular beauty.

The Rhine falls in Switzerland is a combination of a wall of water and mist. A pretty interesting point to be noted is that when the stream or river falls from such a height it becomes unimaginably furious leading to the formation of a cloud of water particles forming many small drops in the river, thus resulting in an aesthetically heart soothing sight with its vast expanse covered under a shroud of mist be it day or night.

The Rhine falls is one of those very rare water bodies falling from such a height and thus forming a cloud over the waters which makes it an extremely wonderful sight to behold. Day and night are both equally enchanting, Rhines fall can be visited throughout the year by all types of visitors but the high flow season is during the end of spring and beginning of summer.

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Things You Should Know About Switzerland

Rhine falls in Switzerland — **Rhine Falls | Image Source – Pinterest**

Geographical Location

The location of the Rhine Falls is on the border between the cantons of Schaffhausen and Zürich. If you find a map of Switzerland then the first thing that will strike your eyes is that there are no visible mountain chains in this plain, green country. It’s just smooth, green hills all over.

History, Culture, and People

The history of Rhine falls runs back to a time before the pre-roman era. In 1240 a Duke of Zahringen built a castle over there and a village was formed which later becomes a part of Switzerland after splitting from Germany.

The Rhine falls is also famous for hiking trails, it is one of those places where people go hiking to spend their vacation or weekend. The trails passing through the waterfalls get filled with a lot of people during the high flow season.

The culture of the place is quite liberal in terms of doing things. For example, people can just walk around in the trails wearing jeans or shorts without being stared at. They are quite liberal in that sense.

The surroundings of Rhine falls also provide a backdrop for various activities like camping, cycling, and other outdoor sports to the visitors.

People are popular for being friendly and very helpful.

Language and Food

The common language spoken in Switzerland is German. However, the official language is French.

The food served in Switzerland is extremely delicious and mouthwatering. You can enjoy some of them on your trip to the Rhine falls by visiting the local stalls on the trails.

Popular Means of Transport

The most popular means of transport which is used by the people to reach Rhine falls are usually public transport like trains, buses, etc.

Updated statistics #covid19

Only vaccinated and recovered people will have access to the falls during the high flow season. The certificate of requirement is required to enter and you can present the certificate in any form.
Masks on entry is a mandatory practice and you cant enter without wearing masks.
Social distancing is the part of the strategy to control the infection.
Hygiene practices as disinfecting and washing hands regularly must be prioiritised.

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**Matterhorn | Image Source – Pinterest**

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**Chillon Castle | Image Source – Pinterest**

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This is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It is located at the foot of the Alps and it has an incredible old town center. You can visit Bern and enjoy a truly rewarding cultural experience any time throughout the year. There are many impressive buildings to see, shops to peruse and cafes to relax in when in Bern.

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Rhine River Waterfall – Europe’s Largest Waterfall

**Rhine Water Fall | Image Source – Pinterest**

The Rhine Falls are incredibly beautiful. They are also the largest waterfalls in all of Europe. The area is home to many varieties of wildlife and you can spend an enjoyable day there with your loved ones if you visit it during the right time of year.

Zurich – the City with the Best Quality of Life in the World

This large city in Switzerland is home to many people from all around the world. It has an excellent infrastructure for public transport that carries people up and down through the city without any issues whatsoever. You can visit Zurich on your trip to Switzerland and enjoy the top quality of life in the world.

Rhine Falls in Switzerland – Europe’s Largest Waterfall

Overview of Rhine Falls – The Legendary Roof of Europe

Location – Between the northern canton of Bern and the southern canton of Valais
Map

Weather – Maximum Temperature -12C | Minimum Temperature -22C
Popular Transport – Rail

Quick Guide to Visiting the Rhine Falls

**Schaffhausen Restaurant Rhine Falls | image Source – Pinterest**

If you are planning on visiting the Rhine Falls then you must plan your trip in detail beforehand.

You must understand when the best season to visit the falls is since they become inaccessible during some months of the year.

Starting your day early would be wise to avoid the swarms of tourists that arrive later in the morning.

You must also decide what type of ticket you need to buy – only day tickets are available at this time.

It is best if you can visit the falls before sunset since they look even more beautiful when it gets dark during these months.

The Rhine Falls are truly unforgettable and it is an experience that you will cherish for many years to come.

Things to Note Before Going to the Rhine Falls

**Bottle of Water | Image Source – Pexels**

Before visiting the Rhine Falls you should note that there are no restaurants or shops available near the falls.
It is best to carry your own water and snacks to avoid any issues during your visit.
The nearest train station is located about 2km from the falls, so you can either walk or take a taxi if needed.
There will definitely be a crowd at the falls, so you should make sure to get there early in the morning to avoid any inconvenience.
It is best to hire a car in Switzerland since this allows you for maximum flexibility when it comes to exploring different areas of the country.

Best Time to Visit the Rhine Falls

Spring and Summer would be the best time of year to visit the falls.

Their proximity to Zurich and the fact that they remain open throughout the year make them a popular attraction for tourists from around Europe.

You can also enjoy great weather in Spring through Summer which makes these months very pleasant for sightseeing at the Rhine Falls without any issues whatsoever.

The falls are accessible throughout the year except for a few months in winter when heavy snowfall makes it highly dangerous to visit.

Scenery Around Rhine Falls

**Beauty Around Rhine Falls | Image Source – Flickr**

The popular Rhine Falls is home to a variety of different wildlife that you will enjoy observing if you visit the falls during the right season.

You can also take a tour around the surrounding areas to explore some offbeat trails and pathways that lead to hidden waterfalls as well as other natural sights.

The best months for sightseeing at the falls is from June through April, so you should aim to visit between these months if possible.

The nearby region is also home to many beautiful villages that you can explore after visiting the falls.

Discovering the Seasons in the Rhine Falls

Spring

The Rhine falls during spring are a true delight with snow melting from the higher peaks and water levels at their peak.

You can find wildflowers in great abundance and enjoy the glorious weather while walking on some of the popular trails around the falls.

Summer

Zurich is a quiet city during summer that’s home to many students who visit various educational institutions across Switzerland.

The nearby region becomes popular with hikers during this time of year since the weather is pleasant.

Nature trails around the Rhine Fall also become crowded with locals who enjoy outdoor activities on weekends.

Fall

Crisp autumn air descending upon Zurich causes temperatures to drop significantly, making it a perfect time for sightseeing at the falls.

The nearby regions will also be less crowded with hikers, thus allowing you to enjoy a peaceful time exploring the natural beauty around the Rhine Falls.

Winter

There are hardly any tourists visiting the region during winter since there is much snowfall in these months that makes it highly dangerous for visitors.

The nearby regions can become inaccessible due to heavy snowfall and dangerous roads that also become a problem for the local population during these months.

So, it is best if you avoid visiting Switzerland between November and March since heavy snowfall can mar your trip to a great extent.

When was Rhine Falls Discovered?

The first mention of the falls was during the 12th century in chronicles where they are referred to as ‘Vallis Camatasca’.

So, this tells us that it is very likely that humans have visited the area for centuries before finally settling here.

How Big is the Rhine Falls?

The Rhine Falls in Switzerland is known to be Europe’s biggest waterfalls with a height of 145 meters.

They are also among the highest free-standing waterfalls in the whole world, so if you’re planning to visit Switzerland then don’t miss this place for anything!

How Long Does it Take to Visit Rhine Falls?

You can visit the Rhine Falls in around an hour where you will be able to enjoy some scenic views along with a boat ride.

It is highly recommended that you take your time admiring all the natural beauty around the falls so that you can also explore nearby trails and paths which are equally fascinating.

Is it Safe to Visit Rhine Falls During Winter?

Of course, it is completely safe to visit the falls during winter, but you should avoid doing so since there are very few tourists visiting the falls in these months.

Many regions near the falls can become inaccessible due to heavy snowfall which makes it much harder for locals and rescue teams to come to your rescue if anything goes wrong.

What is the Best Way to Get Rhine Falls?

The best way to get from Zurich airport to the Rhine falls is by taking a train from Zurich airport to Schaffhausen where you will have to change lines twice before reaching Neuhausen am Rheinfalls.

Conclusion

To conclude Rhine falls in Switzerland is an absolute delight with all its natural beauty, so you should include it in your Switzerland travel plans.

To help you better plan your trip to Switzerland and Rhine falls, we have written this article on how much time you need to enjoy the place without rushing around.

We hope this article has helped you get the most out of your travels.