Schaffhauserland

Nestled in an idyllic landscape. Shaped by the Rhine, endless vineyards, dense forests and the hills of the Randen – this is the region Schaffhauserland. The old town of Schaffhausen, with its 171 bay windows, is just as inviting to explore as the Rhine Falls, where you can experience the fine spray up close. The Schaffhausen Pinot Noir region offers fruity wines and delightful insights into viticulture, whilst Stein am Rhein, with its medieval townscape and artistically painted façades, invites you to linger.

The Rhine Falls: Europe’s largest waterfall

Across a width of 150 metres, an average of around 600'000 litres of water per second plunge 23 metres to the ground. Europe’s largest waterfall immediately captivates visitors. Panoramic paths and viewing platforms take visitors so close that they almost feel as though they are standing in the spray themselves. Boats take the brave ones right up close to the waterfall and even to the rock in the middle of the cascade.

Schaffhausen: History and culture

The nearby Rhine Falls and rapids forced boatmen and rafters near Schaffhausen to transfer their cargo to carts. It was thanks to this that the town rose to become a thriving trading centre. In the 16th century, the townspeople built a fortress – the Munot. Even today, the Munot watchman or watchwoman lives in the tower and rings the "Munotglöggli" by hand every evening at nine o’clock. The sprawling historic old town is almost car-free and, with its many small boutiques and shops, invites visitors to take a leisurely stroll. Those with a penchant for culture should visit the Romanesque All Saints’ Monastery, which houses a richly stocked museum on the cultural history of the region and an imposing 11th-century Romanesque columned basilica.

Stein am Rhein, the gem of the canton of Schaffhausen

Where the Rhine flows out of Lake Constance lies the small town of Stein am Rhein, with its richly painted façades and quiet corners. Nature, culture and history come together here to form a unique whole, cherished by locals and visitors from near and far alike. The town’s rich cultural heritage and history-steeped way of life trace their origins to the founding of the Benedictine monastery of St. Georgen over 1'000 years ago. Today, the narrow streets between the stately half-timbered houses and the Rhine promenade invite you to take a leisurely stroll. Towering above the town as a landmark visible from afar is the imposing Hohenklingen Castle, and between Stein am Rhein and Schaffhausen, boat passengers enjoy one of the most beautiful river cruises in Europe.

Klettgau: Wine growing and wine festivals in the land of Pinot Noir

Nestled in the rolling hills west of Schaffhausen lies the Klettgau, a wide valley where a fruity, full-bodied wine is grown and which is perfect for leisurely walks or bike rides. In German-speaking Switzerland’s most important wine-growing region, the old wine-growing villages invite you to wine tastings and cellar tours, whilst the Hallau Wine Museum offers an insight into the region’s wine-growing traditions. In September and October, the wine-growing villages spruce themselves up for the "autumn festivals": fountains and houses are festively decorated, and rustic wine cellars are transformed into cosy wine taverns.