Rhine Falls is the largest waterfall in Europe. This powerful waterfall is located about an hour’s drive north of Zurich, close to the German border. In addition to viewing the amazing waterfall, guests can explore Schloss Laufen, take a hike, or enjoy a boat ride. Plan for at least 2-3 hours to enjoy the area.
Schloss Laufen was built over a thousand years ago next to the impressive falls. Tickets are purchased outside the castle. Walk through the courtyard to reach the viewing platforms, where the power of this massive waterfall can truly be felt. There are stairs, so we brought a hiking backpack for our then one-year-old. The viewing platform can be quite crowded, so we decided to do a short hike to escape.
The Rhine Falls Circular Trail is a leisurely hike suitable for families. The 7 km trail starts at Laufen Castle and offers stunning views of the falls and the surrounding landscape (about an hour). The peaceful walk is less crowded than the castle or viewing platforms. It’s an easy walk, but note that it’s not suitable for strollers, so a baby carrier is recommended. There are benches along the trail to stop and have a snack.
Instead of completing the loop trail, we decided to take a boat back to Schloss Laufen to experience the falls up close. The Blue Boat takes you right to the edge of the falls, offering an exhilarating experience (CHF 5 return). For a more adventurous trip, the Yellow Boat stops at Rheinfallfelsen, where you can climb for panoramic views (CHF 20 per adult). The Red Boat provides a quick crossing between the riverbanks (CHF 3 one way). We opted for the quick Red Boat as the children were getting tired.
There are several restaurants, kiosks, and cafes where you can stop and get a treat. We recommend eating at a restaurant across the river with views of both the castle and waterfall. We treated the kids to ice cream at Restaurant Park am Rheinfall, so everyone could take time to relax in the shade after our walk. There are several parking lots close to the castle, but since we arrived later in the day, we had to park further away. Public transit is another great option. Rhine Falls offers a memorable experience for families, combining natural beauty with fun activities.
