Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein Half-Day Tour from Zurich
Overview
Available languages
5 hours 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
Visit the magnificent Rhine Falls and the pretty village of Stein am Rhein on this 5-hour trip from Zurich. With a guide, you'll travel along part of the Grand Tour of Switzerland, passing through gently rolling vineyards and picturesque farming villages near the German border.
Marvel at the powerful Rhine Falls - Europe’s largest waterfall - from clifftop Laufen Castle and enjoy breathtaking views from the panoramic glass lift. Witness an incredible 700,000 liters of water per second thundering over a 150-meter-wide drop into the basin below. In summer, you can opt for an unforgettable boat ride that brings you up close to the mighty cascades (optional).
Continue to the beautifully preserved town of Stein am Rhein, where a guided walking tour reveals its richly frescoed, half-timbered buildings and fascinating medieval architecture.
Perfect for those short on time, this tour offers a memorable snapshot of Swiss history, culture, and natural beauty - all in just half a day.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Optional boat ride: CHF 12 per adult / CHF 8 per child (April to October, subject to availability, payable on site by credit card or in cash)
The boat ride is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility or strollers
What To Expect
Zurich
Sit back and relax on a comfortable coach while listening to your multilingual guide explaining about Switzerland's interesting history and culture. The journey takes you along the Grand Tour of Switzerland through picturesque landscapes with gently rolling vineyards and charming farming villages close to the German border.
Rhine Falls
Reach the first highlight of this afternoon at splendid medieval Castle Laufen – the mighty Rhine Falls! Enjoy about one hour leisure time at Europe's biggest waterfalls and one of Switzerland's major tourist attractions! Delight unique views from the panoramic lift and see how an average of 700'000 liters of water per second plunge across a width of 150 meters into the basin below. The Belvedere panoramic trail brings you to the viewing platform right above the falls where you feel the spindrift of the rumbling waters. Take an optional boat ride (summer only, additional costs) close to the falls. Enjoy an hour here to see an exhibition, admire panoramic views from the glass elevator, or walk to the viewpoints above and around the falls to thrill at their roar and power. The site also has a playground, shops, and restaurants. Perhaps opt for a boat ride (subject to availability and not included in price) to experience the crashing cascades close up.
Options
English
What‘s Included
Visit to Rhine Falls (including ticket), and access to Laufen Castle and Historama
Fully guided tour by professional multilingual guide
Transportation in comfortable coach with AC
Carbon-balanced operations certified by myclimate
Guided village walk in Stein am Rhein
Food and drinks
Optional boat ride (CHF 12 per adult / CHF 8 per child, payable on site by cash or card)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Personal expenses
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
766 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lively drive /falls/lukch trip
TammieJo S,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00It was well timed—a little too much about the Swiss “wonderfully neutral” part in WWII, [ while history shows they stored stolen Nazi gold and art for Hitler]…but the visit timing was lovely and we had a wonderful lunch in the village outside of Rhein Falls.
Scenic Sunday
svetlanap714,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely half day tour travelling to the falls, walking through the smallish castle area and seeing beautiful falls. On to Stein Am and this is a gorgeous little medieval village with a history filled town square. Very beautiful!
Rhine Falls
俊平 伊,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I enjoyed the detailed explanation and Rhine Falls. This is recommended for those who have time.
Rhine waterfalls tour
michaelaY2841RJ,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We only went to the Rhine waterfalls. Angela was great, very informative and lovely to talk too. The falls were amazing. Our bus driver also needs a mention as we had a very comfortable and relaxing trip. 3 and half hours was enough.
We took this tour the...
Sandy Q,May 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We took this tour the afternoon after we arrived in Switzerland. The driver and guide were both very good. The sites were beautiful.
Beautiful falls. Challenging environment.
GlobeTrotting762288,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Lots of stairs and a fairly steep slope to climb getting back to the bus area. I feel it could have been a bit better explained for those not up to the level of physical activity. The area to exit also not marked clearly
Rhine Falls Tour
Robert M,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a fantastic tour! Our tour guide Thomas was fantastic! The Rhine Falls was great, but the small town Stein am Rhein was the highlight of the trip for me! It is an amazing middle aged town with incredible architecture and history!
Not what we expected
Louis T,May 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Not really what we expected. The van air conditioner was not working properly. It was in the high 70’s. The guide informed us of a boat ride at the falls but you had to have cash. It would have been nice to know on advance that we needed cash. The guide told us of an atm where we could get some money. The did his best at getting us to the boat. The other people who did not take the boat were left to fend for themselves. Two guides would have been better. The city of stein am rhine we were on our own.. the way to the town he told us the highlights of the town and gave us a map. It would have been better if he took us as a group and gave us the details as we walked. The guide was a very nice man. The tour needs to be refined more.
A must!
Erika C,May 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful tour by the guide (unfortunately I can’t remember her name as we had many tours) very informative and worth it! Wish we would have had more time at the 2nd location as it was truly beautiful and lots to do there.
Monica was a great guide...
Darren S,May 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Monica was a great guide and was full of energy and local knowledge The tour struck a good balance between the falls and the town.
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Operated by Best of Switzerland Tours