A Day trip to the Rhine Falls

When making a book hotel Zurich, consider staying a few extra nights to explore sights outside of Zurich. The city is a gateway to some of Switzerland’s most iconic attractions, including the stunning Rhine Falls. The largest waterfall in Europe, Rhine Falls is just 45 minutes by train from Zurich. The city’s main railway station is only a ten minute walk from the Comfort Hotel.

Located between Neuhausen am Rheinfall and Laufen-Uhwiesen, the Rhine Falls are found in northern Switzerland near Schaffhausen. The waterfall measures 150 metres or 450 feet wide and 23 metres or 75 feet high. Formed during the last ice age, the Rhine Falls has been the site of a mill and a blast furnace for smelting iron ore from the 17th century to 19th century. Since the 19th century, the waterfall has also been used to generate electricity.

Each year on August 1 during the country’s day of independence, Swiss National Day, the waterfall is illuminated in a stunning display. The Rhine Falls also draw tourists at other times of the year, including on boat trips that travel along the Rhine. Viewing platforms are found on both banks of the river, offering stunning views of the falls. The nearby Schloos Laufen is also a popular attraction. The castle overlooks the waterfall and traces its routes to the 9th century.