Our most recommended things to do in Schaffhausen

From Zürich: Stein am Rhein and Rhine Falls

1. From Zürich: Stein am Rhein and Rhine Falls

Travel out of Zürich for a scenic tour through dramatic natural landscapes and historic landmarks. Come across quaint villages and vast vineyards, and take the lift to the Rhine Falls. Depart Zürich and journey towards the Swiss/German border of northern Switzerland. Travel through a beautiful wine-growing region of charming farming villages and picturesque landscapes en route to Laufen. See the splendid medieval castle of Schloss Laufen and the mighty Rhine Falls and experience Europe's biggest waterfall. Get unique views from the panoramic lift and discover what it looks like when an average of 700,000 liters of water per second plunges into the basin below. If you are feeling adventurous, take the optional boat ride and experience the falls from below. Continue via Schaffhausen with its famous Munot Fortress. Soak up the views of the gently rolling vineyards and farming villages en route to Stein am Rhein. Upon arrival, learn about the well-preserved old town during a stroll. See distinctive medieval buildings such as the church and former monastery of St. George's Abbey. Look at the half-timber frame townhouses, along with the city gates and towers, the Town Hall, and the Armory. Admire the delicate wooden window frames of many of the buildings and marvel at their exceptional frescoes.

Rhine Falls & Stein am Rhein: Private Tour with a Local

2. Rhine Falls & Stein am Rhein: Private Tour with a Local

We will pick you up by private car from Zurich or near Zurich (around 100 km radius). After a 35-minute drive we arrive at the Northern side of the Rhine Falls. Here you can take a boat ride and get close to the falls. For the best experience, we recommend taking the yellow boat as this will allow you to stop on the rock in the middle of the Falls (30 min boat ride). We will then visit the Rhine Falls from the other side at Schloss Laufen where you can get close to the falls by elevator and also visit Laufen Castle. After a 25-minute drive through beautiful countryside with lush green and vineyards we arrive in the medieval town of Stein am Rhein. It is famous for its well-preserved Old Town featuring painted facades and half-timbered houses. Stein am Rhein is a lively and very charming small town. Among the sights are the Monastery of St. Georgen, one of the best-preserved Medieval monastery complexes, the Lindwurm Museum depicting 19th century bourgeois and agricultural life as well as the holiday areas and excursion destinations that include the island group of Werd. The Hohenklingen Castle, which was built high above the town in 1225, brings to life the colourful history of Stein am Rhein.

Rhine Falls & Schaffhausen Private Tour from Zürich

3. Rhine Falls & Schaffhausen Private Tour from Zürich

Visit the old town of Schaffhausen and stay along Europe's largest plain waterfall: The Rhine falls. Enjoy a one-hour train ride to Schaffhausen and visit the old town. After a short walk around, continue to Laufen and visit the castle located at the Rhine waterfalls. On a walking path, stay close at the waterfall and enjoy a boat ride to the rock, a sightseeing platform in the middle of the waterfall. The guide accompanies you on this tour from the starting point, shows you the changing landscape, and answers your questions about the country and its people. The tour guide knows the way and shows you a few places away from the tourist flow.

From Zurich to The Rhine Falls

4. From Zurich to The Rhine Falls

Your driver will meet you at a location convenient to you in Zurich. This tour will give you an opportunity to discover more of the region's sights, history and culture. First of all, you will stop at the medieval Laufen Castle (Schloss Laufen) located on a mountaintop, which overlooks the Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall. When you are already at the Rhine Falls, you will have the chance to take photos of the fantastic scenery from the viewing platforms and have the possibility of a summertime boat ride to the middle of Rhine Falls (from June to August only; payable direct). Already returning back to Zurich, pass through Schaffhausen, where you will have an opportunity to see the unique circular Munot Fortress. Afterwards, the group will return to Zurich, to the initial meeting point.

Schaffhausen: Self-Guided City Sightseeing & Scavenger Hunt

5. Schaffhausen: Self-Guided City Sightseeing & Scavenger Hunt

Get to know Schaffhausen at your own pace on this interactive scavenger hunt walking tour. You'll explore the city on foot and get points for solving different types of tasks: Find sights: You will use hints to find the best sights and hidden gems throughout the city. The map function in the app will help you get there. Solve questions: Once you’ve arrived at the place you’re looking for, you’ll be asked questions about the sight. Most of the time, the answers are hidden in signs, pictures, etc. A great and fun way to learn new things about the city. Have fun: During the adventure you can also expect exciting photo tasks that require a lot of creativity. If you master the snapshots, you will be rewarded with points. Along the way, you’ll reach amazing places like the "Haus zum Ritter", "Kreuzgang" and many more! After you book the game, you’ll get a game code via email with instructions on how to play. Head to the “Fronwagplatz” and use the code to unlock the game in the app. The tour ends at the “ Schifflände”. The experience is not limited in time. You can explore the city at your own pace and take breaks. Just download the Explorial-App, go to the starting point, and you’re ready to start with the game. The tour lasts on average about 1-2 hours.

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What people are saying about Schaffhausen

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 443 reviews

Martin, our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable. Thank you to our driver Francesco. It was a very beautiful trip down to Rhine falls which is magnificent to view from the observation decks. Stein am Rhine was a quaint little town with beautiful history. I would have loved to hear more stories about the history of the town, rather than spend so much time exploring it though. An hour was a long time in the winter, when there weren’t as many stores open. However, it gave us enough time to enjoy a yummy hot chocolate at the bakery. Highly recommend this tour, we had a blast!

Fun day on Rheinfalls! Boat ride on river was awesome, it took us quite close to the falls. Our guide ensured that that was no wait time for us to get tickets to falls & clearly explained old buildings at Rhein am stein.

The whole tour is amazing, Francisca y Armando excellent. She knows the area to perfection. The falls are impressive and the medieval town is like taken from a movie. Beautiful!!

Beautiful view of the falls and an informative guided tour of the quaint historical Stein am Rhein. Farina and Francesco gave a good tour and we would recommend this one to all.

loved this tour. tour guide was very knowledgeable