In Schaffhausen, traces of the Ice Age meet urban history, the Rhine Falls and wine. When choosing your accommodation, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: Would you like to explore archaeological sites, visit museums, or focus on the Rhine Falls and the surrounding landscape?

Kesslerloch and the Stone Age Trail

Kesslerloch near Thayngen is one of Europe’s most significant Late Ice Age sites. It once served as a campsite for Late Ice Age reindeer hunters. Ornately decorated objects made from reindeer antler, found there, attracted international attention when they were discovered at the end of the 19th century. The site is open year-round.

The Stone Age Trail leads from Kesslerloch Cave to the Schweizersbild rock. The route is 11.1 kilometres long and takes about 2 hours and 53 minutes. It starts at the site west of Thayngen railway station; signs at the station point the way to the start. Check local trail conditions before setting off.

The 3-kilometre Biber Trail in Thayngen offers a shorter route. This interactive trail is aimed at families, school groups and nature lovers, and is open year-round. Comparing its length with the Stone Age Trail can help with planning, but does not indicate how long the Biber Trail takes to walk.

Urban history, museums and the Munot

Nearby Schaffhausen is defined by its historic old town, numerous Renaissance buildings and more than 300 oriel windows. The Munot is considered the city’s landmark. The IWC Museum presents the history of IWC Schaffhausen using multimedia and features more than 230 exhibits. The museum is about a ten-minute walk from Schaffhausen railway station.

The Museum zu Allerheiligen features exhibitions on Ice Age hunters, the monastery’s heyday, and the changing history of Schaffhausen’s city and industry. Temporary exhibitions may change. The museum complex includes an impressive cathedral, an idyllic herb garden and Switzerland’s largest freely accessible cloister.

The Munot fortress was built in the 16th century by the citizens of Schaffhausen as part of compulsory labour service. Open-air film screenings, children’s festivals, dance events and other gatherings are held on its battlements. The programme of individual events may vary; check the dates if you plan to time your visit around them.

The Rhine Falls and active experiences

The Rhine Falls, considered Europe’s largest waterfall, lie southwest of the city of Schaffhausen. They are accessible around the clock, 365 days a year. Restaurants and paid experiences operate on separate schedules. Rhyfall Mändli offers a rock tour that takes visitors onto rocks amid the Rhine Falls. Tour operating days and conditions may vary; check them before your visit.

The Adventure Park Rheinfall features 16 different courses and is considered the largest forest ropes course in German-speaking Switzerland. The course configuration may change. A children’s course is intended for visitors aged four and over; check the age rules before your visit. Together with the Biber Trail, this activity appeals to different interests, although the two activities do not require the same amount of time.

Landscape and wine in the wider area

The Schaffhausen district covers 105.73 square kilometres and ranges in elevation from 343 to 912 metres above sea level. In the wider area, the Rhine, gently rolling Randen hills, extensive vineyards, deciduous forests, open valleys and trails along the river shape the landscape. Also in the wider region, the Rhine-Reben Route connects culinary and natural highlights.

At the Vinorama in the former town hall at Vordergasse 73, 30 wines from the Schaffhausen Pinot Noir region are available; the selection may change. At Schafuuser Wiiprob, regional wines from more than 30 winegrowers are available for tasting. If you want to plan your trip around Wiiprob, check the specific event dates.

When searching for hotels in Schaffhausen, you can tailor your choice to your main interest: the archaeological site and Stone Age Trail, urban history and museums, or the Rhine Falls, landscape and wine.

Discover more destinations: Schaffhausen, Schleitheim, Hallau, Beringen, Trasadingen, Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Oberklettgau, Unterklettgau.

Go to the main travel overview: Schaffhausen.