Rhine Falls Day Trip from Zurich: Europe's Largest Waterfall
September 2026
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A day trip from Zurich to Rhine Falls lets you stand face to face with the largest waterfall in Europe, and still be back in Zurich in time for dinner.
Rhine Falls thunders over a 150 metre wide, 23 metre high drop, sending hundreds of cubic metres of water crashing down every second. The falls are around 15,000 years old, carved by the Rhine River over time, and today there are several different viewpoints from which you can experience the falls.
So How Do You Get To Rhine Falls, Europe's Largest Waterfall?
Rhine Falls sits in the north of Switzerland, near the border with Germany. It's an easy day trip from Zurich and one that doesn't require much planning to enjoy.
Direct trains, with a journey time of around 50 minutes to one hour, operate from Zurich's main train station (‘Zurich HB’) to two stations located near the falls, but on opposite banks of the river to each other. These two stations are 'Neuhausen Rheinfall' and 'Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall'.
Since the two stations are on opposite sides of the river, which one you chose determines your first view of the falls.
Neuhausen Rheinfall side: this is on the north bank, and your first view of the falls will be more of a panoramic view. When you exit the train, use the elevator at the start of the platform to descend to the start of the walking trail, which has multiple viewing platforms at different heights. No ticket is required for this area so you can view the falls for free.
Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall side: this is on the south bank, and is located closer to the falls, so your first view will be a close-up of the falls themselves. The train stop is just steps away from Laufen Castle and its viewing platforms, including a balcony that extends out over the river, close to the falls. Tickets are required to access these viewing platforms and cost CHF 5 (price correct at time of writing).
My experience at Rhine Falls is outlined below.
What To Do At Rhine Falls?
The best thing to do at Rhine Falls is simply take in the views of the falls and Rhine river from as many angles as you can, since each viewpoint gives a different sense of the scale, and sound of the falls.
I started my visit at the Neuhausen side of the falls, first visiting the Belvedere platform to see Rhine Falls from a distance, before following the marked walking trail along the Rhine River to the Schloss Laufen side, stopping at each of the viewing areas along the way. This walk includes crossing a bridge behind the falls, so again you get another viewing perspective here, with potentially a train passing you by as you take in the views, as the bridge has pedestrian paths either side of a train track.
The trail leads to Schloss Laufen where you will see Laufen Castle, a visitor centre and souvenir shop. In the courtyard beside the 12th century Laufen Castle are ticket stations to buy tickets to access the viewing platforms up close to the falls. The two main viewing platforms here are: i) Fischetz platform, an area right at the edge of the falls and reached through a narrow cave-like passage, and ii) Känzeli platform, a balcony extending out over the river towards the base of the falls; both close enough to feel the spray of the water when it's at full flow. The Fischetz platform could be easily missed if you don't see anyone else entering it (I only stumbled upon it as curiosity got the better of me!), but if you are climbing down the steps from Laufen Castle towards the Känzeli platform, keep an eye out for a cave-like opening on your right hand side and walk through.
Boat trips also operate in the area, with the option to do a tour of the Rhine River and falls (15 or 30 minute tours available). Or you can simply get a boat between the two banks (Neuhausen and Schloss Laufen). Another option, if you are feeling adventurous, you can get a boat out to 'Middle Rock', a rock situated in the middle of the falls as the name suggests, where you can climb up the c.30 metres to the top of the rock for a 360 degree view of Rhine Falls.
Prices vary depending on the route, but at the time of writing cost between CHF 6 (for the crossing between the two banks) to CHF 22.50 (for the Middle Rock experience).
Which Side of Rhine Falls To Visit First?
On my trip, I got the train from Zurich to 'Neuhausen Rheinfall' and visited the Neuhausen side of the falls first, following the walking trail around to Schloss Laufen and exploring this area, before ultimately getting the train from 'Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall' back to Zurich.
If I was going back to Rhine Falls, I would most likely do it this way again. I liked seeing the panoramic view of the falls first, then hearing the thundering roar of the water grow louder as I walked the trail towards the Schloss Laufen side, the excitement building. The perfect end to my trip was finishing with the view from the Känzeli platform, right at the base of the falls.
However, honestly either side is a good option to start at, it's really just personal preference which view you would rather see first. Plus, it is easy to see both sides on a visit to Rhine Falls, since the two banks are connected by both boat and the walking trail.
Is It Worth Visiting Rhine Falls?
So, is it worth visiting Rhine Falls? This one's an easy yes for me. It's close to Zurich, can be reached in around one hour, and you get to check Europe's largest waterfall off your bucket list.
If you want something a little more different, check out my blog post on Visiting Liechtenstein from Zurich.
Hotels worth checking out for your stay in Zurich:
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Swiss Chocolate by Fassbind - click here for rates and availability
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hotel Felix - click here for rates and availability
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hotel Alexander Zurich Old Town - click here for rates and availability
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Storchen Zürich - click here for rates and availability
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Baur au Lac Hotel - click here for rates and availability
If you are looking to extend your time in Switzerland, and beyond, check out my other blog posts:
Switzerland’s Most Scenic Train Journeys
6 Must Visit Villages in Switzerland
Liechtenstein Day Trip from Zurich: Is It Worth It?
Zurich: Visiting the Lindt Home of Chocolate
Practical Tip:
The currency in Switzerland and Liechtenstein is the Swiss Franc (CHF) but card is widely accepted and I didn’t come across anywhere on my travels that specifically required cash.
A general Switzerland tip, that caught me out, is, Switzerland has a different electrical outlet to the rest of mainland Europe. The electrical outlet is a Type J socket, so you will need an appropriate adapter, such as this one on Amazon: SwissAdaptor.