Schaffhausen

Schaffhausen is a charming town located in northern Switzerland near the German border. It is known for its picturesque Old Town, with well-preserved medieval buildings and narrow cobblestone streets. The town is famous for the Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall, which is just a short distance away.

Schaffhausen is also home to the Munot, a circular 16th-century fortress that offers stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside.

Places to visit

Key Phrases

Speak like a local

  • "Guten Morgen" - Good morning
  • "Auf Wiedersehen" - Goodbye
  • "Bitte" - Please
  • "Danke" - Thank you

Day plans

Spend a day exploring around

day 1

Exploring Old Town

morning:Start your day in Schaffhausen by visiting the iconic Munot, a 16th-century circular fortress offering panoramic views of the city and Rhine River. After taking in the sights, head to Cafe Vordergasse for a delicious breakfast with local pastries and freshly brewed coffee.

afternoon:In the afternoon, wander through the charming streets of Old Town, admiring the historic buildings and quaint shops. Don't miss a visit to the Allerheiligen Museum to learn about the region's history and culture. For lunch, stop by Rhybadi Restaurant to savor traditional Swiss cuisine with a view of the Rhine River.

evening:For the evening, visit the trendy Hemingway Bar to enjoy craft cocktails and live music in a sophisticated atmosphere.

day 2

Rhine Falls Adventure

morning:Embark on an adventure to the majestic Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall, and feel the mist on your face as you stand on the panoramic platforms. After taking in the natural wonder, head to Cafe und Bistro Rheinfall for a riverside breakfast with scenic views of the falls.

afternoon:Explore the surrounding nature trails and take a boat ride to get closer to the roaring cascades. If you're feeling adventurous, climb the stairways to the top of the rock for a unique perspective. For lunch, indulge in a variety of local and international dishes at Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall Restaurant.

evening:In the evening, experience the magic of the falls illuminated by color-changing lights and enjoy a peaceful evening stroll along the Rhine River banks.

day 3

Cultural Immersion

morning:Discover the rich cultural heritage of Schaffhausen at the Museum zu Allerheiligen, home to a diverse collection of art and historical artifacts. After exploring the museum, savor a delightful breakfast at Cafe Bar Fasslager, known for its cozy ambiance and freshly baked goods.

afternoon:Continue your cultural immersion with a visit to the Kirche St. Johann, a stunning gothic church with beautiful stained glass windows. Take a leisurely walk through the charming Herrenacker Park and enjoy the serene atmosphere. For lunch, treat yourself to a gourmet meal at Zeughauskeller, known for its delicious Swiss specialties.

evening:Wrap up the day by attending a captivating performance at Theater am Fluss, showcasing a range of theatrical and musical productions set against the picturesque backdrop of the Rhine River.

day 4

Wine Tasting & Relaxation

morning:Indulge in a tranquil morning at the Klosterkirche Allerheiligen, a serene monastery offering a peaceful retreat from the city buzz. Following a moment of reflection, head to Cafe Amalienpark for a leisurely breakfast surrounded by verdant gardens and charming architecture.

afternoon:Venture to the scenic vineyards surrounding Schaffhausen for an immersive wine tasting experience at Weingut Metzler. Sample a selection of exquisite local wines and learn about the winemaking process. Afterward, enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the vineyards while soaking in panoramic views of the Rhine River and the Swiss countryside.

evening:For a delightful evening, savor a relaxing dinner at Restaurant Kloster Rheinau, known for its delectable regional cuisine and serene ambiance by the riverbank.

Schaffhausen Famous Food

Must-Try local dishes

Saiblingfilet

A must-try local dish, Saiblingfilet is a pan-fried fillet of char fish commonly served with a creamy Riesling sauce. Enjoy this delicacy at Restaurant Fischerzunft, nestled by the Rhine River.

Must-Try!

Spanferkel

Spanferkel is a succulent roast suckling pig, typically seasoned with herbs and served with potato salad. An excellent place to savor this dish is at Restaurant zum Friedlichen Schäfer, a historic establishment dating back to the 16th century.

RĂĽeblitorte

Indulge in Rüeblitorte, a Swiss carrot cake often flavored with cinnamon and topped with cream cheese frosting. You can find delicious renditions of this treat at Mühlerama Café.

Food Markets & Street Food

A food market and street food guide

Schaffhauser Wochenmarkt

Every Tuesday and Saturday, the Schaffhausen weekly market comes alive, offering a vibrant array of fresh produce, local cheeses, artisan bread, and handmade chocolates. Don't miss the opportunity to sample street food specialties like traditional Swiss raclette and bratwurst.

Things to do in Schaffhausen

Unique local experiences...

Pet sitters in Schaffhausen

Relax and unwind while your furry friend enjoys making a new companion!

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