Schaffhausen, nestled in the northernmost corner of Switzerland, offers a captivating blend of natural wonders, medieval charm, and rich history.

Known for its proximity to the majestic Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall, and its remarkably preserved Old Town, Schaffhausen is a delightful destination for a memorable Swiss escape.

Getting There

Schaffhausen is well-connected and easily accessible.

By Air: The closest major international airport is Zurich Airport (ZRH). From there, direct train connections to Schaffhausen take approximately 50 minutes.
By Train: Schaffhausen has excellent train links to major Swiss cities like Zurich (around 40-60 minutes) and Basel (around 1.5-2 hours). International train connections are also available.
By Car: Driving to Schaffhausen offers flexibility, with good road connections. However, be aware of potential tolls and parking availability, especially in the historic center.

Best Time to Visit

Schaffhausen offers different charms throughout the year:

Summer (June to August): This is the peak season, with warm temperatures and lush greenery, perfect for outdoor activities like boat trips on the Rhine and enjoying the Rhine Falls. While there can be intermittent rainfall, it rarely deters plans.
Shoulder Seasons (March to May and September to November): Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Spring sees the landscape come alive with blooming flowers, while autumn provides stunning vineyard views and harvest festivals. Some outdoor activities might not be fully operational in early spring.
Winter (December to February): Schaffhausen transforms into a fairytale setting, especially with a visit to the charming town of Stein am Rhein. It’s colder with the possibility of snow, offering a different, quieter experience.

Top Attractions and Things to Do

1. The Rhine Falls (Rheinfall)

No visit to Schaffhausen is complete without experiencing the sheer power of the Rhine Falls. As Europe’s largest waterfall, it’s an awe-inspiring natural spectacle.

Viewing Platforms: Several panoramic viewing platforms on both the northern (Neuhausen) and southern (Laufen Castle) banks allow you to get incredibly close to the thundering water. The “Känzeli” outlook is particularly popular.
Boat Trips: For an unforgettable experience, take a boat trip into the basin of the falls, allowing you to feel the spray and witness the falls from a unique perspective. You can even take a boat to a rock in the middle of the falls and climb to a viewing platform.
Laufen Castle (Schloss Laufen): Located on the southern bank, this historic castle offers excellent views of the falls and also houses a youth hostel and a restaurant.
Adventure Park Rheinfall: For thrill-seekers, this rope park near the falls offers over 150 obstacles and breathtaking views.

2. Schaffhausen Old Town (Altstadt)

Schaffhausen’s traffic-free Old Town is a meticulously preserved medieval gem, characterized by its ornate bay windows (oriels), painted house facades, and charming cobblestone streets.

Wander and Explore: Simply strolling through the winding alleys is a delight. Admire the numerous historic buildings, each with its own story.
Fronwagplatz: This central, traffic-free square is a popular meeting point with fountains, cafes, and shops. Don’t miss the Fronwag Tower with its astronomical clock.
Haus zum Ritter: This impressive building in the Old Town is famous for its Renaissance frescoes.
Guided Tours: Consider taking a guided tour of the Old Town, including evening tours with a night watchman, to learn about its history and hidden gems.

3. Munot Fortress

Dominating the Schaffhausen skyline from its hilltop perch, the circular Munot Fortress is a symbol of the city.

Panoramic Views: Climb to the top of the fortress for spectacular panoramic views of Schaffhausen, the River Rhine, and the surrounding vineyards.
History: Built between 1564 and 1589, the Munot was a significant part of the city’s defensive fortifications.
Munot Keeper: A unique tradition continues here: the Munot keeper lives in a flat within the tower and rings the Munot bell by hand every evening at 9 p.m., a tradition since 1589.
Fallow Deer Colony: A colony of fallow deer resides in the moat surrounding the fortress.

4. Allerheiligen Monastery (Kloster Allerheiligen) and Museum zu Allerheiligen

This former Benedictine monastery complex is a significant cultural and historical site in Schaffhausen.

Romanesque Minster: Explore the impressive 12th-century Romanesque church, considered one of Switzerland’s most original Romanesque church buildings.
Largest Cloister: The monastery boasts Switzerland’s largest cloister, partly Romanesque and partly Gothic in style.
Museum zu Allerheiligen: Housed within the monastery, this museum combines archaeology, history, art, and nature under one roof, offering comprehensive insights into the region’s past.
Herb Garden: Enjoy a stroll through the fragrant herb garden.

5. Stein am Rhein

A short and scenic boat trip or bike ride along the Rhine from Schaffhausen will take you to Stein am Rhein, often described as one of Switzerland’s best-preserved medieval towns.

Painted Facades: The town is renowned for its incredibly well-preserved and elaborately painted medieval buildings, especially around the Rathausplatz (Town Hall Square).
St. George’s Abbey: Explore this well-preserved medieval monastery complex on the riverbank.
Hohenklingen Castle: Overlooking Stein am Rhein, this 13th-century castle offers fantastic views of the town and the Rhine.

Other Notable Attractions

IWC Museum: Delve into 150 years of Swiss watchmaking history at the museum of the International Watch Company (IWC), located by the Rhine.
Rhybadi: On a warm day, enjoy a refreshing dip in the Rhine at this historic wooden lido, offering views of the Munot Fortress.
Museum Lindwurm: Experience what life was like for a Swiss middle-class family in the mid-19th century in this elegant museum.
Smilestones Miniature World: Near the Rhine Falls, this indoor miniature model features iconic Swiss sights, including the Matterhorn and Rhine Falls, with incredible attention to detail.

Food and Drink

Schaffhausen offers a variety of dining experiences, from traditional Swiss cuisine to international flavors.

Local Specialties: Be sure to try “Schaffhauser Riesling soup” (a local wine soup) or “Bölletünne” (onion tart), often accompanied by a glass of wine from the local Pinot Noir (Blauburgunderland) region.
Riverside Dining: Enjoy meals with views of the Rhine at restaurants like Guterhof.
Fine Dining: The Michelin Guide lists several restaurants in Schaffhausen for those seeking a more upscale culinary experience.
Wineries: Explore the local wine estates, particularly those in the Blauburgunderland region, for tastings and tours.

Accommodation

Schaffhausen offers a range of accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences:

Hotels in the Old Town: Many hotels are located within or on the edge of the Old Town, offering easy access to attractions and a charming atmosphere (e.g., Hotel 2B, Hotel Kronenhof, Boutique-Hotel Rüden).
Hotels with Views: Some hotels provide views of the Munot Fortress or the Rhine River.
Park-side Hotels: Hotel Promenade and Hotel Park Villa offer a quieter setting amid green spaces.
Youth Hostels: For budget-friendly options, the Schaffhausen Youth Hostel provides comfortable and clean accommodations.

Practical Tips

Tourist Information: Head to the Schaffhauserland Tourismus office in the Old Town (Town Hall) for maps, information, and guided tour details.
Public Transport: Schaffhausen is very walkable, especially the Old Town. Public transport is efficient for reaching attractions further afield, such as the Rhine Falls. A tourist train, the Rhyfall Express, connects the town to the falls.
Swiss Pass: If you plan on extensive travel by train, bus, or boat throughout Switzerland, consider purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass for cost savings and convenience.
Currency: The official currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF).
Language: German is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Schaffhausen truly offers a delightful and diverse experience, blending breathtaking natural beauty with captivating history and culture. Enjoy your visit to this unique Swiss canton!