- Address: Rheinfallquai, 8212 Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland
- Phone: +41 (0) 52 659 69 00
- Website: www.rheinfall.ch
- Height: 23 m
- Width: 150 m
Switzerland is a very well-groomed and rich country, it is a popular resort since time immemorial. In addition to the famous ski resorts , a small country attracts tourists with its beautiful nature: alpine meadows, snow caps of mountains, clear mountain rivers. One of the most famous natural attractions in Switzerland is the Rhine Falls (Rheinfall), the largest in Europe.
Geologists believe that the waterfall was formed by the movement of glaciers about 500 thousand years ago. The ice age has made a major change in the local landscape, shifting rivers and rocks. The Rhine changed its bed repeatedly, eroding soft rocks. We can say that today's waterfall has acquired about 17-14 thousand years ago. In the center of the waterfall are visible rocks - these are the remains of a former rocky coast on the Rhine's path.
General information
The Rhine Falls is one of the largest in Western Europe: although its height is about 23 meters, it is the most full and powerful. In the summer, 700 cubic meters of water are pouring downwards, the volumes are reduced to 250 cubic meters by winter. m.
The waterfall looks majestic and beautiful, in the warm season its width exceeds 150 meters. Imagine the full force of bubbling water, foam, spray, endless rainbow and water noise. The peak of the melting of the Alpine snows falls at the beginning of July, at which time the Rhine Falls reaches its maximum strength and size.
The Rhine Falls is on all tourist maps, for most tourists it is a mandatory point of the excursion program . It is located in the suburb of the border town of Germany Neuhausen am Rheinfall, belonging to the canton of Schaffhausen in Switzerland.
The Rhine Falls and electricity
Repeatedly over the past 150 years, options for building powerful power stations on the waterfall have been considered, but each time not only local residents and ecologists, but also well-known citizens of the country found arguments for preserving the Rhine ecosystem. In 1948-1951, one small power plant still built, but its volume is too small to talk about serious damage.
The Neuhausen power plant uses only 25 cubic meters and produces 4.6 MW, while the entire waterfall capacity is about 120 MW.
What to see next to the Rhine Falls?
Near the waterfall there are two castles:
- Castle Laufen on top of the cliff. Affluent tourists can stay here for overnight, as the castle is run by a private boarding house, and all the rest are happy to visit a souvenir shop .
- Wörth Castle is located just below on the island, you can dine in an excellent restaurant of national cuisine and also look into the souvenir shop.
Near the waterfall in the summer time, small cruises on boats, it is noteworthy that you can order a tour in Russian and even fry shish kebabs on a special site. Annually on August 1 celebrate the national holiday of Switzerland. At this time, traditionally, a fireworks launch near the waterfall.
Above the waterfall in 1857, a remarkable railway bridge was built. Along it goes the sidewalk, so that you can enjoy a frothy spectacle from afar.
How to get to the Rhine Falls?
Near the waterfall there are several observation platforms for tourists. The most important of them is located on a rock in the very center of the waterfall. You can get to it only on an electric boat for 6 Swiss francs from the berth at Wörth Castle.
On the other side of the castle of Laufen there is a very convenient access to the waterfall and free parking. Entrance to the site from this castle is 5 Swiss francs, and children under 6 years are admitted free of charge, accompanied by an adult. For people with disabilities, there are two elevators.
You can get to the Rhine Falls by car or bus in several ways:
- From the city of Winterthur, where you can take the train, which in 25 minutes will drive you to the station Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall near the waterfall.
- From the town of Schaffhausen, from where Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall station goes by bus number 1.
- From the city of Bulach by train S22 to Newhausen, from where the waterfall is 5 minutes walk.
- By car on the coordinates.
Before any city you will easily get from Zurich .
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