Schloss Laufen – the 1000-Year-Old Castle by the Rhine Falls

A medieval castle on a rocky spur and roaring masses of water: the Rhine Falls and Schloss Laufen near Schaffhausen treat visitors to an impressive sight.

Schloss Laufen towers on a rocky spur high above the largest waterfall in Europe. Most visitors stroll directly through the inner courtyard of the castle to the “Känzeli”, a viewing platform directly over the thundering Rhine Falls. From here and from the glass panoramic elevator you can get the best views of this imposing natural spectacle.

It is also well worthwhile taking a look around the castle and finding out more about its 1000-year-old history at the “Historama” exhibition. First mentioned in an official document in the year 858, the ancient walls have experienced turbulent times ‒ in 1449, the besieged inhabitants were even forced to flee by swimming across the river.

Price

Admission to the Historama includes access to the Belvedere panoramic trail and the panoramic elevator 

  per person
Adults CHF 5
Children (6 – 16 years) CHF 3
Groups of 15 up to 29 persons CHF 3
Groups of 30 persons or more CHF 2

Tickets for visitors in a wheelchair, with a pram and groups of 15 or more are only available in the Visitor Centre.

Buy Tickets 

Opening Hours

Open on These Days

  • Mo
  • Tu
  • We
  • Th
  • Fr
  • Sa
  • Su

Historama, Belvedere panoramic trail, viewing platform and panoramic elevator:

June to August
Daily 8.00am – 6.00pm

September/October/April/May
Daily 9.00am – 6.00pm

November/February/March
Daily 10.00am – 4.00pm

December/January
Daily 10.00am – 4.00pm

Address

Distance Travel time
Zürich Main Station 33.7 km 52 min
Zürich Airport 25.3 km 48 min