12 Great Things To Do In Schaffhausen, Switzerland (2024)

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Visiting Schaffhausen and curious about what is there to see and do? Read on to find the best things to do in Schaffhausen.

If Switzerland is on your travel bucket list and Schaffhausen is not a sub-part of the list, then you are missing something that can introduce you to the renaissance style architecture, notable history and gorgeous landscapes. This idyllic medieval town in Northern Switzerland is just under an hour from Zurich and conveniently accessible by road or train.

To tell you more about this unpopular travel destination, here is a list of things you can do in Schaffhausen. I am sure you will be surprised by what this hidden gem can offer you.

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Things To Do In Schaffhausen, Switzerland

1. Take A Tour Of The Rhine Falls

Rhine Falls is the most visited place in the entire tour of Schaffhausen. People look forward to this trip simply to hang around Rhine Falls and click great pictures around it. But it is still the biggest question in the minds of tourists as to what side they should explore of the giant waterfall.

If you are with the guide, they will already take you to the south side of the fall, already guiding you through all the parts of the journey but if you are on your own, and in the mood to explore. Keep the south side for the last, as the dessert as it is going to offer you the best retreat.

To get to the Rhine Falls, you can take a train from Schaffhausen, which will take 10 minutes to reach the nearest station and after that, you can take a bus ride to the falls for another 12 minutes. The clear turquoise water and its fast flow will surprise you for sure.

The most fun way to see the Rhine falls is through a tour in a traditionally crafted boat. This tour takes you to a viewing platform that is located in the center of the Rhine falls. This boat tour lasts for 30 minutes and is totally worth going on for the experience of being surrounded by the cascades of the waterfalls. Click here to book your spot now!

Marveling over the stunning surroundings during the Rhine Falls tour is one of the most unmissable and memorable things to do in Schaffhausen.

2. Wander Around The Munot Fortress

A giant ring-shaped fortress surrounded by vineyards and forests on all its sides is what Munot is. It was made in the 16th century. It is located in the center of the city of Schaffhausen and now it serves as an attractive monument for the visitors. It also serves as a place for various events that include cultural, communal and musical events.

Standing near the walls of the modern fortress and old castle, you can witness the entire perimeter of the city.

While visiting Schaffhausen, people prefer to visit this architectural wonder as well. As there is a forest at the side of the fortress, you can see some animals like deer roaming around the walls of the castle and simply basking in the heat of the sun as you are exploring it, too on a sunny day.

3. Visit The IWC Schaffhausen Museum

Unlike the historic collection that this museum has, the architectural style of the building of the IWC Schaffhausen museum is modern and contemporary. The well-lit galleries on the inside and the glass walls of the museum give it a reflector design, thus making it a unique museum in the area. IWC is the oldest luxury watch brand based in Schaffhausen.

Talking about the history of the brand and the museum. On its 125th anniversary in 1993, IWC, opened this museum to give a glimpse into the world of the birth of a brand that is older than a century and how it is more a legendary trade than just a mere company.

Those who love to collect watches, know the value of collecting Swiss Luxury watches. If you are one of them, visiting this would be a treat for you.

4. See Preserved Wildlife Collections In Museum Stemmler

For the ones who love wildlife and also love studying them deeply. Museum Stemmler in Schaffhausen can offer you a deep dive into that subject. There is a wide collection of birds, wild animals and other different kinds of creatures and insects at this museum.

As you enter this museum, you will realize how old the collections are and how deeply they have been studied as well as the collection display deep notations about every single creature in the collection. If zoology is your interest, then visiting Museum Stemmler is one of the best things to do in Schaffhausen for you.

5. Visit The Military Museum in the Armoury (Museum im Zeughaus)

The Swiss Army played a significant role in the wars. The techniques that they built those required machines with were quite exemplary. If you want to know more about it and want to learn about the Swiss army and its craftsmanship, you can visit the military museum at Schaffhausen.

The collection here includes private articles from the soldiers, military equipment, federal ordnance weapon, motor vehicles, transmission, cannonry, motor vehicles and other items.

6. Finding Art And History At A Monastery: Kloster Allerheiligen Or The Museum Of Saints

Art is the process of meditating on a concept and being talented enough to bring it into fruition for the world to witness your creation. This might not be the only place in the world where you would see this concept coming live but the kind of high vibrational peace that this place offers you is significant.

This is commonly known as more of a museum among travelers and tourists but it is a monastery where the art is at its best exhibit. The collection here cannot be defined in words but can only be witnessed through eyes.

It would give you a glimpse into the ancient culture of this land before there was a conflict on dividing the land into French and German cultures.

7. Enjoy The Renaissance Of Haus Zum Ritter

Haus Zum Ritter is a historical landmark in the city of Schaffhausen. This eye-catching façade took centuries to come to the artistic beauty that it is today. The huge double-storeyed building and different frescoes made on it took time ranging from the 16th century to the 19th century. That includes the making, developing, renovating and painting of different frescoes on the outside wall of the house.

There are deeper intrinsic details to these frescoes but you need to know more about them once you visit them. You would be fascinated about how much history can the walls of a house display on it.

8. Take A Walk On The Cobbled Streets

The city of Schaffhausen is a place for peaceful retreats in the lap of art and history. People who are seeking this kind of escape often end up coming here. Schaffhausen does not offer high-end lounges and clubs for partying but the streets here are narrow, crooked and cobbled in its structure.

Visitors and travelers love to walk on these streets or cycle through them while they enjoy the smell of freshly baked bread or the gentle breeze flowing through these lanes. You would love this quaint aura of Schaffhausen too.

9. Explore The Historic Town Of Stein am Rhein

Visitors to Schaffhausen just can’t miss the charming town, Stein am Rhein. The houses are made of old timber woods, white washed walls and artistic grills on each corner and wall. No, we are not explaining an Instagram account aesthetic. We are talking about a visit to the enchanting town of Stein am Rhein located in the canton of Schaffhausen. This is where the true history of the city resides.

You would love to walk through these streets and would enjoy taking as many pictures as you can because the display of art and culture here is more than pleasing to the eyes. Most of the attractions in Stein am Rhein are located at a walkable distance. There are numerous bakeries, local shops and other eateries that can treat you here and get you amazed.

10. Feel Amazed At Museum of Illusions

Take a dive into the rabbit hole of illusions or so what Alice thought when she fell through the rabbit hole. But you can live that fairy tale as well while you visit the Museum of Illusions in Schaffhausen. You are going to have a lot of fun with different patterns and designs at this museum.

If you are visiting with your friends or your family then we are sure you would be surprised by the different illusions that you are going to encounter.

11. Art Boxes of Schaffhausen / Kunstkasten Schaffhausen

Schaffhausen’s people are a community who love to represent themselves through graphic art and architecture. Art boxes of Schaffhausen is a platform where people come together and display their creations to the population. If this is something that you are interested in, you can simply enter one of the exhibits at this museum and enjoy the representation or derive different meanings from it.

It is also to be noted that different exhibits are also known as different boxes.

12. Take Your Chances At Casino Schaffhausen

Are you a fan of casinos? Or simply want to make money and give yourself a chance to be rich while you are visiting Schaffhausen. You can have this chance and fulfill your desire at the Casino Schaffhausen. It is a gorgeous casino in the old parts of the town of Schaffhausen. The entrance fee of the casino is simply $10 and simply by investing that amount you can enter the game.

As there are a plethora of options, where you can try your luck and win big.

Where To Stay In Schaffhausen, Switzerland

Hotel 2B : If you want to stay in the historic center and close to restaurants, Hotel 2B would be your perfect accommodation partner in Schaffhausen. Located at a distance of 5 minutes from the train station, Hotel 2B is a traditional hotel dating back to 1654. The rooms are very spacious, comforting and clean.

Hotel Kronenhof : This is one of the best hotels to stay in Schaffhausen. The rooms are cozy and elegantly decorated boasting views of the Munot Fortress. The train station is located at a distance of just 5 minutes. The hotel features amazing spa services, two restaurants and a sun terrace. Hotel Kronenhof is a favorite pick in Schaffhausen, especially for families.

Schaffhausen is a town worth visiting. It is perfect for quintessential vacation and a haven for nature admirers. Stein am Rhein and the Rhine Falls are a plus for those who are coming to this beautiful time.

We really hope you enjoyed this guide on the best things to do in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. If you have any questions, do let us know in the comments below.

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