Rhine Falls (Rheinfall) Tours and Tickets

There are lots of ways to experience the Rhine Falls. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best experiences available right now:

• Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein Half-Day Tour From Zurich

• Trip to 4 Countries: Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, Switzerland

• Rhine Falls Coach Tour Including Entry Tickets From Zurich

• Morning Group Tour to Rhine falls

• Black Forest and Rhine Falls Day Trip From Zurich

Entry to the Rhine Falls is free from the north shore (Neuhausen). However, if you enter from the south shore (Schloss Laufen), there’s a ₣5 entry fee to pay. This price also covers access to Laufen Castle’s viewing platforms and its Historama exhibition. Boat rides at the site start from ₣10.50 per person.

If you're a Zurich traveller, then yes, the Rhine Falls make a great day trip, located around an hour away from the city. Temper your expectations, though; while the Rhine Falls are both picturesque and powerful, they're not on the scale of headline cascades such as Victoria or Niagara Falls.

Per one customer who booked the Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein Half-Day Tour From Zurich, "A lovely trip to the Rhine Falls. They were awesome, the boat we were on got really close to the falls, so some great photos. The old town was quite nice."

If you’re just popping by Rhine Falls, you can see the cascade in just a few minutes. But if you’re taking a boat trip, you’ll want to give yourself at least an hour, if not more. That being said, most people make a morning or afternoon of it, adding activities like a visit to Laufen Castle or riding the tourist train.

People visit Rhine Falls for several reasons, but the appeal is clear: It’s a beautiful spot combining nature, culture, and family-friendly activities. Beyond taking a boat ride up to the lip of the waterfall, you can visit Laufen Castle—high on a hill above the falls—get some thrills in the adventure park, tour the onsite art gallery, and more.

The south side of Rhine Falls is typically considered “better.” It’s closer to the falls and provides more dramatic views, plus this is where you’ll find Laufen Castle. That said, it requires an entrance fee—the north side does not. There, you’ll find a lovely public-access promenade, playgrounds, and room to wander.

The best time to visit Rhine Falls is in spring after the snow has melted (which makes the falls' voluminous cascade even more spectacular) and before summer’s crowds have peaked. In terms of daytime, golden hour is a great time to visit—as is after sunset, when the rocks of the falls are illuminated.

Yes, you can see Rhine Falls for free from various vantage points along the river. The north side of the falls (opposite the castle) is your best bet—there’s a nice, bench-lined promenade here, plus restaurants, playgrounds for the kids, and no entrance fee (unlike the south bank). Try to avoid the parking lots, as those are paid.

When you're done at the Rhine Falls, nearby Zurich has a ton of other fun things to do. According to travelers, here are some of the top attractions in and around Zurich to visit:

• Lake Zurich

• Zurich Old Town

• Bahnhofstrasse

• Mt. Titlis

• Lindt Home of Chocolate

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Zurich.