Schaffhausen to Rheinau, Highlight = RHINE FALLS

Saturday June 18, 2016 --

The Rhine Falls are the largest falls in Europe, measuring 150m in width and 23m in height, with an average of 600m3 per second of water plunging over the falls in summer.

(At the time of this hike in June of 2016, after so much rain this spring, the volume of water going over the falls increased by 50% to 875m3 per second! )

This was a pleasant and non-strenuous 3.5-hour hike starting in the very pretty old town of Schaffhausen with its signature benches and the Munot Tower (Castle).

From here we hiked along the Rhine River (at some places the river overflowing onto the trail) reaching the magnificent falls in just one hour. Under normal circumstances, tourists can take a boat to the huge boulder in the center of the falls, and climb the stairs to the top, but at this time there was simply too much water and the boats could not dock there.

From the falls we continued for another two hours (total 14 km) always following the River or parallel to it (the Rhine River forms the border of Switzerland and Germany) until our destination of Rheinau, which lies in a bend of the Rhine River and boasts a historical former Benedictine Monastery located on an island in the river. The church with its magnificent interior is an impressive example of Baroque architecture and one of Switzerland’s most significant religious structures.

Unfortunately we got caught in a flash rainstorm as we approached our destination, and got soaked before we had a chance to get our umbrellas out! We did consider ourselves lucky to have had an entire morning without rain!

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Here are some pictures of this hike:

Typical painted houses in the old town Schaffhausen

There are all these great benches all over the old town, from various donors and with all kinds of themes.

There are all these great benches all over the old town, from various donors and with all kinds of themes.

The Castle "Munot" is a well-known landmark in Schaffhausen.

Our 14-km hike took us along the Rhine River from Schaffhausen to Rheinau, mostly along the border between Switzerland and Germany. We followed the themed trail no.60: "Via Rhenana"

Across the river in the community called Flurlingen, the houses nearest the river are in danger of having their gardens flooded

There was so much rain this spring, that the Rhine River has overflowed its banks.

In about an hour we reached the top of the Rhine Falls, where the Laufen Castle is perched. 

Top of the Rhine Falls with Schloss Laufen

Masses of water flow under the railway bridge (the train goes through a tunnel under the castle)

50% more water than normal at this time of year!

50% more water than normal at this time of year!

50% more water than normal at this time of year!

On our walk down to the lower section of the falls, we encountered this. It was cute to watch the kids pretend milking the cow!

Boats still take tourists out near the falls, but they cannot dock at the big rock with the flag. 

Boats still take tourists out near the falls, but they cannot dock at the big rock with the flag. 

50% more water than normal at this time of year!

This one sits atop his own waterfall!

VIDEO:

I put together a short video of the falls, as it is impressive to see and hear the water flow!

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Trail marker showing us the way to Rheinau!

Heading South from the falls along the Rhine River, which has flooded the trail at some places.

Here is an outdoor swimming area with access to the river. Will have to try this out sometime!

And always lots of swans on the river.

Walking along the Rhine River on the Swiss side. The forest on the other side is Germany.

A lovely display of succulents along the way, in someone's private garden

We are following regional trail no.60: "Via Rhenana". At this point we've come two hours from Schaffhausen, and have another hour to go to Rheinau, the end of our hike. 

Walking along the Rhine River on the Swiss side. The forest on the other side is Germany

A swan excursion (group swimming...)

On our approach to Rheinau, we can see the storm coming up, and shortly afterwards we got caught in a flash downpour. (This church is called the "Bergkirche", or Mountain Church)

The former Benedictine Monastery at Rheinau, built on an island in the middle of the Rhine River.

The former Benedictine Monastery at Rheinau, built on an island in the middle of the Rhine River.

An impressive example of Baroque architecture and one of Switzerland's most significant churches.