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0The Rhine Falls are notable as both the largest waterfall in Switzerland and in Europe so we thought they were a must-see during our time in Switzerland. The falls measure 490 feet wide and 75 feet tall. The nearest town is Neuhausen am Rheinfall which is also home to the Wörth Castle. A trip to the Rhine Falls can easily be added onto a day trip to Stein am Rhein as we did, or done on its own as a day trip from Zurich.
Getting to the Rhine Falls and away
We got there by train from Stein am Rhein where we took one line to Schaffhausen and then switched to another train. We got off at the Neuhausen am Rheinfall station. From there the falls are just a short walk from the train station. You can follow the sound of the rushing waterfall or signs marking the route. On the return, we took the S9 train direct from Rhine Falls to Zurich HB rail station. This ride offered stunning views of the waterfall from the train. All of the train tickets were included as part of our Eurail pass. Learn more and purchase your own Eurail pass here.
Visiting the Rhine Falls with Kids
The sheer power of the waterfall was impressive for me. It was amazing and awe-inspiring in a way that words and a photograph simply can’t capture. You have to see it in person. I’m so glad we didn’t bypass a stop here just because we were a bit tired after exploring Stein am Rhein.
There’s a large, semi-circle path that traces the edge of the water from right beside the fall down to an area with shops and cafes where you can get a straight-on view of the waterfall. Strolling this path is a great way to enjoy a variety of different views of the falls. Several boats are available to take you out into the midst of the falls as well.
Cafes, souvenir shops and proper restaurants are all nearby so there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy a meal with a view during your day trip to the Rhein Falls.
Tips for visiting the Rhine Falls with Kids
There’s a kids playground directly opposite the falls with a picnic area adjacent so mom and dad can enjoy a meal and watching the waterfall while the kids burn off some energy on the playground. For older kids, there’s a long, impressively steep slide (must be 125 cm tall to go on it).
Most of the path along the Rhine Falls is stroller friendly and there’s an elevator from the train station down to the ground level. However, there is a small section right beside the waterfalls with stairs where you’ll have to abandon the stroller for a bit or carry it up a few short flights of stairs if you want to enjoy an up close view.
Be sure to watch your kids closely by the rails. The edge is fairly well protected but a kid falling into the fast moving water would be disastrous.
All in all, Rhine Falls was one of our favorite stops in Switzerland and is an attraction not to be missed if you are in the area.
