FAQ Schaffhauserland

Learn more about Schaffhausen, Stein am Rhein, the Rhine Falls, and the surrounding countryside.
Here you’ll find a clear summary of the most important information about the Schaffhausen region.

In Switzerland, a vignette is required on national highways (autobahns and expressways, marked with green signs).
The vignette costs CHF 40.00, is valid for the current calendar year, and is available at post offices, most gas stations and auto repair shops, TCS offices, and motor vehicle registration offices. Near the border, vignettes are also available at highway gas stations.

If you are traveling via the A81, the vignette requirement applies starting at the German-Swiss border in Thayngen.

Here you can find the schedule for river journey and Rhine river journey .

The boating season usually begins around Easter (March/April) and ends in October. During this time, scheduled boats operate several times a day on various routes between Schaffhausen, Stein am Rhein, Kreuzlingen, and Konstanz.

The Munot is open:

May to September: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

October to April: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Rhine Falls are open 24/7, 365 days a year.

The opening hours of individual businesses, such as boat tours or restaurants, must be checked separately.

You can find all the information about the Rhine Falls at www.rheinfall.ch.

There is no admission fee on the north side (Schlössli Wörth).

Admission to the observation deck at Schloss Laufen CHF 5.00 per person. Groups of up to 29 people pay CHF 3.00, and groups of 30 or more pay CHF 2.00.

The Schaffhauserland is easily accessible by public transport.

Connectionsfrom Schaffhausen Station:

 

Rhine Falls

  • Bus: No. 1 towards Herbstäcker, stop «Neuhausen, Center». Then a walk of just under 10 minutes to the Rhine Falls basin.
  • Train: Stop «Neuhausen Rheinfall», then about a 5-minute walk to the Rhine Falls basin (has an elevator).
  • A direct train runs fromZurich Main Station to the "Neuhausen Rheinfall" stop.

 

Schloss Laufen

  • Train: Stop «Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall»

 

Munot

  • Bus: No. 4 towards Gruben, «Künzleheim» stop. Then about a 5-minute walk to the Munot.

 

Stein am Rhein

  • Train: Stop «Stein am Rhein, Station», duration approx. 30 min, then about a 10-minute walk to the old town

 

Wilchingen / Hallau

  • Train: Stop «Wilchingen-Hallau». Then direct connection by bus to Wilchingen or Hallau.

 

You can find the exact train and bus schedules atsbb.ch

City of Schaffhausen

Public paid parking is available in the wider Old Town area. Parking times are limited, usually to a maximum of two hours. Please follow the instructions at each parking meter. Daily or weekly parking lots are located just a few minutes’ walk from the Old Town (e.g., Mühlentalsträsschen, Viehmarkt, or Munot).

Parking spaces in the city of Schaffhausen

Coach parking spaces in the city of Schaffhausen

 

Rhine Falls North Bank

Car

  • Official Rhine Falls car park P1 - P4, Nohlstrasse, 8212 Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Paid parking

Coach

  • Official Rhine Falls car park P4, Nohlstrasse, 8212 Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Paid parking for cars and motorhomes up to 8 metres. Closed from November to March.
  • Short-term stop Rhine Falls/Bus parking Burgunwiese: Upon entering, a ticket must be taken at the barrier. The driver parks the vehicle at the short-term stop and allows passengers to disembark. Within 15 minutes, a parking fee of CHF 15.00 must be paid at the cash desk, and a receipt obtained. The driver then takes the vehicle to Burgunwiese in Neuhausen am Rheinfall (approx. 5 minutes away), where it can be parked without further charge or time limit (the receipt serves as a parking ticket). Guests will be picked up again after their visit to the Rhine Falls. Another CHF 15.00 must be paid for the pick-up. This means a tour bus can park at the Rhine Falls for an entire day for CHF 30.00.

 

Rhine Falls South Bank

Car/Coach

  • Official car park Schloss Laufen, Laufenstrasse, 8212 Laufen-Uhwiesen, Paid parking

 

Stein am Rhein

For cars and coaches, the Untertor car park is recommended. Untertor, 8260 Stein am Rhein

The Schaffhausen region is known for:

  • Schaffhauser Bölletünne
  • Schaffhausen Riesling Soup
  • Schlaatemer Rickli
  • Osterfingen Wine Delights
  • Schaffhauserzungen (These sweet almond pastries are available at Reber in Schaffhausen.)

You can also make these Schaffhausen specialties at home. Check out these four recipes.

Yes, dogs are allowed on the FoodTrail. At some establishments, dogs must wait outside for a short time.

Schaffhausen – Stein am Rhein
Dogs travel free of charge on all URh scheduled boats. Dogs are not permitted on special trips.

 

Rhine Falls
Dogs are allowed on the boats at the Rhine Falls, provided they are kept on a leash. The exception to this rule is the Rock Cruise, the Brunch Cruise, and the Lock Cruise. Dogs are not permitted on these boats.

  • Rhine Falls
  • Stein am Rhein
The route runs from Stein am Rhein Schaffhausen along the official Cycle Route No. 2. The route is listed on Schweiz Mobil.
  • Stein am Rhein

City of Schaffhausen

The Old Town of Schaffhausen is largely accessible and features a wheelchair-accessible path through the cobblestone streets.

You can find a list of accessible restaurants, shops, and facilities atPro Infirmisand at OK:GO Webmap.

 

Rhine Falls

You can find all the information aboutaccessibility at the Rhine Falls here.

 

Stein am Rhein

You can find a detailed overview atPro Infirmisand at OK:GO Webmap.

  • Schaffhausen
Yes, the train route from Schaffhausen to the Rhine Falls is included in the Deutschland Ticket.
  • Rhine Falls

No ships operate on the section of the Rhine between Schaffhausen and the Rhine Falls. The reason for this is a power plant located along the route.

From Schaffhausen, the Rhine Falls can be reached by train, bus, the Rhyfall-Express, or on foot.

  • Rhine Falls

In Switzerland, a vignette is required on national highways (autobahns and expressways, marked with green signs).
The vignette costs CHF 40.00, is valid for the current calendar year, and is available at post offices, most gas stations and auto repair shops, TCS offices, and motor vehicle registration offices. Near the border, vignettes are also available at highway gas stations.

If you are traveling via the A81, the vignette requirement applies starting at the German-Swiss border in Thayngen.

  • In the countryside
  • Rhine Falls
  • Stein am Rhein
In May and June, at least 15 different species of orchids can be spotted in Tannbüel. The current flowering status is monitored and published by Grün Schaffhausen.
  • In the countryside

Here you can find the schedule for river journey and Rhine river journey .

The boating season usually begins around Easter (March/April) and ends in October. During this time, scheduled boats operate several times a day on various routes between Schaffhausen, Stein am Rhein, Kreuzlingen, and Konstanz.

  • Stein am Rhein

The big fireworks display at the Rhine Falls takes place every year on July 31. More information will be posted on rheinfall.ch.

  • Rhine Falls
The fireflies in the Waldfriedhof cemetery usually start flying at the end of June. The current status is checked and published by Grün Schaffhausen.
  • Schaffhausen

The Rhine Falls are open 24/7, 365 days a year.

The opening hours of individual businesses, such as boat tours or restaurants, must be checked separately.

You can find all the information about the Rhine Falls at www.rheinfall.ch.

  • Rhine Falls

The Munot is open:

May to September: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

October to April: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

  • Schaffhausen
The Grand Tour of Switzerland is a road trip through Switzerland by car and motorcycle. Stage 1 runs from Zurich to Appenzell. In Schaffhauserland , the route Stein am Rhein the Rhine Falls, Schaffhausen, and Stein am Rhein . There are Schloss Laufen in Stein am Rhein at the Rhine Falls near Schloss Laufen .
The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is a round-trip train journey through Switzerland. Spanning eight stages, the route takes travelers to Switzerland’s most beautiful cities and Alpine destinations, through UNESCO World Heritage sites, and past world-famous landmarks. The St. Gallen–Schaffhausen–Zurich leg runs through the Schaffhauserland passes through the medieval towns Stein am Rhein Schaffhausen.
Stein am Rhein known for its magnificent facade murals. Stroll through the town and admire buildings such as the town hall, the White Eagle, the Fronhof, and many others.
  • Stein am Rhein

Even on rainy days, the Schaffhauserland offers Schaffhauserland to do: culinary highlights, museums, exhibitions, movie theaters, theaters, wellness facilities, and many other indoor activities.

Check out these tips for cold and rainy days.

  • Stein am Rhein

Riding the train, sleeping on straw, adventure playgrounds, swimming fun or discovering miniature worlds - the Schaffhauserland also has a lot to offer children.

  • KSS Sports and Recreation Park
  • Adventure Park Rhine Falls
  • Liliputbahn Stein am Rhein
  • Smilestones - Miniature World at the Rhine Falls
  • Aranea Climbing and Badminton
  • Ticiland Amusement Park
  • Allerheiligen Day Museum

Browse through our list of outing ideas designed especially for families and children.

There is no admission fee on the north side (Schlössli Wörth).

Admission to the observation deck at Schloss Laufen CHF 5.00 per person. Groups of up to 29 people pay CHF 3.00, and groups of 30 or more pay CHF 2.00.

  • Rhine Falls

The Schaffhausen region is known for:

  • Schaffhauser Bölletünne
  • Schaffhausen Riesling Soup
  • Schlaatemer Rickli
  • Osterfingen Wine Delights
  • Schaffhauserzungen (These sweet almond pastries are available at Reber in Schaffhausen.)

You can also make these Schaffhausen specialties at home. Check out these four recipes.

  • In the countryside

Stein am Rhein known for its magnificent facade murals. The charm of this medieval town immediately captivates visitors.

Stroll across Town Hall Square and through the narrow streets, admiring the facade murals. Towering high above the old town, Hohenklingen Castle offers a breathtaking view of the Hegau region, Lake Constance, and the Rhine landscape. The Benedictine Abbey in Stein am Rhein one of the best-preserved medieval monastery complexes in Switzerland and now houses a museum.

In Schaffhausen, the "City of 171 oriel windowsOld Town tour (excluding the Munot) is wheelchair-accessible.

In Stein am Rhein , the "Back to medieval timesold town tour Stein am Rhein wheelchair-accessible.

  • Stein am Rhein

Many accommodations in Schaffhausen and the surrounding region are bicycle-friendly and offer secure storage areas for bicycles.
Check out the list of accommodations with bicycle storage.

From museums, climbing gyms, escape rooms, observatories, and glassblowing workshops, there are Schaffhauserland indoor activities to enjoy in Schaffhauserland .

At Rhyfall Mändli , the“Blue Line No. 4 Short Tour” Rhyfall Mändli accessible to wheelchairs via a special ramp. All other boat tours departing from Rhyfall Mändli not wheelchair-accessible.

On Schiffmändli boats, passengers must be able to navigate three flat, wide steps. Wheelchairs are not recommended for the lock cruise, as passengers must disembark three times during the trip. Wheelchairs are not recommended for the brunch cruise, unless the passenger can leave the wheelchair and sit on the bench.

  • Rhine Falls

From concerts to exhibitions, theater and cultural performances, markets and festivals, as well as culinary highlights— Schaffhauserland something for everyone in Schaffhauserland .

The events calendar provides an overview of all current events and highlights.

Right next to Munot Fortress is Munot Playground. It’s a large playground with a climbing frame, slide, swings, sandbox, water pump, and more.

Browse through this list of playgrounds throughout the Schaffhausen region.

Parking fees can be paid in cash using coins in Swiss francs or euros. Alternatively, payment can be made via the Parkingpay or EasyPark app.

No parking ticket is issued. In Stein am Rhein enter your license plate number directly at the parking meter.
  • Stein am Rhein

The Schaffhauserland is easily accessible by public transport.

Connectionsfrom Schaffhausen Station:

 

Rhine Falls

  • Bus: No. 1 towards Herbstäcker, stop «Neuhausen, Center». Then a walk of just under 10 minutes to the Rhine Falls basin.
  • Train: Stop «Neuhausen Rheinfall», then about a 5-minute walk to the Rhine Falls basin (has an elevator).
  • A direct train runs fromZurich Main Station to the "Neuhausen Rheinfall" stop.

 

Schloss Laufen

  • Train: Stop «Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall»

 

Munot

  • Bus: No. 4 towards Gruben, «Künzleheim» stop. Then about a 5-minute walk to the Munot.

 

Stein am Rhein

  • Train: Stop «Stein am Rhein, Station», duration approx. 30 min, then about a 10-minute walk to the old town

 

Wilchingen / Hallau

  • Train: Stop «Wilchingen-Hallau». Then direct connection by bus to Wilchingen or Hallau.

 

You can find the exact train and bus schedules atsbb.ch

  • Rhine Falls
The official Switzerland on the Move Rhine Route 2 runs in 9 stages from Andermatt to Basel.

It takes about 15 minutes to walk up to the RIVI.

Parking spaces for cars and buses are available. Bus parking spaces may only be used in conjunction with a package from Rheinfalltickets or RIVI Gastro AG.

  • Rhine Falls

regular boat service takes you from Stein am Rhein Schaffhausen. From there, it's about a 10-minute walk to the train station, where you can transfer to a bus or train.

The train goes Stein am Rhein from Stein am Rhein to Schaffhausen. In Schaffhausen, you’ll transfer to a bus or train.

The well-signposted bike path leads cyclists through Hemishofen, Büsingen, and Schaffhausen to the Rhine Falls.

  • Stein am Rhein

From Steiner’s Old Town, it takes about 50 minutes on foot and about 30 minutes by bike to reach Hohenklingen Castle. The climb is steep and covers an elevation gain of about 200 meters.

Parking spaces are available right next to the castle for cars; there is a turning area for tour buses.

From May through September, the Burg-Express runs to Hohenklingen Castle on weekends.

  • Stein am Rhein

The Randen a popular recreational area ideal for hiking.

On sunny Sundays and holidays, the Randenbus departs from Hemmental or Siblingen for the Randen hiking area.

 

  • In the countryside
Follow the signs for “Rheinfall.” The route from the city of Schaffhausen runs along country roads. For navigation, we recommend selecting the “avoid toll roads” setting in your GPS or Google Maps.
  • Rhine Falls
  • Schaffhausen

The Old Town of Schaffhausen is mostly a pedestrian zone.

 

Walking path to the Munot

It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to walk from the Schaffhausen train station to the Munot. Take a stroll through the old town. At the end of the walk, a few steps lead up to the fortress.

 

Walking path to the Rhine Falls

It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to walk from the Schaffhausen train station to the Rhine Falls. The scenic walking path, which runs mostly along the Rhine, is well marked.

 

Walkway to the boat landing

It takes about 11 minutes to walk to the boat landing.
It’s worth allowing a little extra time: along the way, you’ll find the famous Haus zum Ritter numerous medieval facade paintings and some of the 171 oriel windows.

 

 

  • Schaffhausen
You should plan on spending at least three hours at the Rhine Falls—including a boat tour, a walk, and a coffee break.

There are four «Randentürme» (viewing towers) in the canton of Schaffhausen:

  1. Schleitheim Randenturm
  2. Beringer Randenturm
  3. Hagenturm
  4. Siblingen Randenturm
  • In the countryside

There are various bicycle and motorcycle parking spaces available both inside and outside the Old Town.

The larger bike parking areas are:

  • Schaffhausen Train Station / Schaffhausen Cantonal Bank
  • Allerheiligen Day Mass
  • Herrenacker
  • Schaffhausen

City of Schaffhausen

Public paid parking is available in the wider Old Town area. Parking times are limited, usually to a maximum of two hours. Please follow the instructions at each parking meter. Daily or weekly parking lots are located just a few minutes’ walk from the Old Town (e.g., Mühlentalsträsschen, Viehmarkt, or Munot).

Parking spaces in the city of Schaffhausen

Coach parking spaces in the city of Schaffhausen

 

Rhine Falls North Bank

Car

  • Official Rhine Falls car park P1 - P4, Nohlstrasse, 8212 Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Paid parking

Coach

  • Official Rhine Falls car park P4, Nohlstrasse, 8212 Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Paid parking for cars and motorhomes up to 8 metres. Closed from November to March.
  • Short-term stop Rhine Falls/Bus parking Burgunwiese: Upon entering, a ticket must be taken at the barrier. The driver parks the vehicle at the short-term stop and allows passengers to disembark. Within 15 minutes, a parking fee of CHF 15.00 must be paid at the cash desk, and a receipt obtained. The driver then takes the vehicle to Burgunwiese in Neuhausen am Rheinfall (approx. 5 minutes away), where it can be parked without further charge or time limit (the receipt serves as a parking ticket). Guests will be picked up again after their visit to the Rhine Falls. Another CHF 15.00 must be paid for the pick-up. This means a tour bus can park at the Rhine Falls for an entire day for CHF 30.00.

 

Rhine Falls South Bank

Car/Coach

  • Official car park Schloss Laufen, Laufenstrasse, 8212 Laufen-Uhwiesen, Paid parking

 

Stein am Rhein

For cars and coaches, the Untertor car park is recommended. Untertor, 8260 Stein am Rhein

  • Rhine Falls
  • Schaffhausen
  • Stein am Rhein
There are various public bike pumps and bike shops available in the Schaffhausen region.
  • Schaffhausen

Schaffhauserland a wide range of fondue dishes on offer in Schaffhauserland . Most restaurants only serve fondue or raclette during the winter months.

Take a look at the overview of fondue options in the Schaffhausen region.

Lockers are available at the Schaffhausen train station for a fee.
  • Schaffhausen

Public restrooms in Schaffhausen's Old Town are marked on the Schaffhausen city map.

Public restrooms are located at:

  • train station
  • Schwabentor
  • Monastery of Allerheiligen
  • Moser Garden
  • Güterhof
  • Promenade Park
  • Rhein Street
  • Salt Barn
  • Munot Park
  • Schaffhausen

Public restrooms in Stein am Rhein Stein am Rhein on the Stein am Rhein city map.

Public restrooms are located at:

  • Untertor
  • Shipping
  • City Church
  • Stein am Rhein

The stretch of the Rhine between Stein am Rhein Schaffhausen is perfect for rubber boating stand-up paddleboarding.

For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, the Schaffhausen Amazon invites you to enjoy a relaxing boat ride down the Rhine from the Rhine Falls.

Be sure to research the route, the weather, and safety guidelines in advance.

  • Stein am Rhein

Through www.rentabike.ch, you can rent a variety of bicycles and e-bikes at the Schaffhausen train station, at River Bike in Stein am Rhein at TCS Camping in Flaach.

Rent a bike from Sportegge Alder Velos, or combine it with a canoe trip.

  • In the countryside

There are numerous e-bike charging stations available in the Schaffhausen region. The e-bike charging station map shows where the nearest one is located.

  • In the countryside
On the north side (Schlössli Wörth), there is a limited number of small lockers (for carry-on luggage) at Info-Shop the Rhine Falls. On the south side, near Schloss Laufen no lockers available.
  • Rhine Falls
Swimming in the Rhine is permitted. We recommend using only designated river swimming areas and bathing spots along the Rhine. Swimming in the Rhine without experience is not to be taken lightly.
  • Stein am Rhein
The closest campground to the city of Schaffhausen is the Rheinwiese Camping and Recreation Center. It is located right on the Rhine, just a few minutes from downtown, and offers sites for tents, trailers, and RVs.
  • Schaffhausen
In Schaffhausen, you can exchange money at the Schaffhauser Kantonalbank, at the Depositenkasse inside Coop City, or at the train station.
  • Schaffhausen
In most tourist destinations in the Schaffhausen region, you can pay with euros. Depending on the situation, change may be given in Swiss francs.
In Stein am Rhein purchase a vignette at the Volg on Rathausplatz.
  • Stein am Rhein

In Stein am Rhein exchange money at the Schaffhausen Cantonal Bank. The SHKB is located at Rathausplatz 4.

  • Stein am Rhein
The Rhyfall Express runs from April through October. In Schaffhausen, the train departs from the Schifflände and from the Münster. The exact departure times are listed in the schedule.
  • Rhine Falls