A Day Trip to the Rhine Falls From Zurich

When families have a third day in Zurich, I send them to the Rhine Falls, and they always come back thrilled. Under an hour away by train, it is the largest waterfall in Europe, and there is nothing polite or banking city about it, just a thundering, spray soaked wall of water that leaves kids wide eyed.

The magic here is that you do not just look at the falls, you get out into them. Little boats ferry visitors right up to a great rock that sits in the middle of the torrent, and you can climb the steps to a viewing platform on top, surrounded by the roar and the spray. Various boat trips run at different levels of daring, from gentle crossings to the full up close ride, so you can match it to your kids’ nerve.

There are walkways and viewing platforms on both banks too, some bringing you thrillingly close to the edge of the falls, and a small castle overlooking the scene. It is easy to reach, the train drops you close by, and a few hours is plenty.

Bring a light rain jacket, because you will get misted, and hold little hands near the railings. It is the kind of raw, elemental sight that beats another cathedral hands down for kids, and it pairs perfectly with a couple of days in the city.

The full Zurich itinerary is in Zurich With Kids. When you are ready, Work with me.