Wednesday 7th November 2018
A mere 2 hour drive from our campsite in Germany and we could be at the Rhine Falls in Switzerland. The picturesque drive through the Regional Naturepark of Schaffhausen would lead us to the Rheinfall, a place that Ray had seen signposted on his previous motorcycle trips but had not visited.
Yet again we enjoyed a delightful drive from our campsite, initially through one of the longest 50 kph stretches of road we have ever come across, through Münstertal. This a huge municipality in the southern Black Forest which seems to go on for ever!
Apart from the superb alpine valley views and the steep hillsides that look impossible for anything to climb, it is home to the impressive monastery of St Trudpert.
From the Rhine Valley we began a steady climb along a narrow but well maintained winding road up to the summit on the L 124 and Schauinsland.
Our journey continued along superb roads where we were able to enjoy the wonderful alpine scenery above and below.
Many of the small towns and villages we passed through were also meccas for skiing and winter sports enthusiasts and we saw plenty of activity preparing the slopes for the forthcoming season.
We crossed the border into Switzerland with no bother and headed through the Regional Naturepark of Schaffausen towards the Rhine falls, making sure we avoided any toll roads, as the toll sticker costs CHF 40.00 and we were only going to be in Switzerland for the day.
We parked at the lower car park, close to the Schloss Worth and the Rhine Fall basin but there is also a car park located at the cliff top castle of Schloss Laufen, as well as the railway station Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall.
After following the Rhine Fall basin we headed up several flights of steps to admire the waterfall from different viewpoints until we finally crossed the bridge over the Rhine to Schloss Laufen.
You can access the Rhine falls on the northern bank and enjoy its beauty free of charge any day of the week but you have to pay for the car park.
If you enter from the southern banks at Schloss Laufen there are no car park charges and you only have to pay CHF 5 per person to access the viewing platforms and Historama.
You certainly get up close and personal to the falls on several levels and despite having to descend several flights of steps to enjoy the many views you can use the glass elevator back to the top.
During peak times there are several boat trips and the Rhyfall-Express tourist train and you can always enjoy the Rhine Fall illuminations most nights of the year.
The views from the southern side of the Rhine were certainly worth the small entrance cost.
On the southern side you will also find the train station Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall, as well as a small cafe and outdoor eating area, a souvenir shop and WCs.
Checked out your site, lucky you having this wonderful European experience. Thanks for your letter, Jill and John
Very lucky indeed 😀 Merry Christmas!