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 10 per adult / CHF 5 per child (subject to availability, to be paid on site)
The boat ride is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility and strollers
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Visit of Rhine Falls, Laufen Castle, 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 10 per adult / CHF 5 per child (subject to availability, to be paid on site)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Personal expenses
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
German
Reviews
639 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Aussies on Vacation
Nathan H,
Aug 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great tour, wasn't a long day. Excellent Rhine Valley experience. Would highly recommend in Switzerland!!
Best part was fun but optional (and more expensive)!
Will R,
Aug 27, 2025
- Viator
3.00Nice (optional) boat ride virtually into the falls! That’s the plus. The minus is that tourist groups are (politely) naive. Fifteen minutes or more were wasted determining who wanted the optional boat ride, who had the correct Swiss cash (or an acceptable foreign exchange) and answering why the tour guide couldn’t fix every problem caused by the tourist unpreparedness. Make the boat mandatory and add 10 chf to the trip cost! Second, you need an advisory that the hike from the waterfront back to the top is quite steep. We seventy something’s were wondering if we were going to make it. I mentioned this to the tour guide who pretty much stated that if we were Swiss, we’d be in better shape. If we were Swiss, we wouldn’t be paying good money to take your tour!
Rhine falls
Maureen D,
Aug 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00My partner has a very hard time walking. So he stayed on the viewing platform. If you do the cruise part it’s very steep and there are many steps. Worth it even it it’s only 15 min
Falls
RJ H,
Aug 25, 2025
- Viator
4.00Falls are worth trip Tour guide Nicki was very personable and knowledgeable. Bus was hot though for most of trip
Disappointing tour that sounded great
Chris M,
Aug 24, 2025
- Viator
3.00We have been on other Viator tours that were much more engaging. If you didn’t ride the boat a the falls, which was an extra fee and a clunky process of collecting money for the tickets while on the bus, there really was very little to do at the falls & castle grounds. At Stein am Rhein - cute town but we were just let to wander for an hour - with some introduction while on the bus to the stop. Not sure I would recommend anyone spend 5.5 hours for this experience.
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Operated by Best of Switzerland Tours