READY TO FIND OUT ABOUT THE BEST SWISS WATERFALLS?
Although Switzerland is well known for its enormous Alps, stunning rivers, and pure lakes, its impressive waterfalls are an underrated feature. While I have to admit that I am more focused on those mountain peaks and lakes myself, I have to say that waterfalls in Switzerland are a stunner.
I cannot help but be in awe when I see most of the Swiss waterfalls. They make my heart skip a beat and thus, I want to share my favorites with you. So, you can also enjoy the beauties and be in awe as I am (sharing is caring, right?!).
So. whether you’re spending 7 days in Switzerland (or shorter or longer), make sure to add at least some of the following 20 waterfalls to your Switzerland itinerary.
BEST WATERFALLS IN SWITZERLAND
IMPORTANT INFO: I visit Switzerland often and want to add, that it makes a big difference when you visit a waterfall. Especially in summer, some waterfalls might be “disappointing” because there is just not enough water coming down. Especially after several weeks of hot days, some waterfalls might be almost dried up.
Also, with some waterfalls it depends on whether snow melts in the mountains – so, please keep that in mind.
Without further ado, here are Switzerland´s best waterfalls.
Rhine Falls
- The Rhine Falls are located 45 minutes in the north of Switzerland, just north of Zürich, and close to the town of Schaffhausen.
The Rhine Falls are the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. They are only 23 meters high but have a width of over 150 meters, and up to 700,000 liters of water fall over the rocks every second.
There are several viewing platforms to enjoy these gorgeous falls. You can either stand on one of the platforms that flank the waterfalls – including atop a large rock amid the falls if you’re up for some adrenaline-pumping adventure.
But if that was not enough, you could even do a boat ride to get even closer to the falls – the Rhine Falls are indeed the Swiss version of the Niagara Falls.
Here is more about the Rhine Falls.
Staubbach Waterfalls
- The Bernese Oberland is home to this breathtaking waterfall – the Staubbach Falls, which is just above the picturesque village of Lauterbrunnen.
The Lauterbrunnen Valley is known as the Valley of 72 Waterfalls – the most famous is this one, the impressive Staubbach Waterfalls. It plunges from almost 1,000 feet (about 300 meters) in height and is one of the tallest single cascades in Switzerland.
You can spot it from the Lauterbrunnen train station and if you are in the small center of Lauterbrunnen, the view will leave you breathless. This waterfall is even more unique as you can also walk behind it. First, you’ll need to climb a steep ascent and then you have one of the most breathtaking vistas from behind the falls.
Okay, in the summer months, after a few dry days, it might be less impressive when the waterfall is less powerful. But there is also a good thing about it: at least you will not get wet as you most likely would after a few days of heavy rainfall in Lauterbrunnen Valley.
This tall waterfall is surely one of the top landmarks in Switzerland that you need to add to your bucket list!
Here is how to spend one day in Lauterbrunnen and how to walk behind the Staubbach Waterfall.
Trümmelbach Waterfalls
- Like the previous waterfall, the Trummelbach Fall in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. It is easily accessible from places like Interlaken (about 30 minutes by train), Lauterbrunnen, or Mürren.
The Trümmelbach Waterfalls is the biggest underground waterfall in the country – a place not to miss if you are in the Bernese Oberland region. Up to 5,000 gallons (19,000 liters) of water per second are transported from the glaciers of the Jungfrau mountains down to the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
The falls have ten tiers, and the mountainside location makes it one of the most unique waterfall experiences. You can also enjoy a beautiful spectacle created by the illumination of the falls’ underground areas.
INFO: There is an entrance fee for the Trümmelbach Waterfalls, which is about 14 CHF for adults and it is open from the beginning of April to the beginning of November.
Reichenbach Falls
- The Reichenbach Falls are in the Bernese Oberland region, close to Meiringen. You can easily visit from places like Interlaken.
Sherlock Holmes is famed for having “died” at Reichenbach Falls, but the falls have been well-known in Europe before that. They’re a collection of waterfalls in Switzerland that are located on the Reichenbach stream in the Bernese Oberland.
Hike the trail through the falls, or take a bus & then do a short downhill walk (or ride the funicular to get to the waterfalls). Close to the summit station, you’ll have three observation decks that provide a great perspective of both the cascading waterfall and the picturesque Haslital.
For devotees of Sherlock Holmes, this excursion is an absolute must. This very spot witnessed the iconic confrontation between the renowned detective and his formidable adversary, Professor Moriarty. Their epic hand-to-hand duel culminated in a dramatic plunge into the depths of this very waterfall!
The best time to visit this impressive waterfall is between early May and the beginning of October, as during the winter months, the falls typically flow with minimal or no water.
Mürrenbach Falls
- The Bernese Oberland is home to this breathtaking waterfall – it is also in the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
And we are back in Lauterbrunnen – between Lauterbrunnen and Stechelberg you’ll find the glorious Mürrenbach Falls – one of the valley’s most raucous waterfalls. The Mürrenbach Falls is one of Switzerland’s largest waterfalls, dropping from 1,300 feet (about 400 meters).
A little warning here: In the picture, you can just see a small waterfall – I took the picture in the summer of 2022 – after a couple of very dry and hot weeks. I have seen it also when it was much more powerful.
The best views of Mürrenbach Falls are from the cable car (Muerren to Stichelberg). The waterfall’s flow is unaffected by the season; it runs all year (but is less after weeks of dry days in the summer months).
Jaun Waterfalls
- These falls are located a bit more “off the beaten path” and near Gruyères in Central Switzerland.
If you are close to Gruyeres, add this gorgeous waterfall to your bucket list. The Jaun Waterfall has long been cloaked in mystery, which only heightens its attractiveness. Massive amounts of rushing water are moving at a rate of 1,500 gallons (5,678 liters) per second, with its source a distant underground river.
With mossy rocks and a pine forest surrounding it, it truly is a magnificent natural beauty at any time of day. According to Jaun lore, you can breathe in its positive energy and healers if you go close enough.
Berglistüber Falls
In the stunning Glarus Valley, close to Linthul, is the Berglistüber Falls. The Klausen Moutain Pass and the canton of Glarus, in central Switzerland, might be lesser known to international visitors, yet it is drenched in water and Glarus Valley is surrounded by mountains from which powerful torrents pour down.
One such is the Berglistüber.
Berglistüber is a small yet picturesque waterfall with a drop of 140 feet (43 meters). Although the hike is deemed too risky during the wet season, it brings you behind the water curtain of the falls for a unique inside experience. On top of that, you will see a rainbow there most of the time.
And as if that was not enough, you can also walk behind this pretty waterfall. I have to admit that this hidden gem is so charming, I want more people to find out about it to also be amazed.
Foroglio Falls
From the picturesque village of Foroglio in the Ticino region, in the southern part of Switzerland, you may access the magnificent Foroglio Waterfall. It tumbles down from an almost 300-foot height (91 meters) into the Val Calnegia valley.
The route starts in Cavergno and Bignasco and leads you through steps along the valley floor to the Terra di Foroglio, Pontido, and alpine meadows. Here you will see the gorgeous waterfall in all its glory. And yet there are more gorgeous waterfalls in Ticino to add to your bucket list.
Faido (Piumogna)
One of Canton Ticino‘s most impressive waterfalls is the 150-foot-tall (46 meters) Faido or Piumogna Waterfall in the town of Faido. The waterfall is situated on Europe’s most significant railway and road axis, in the middle of the Levantine, at the lush valley floor.
A sizable playground with slides, swings, and a zip line is nearby. There’s also a vast, grassy picnic area with grill pits. The lengthier climb to the top of the falls is worthwhile.
This is one of my favorite waterfalls in all of Switzerland, so make sure to add it to your Swiss bucket list.
Seerenbach Falls
A little warning: In the picture, you will not see much of the waterfall as it almost completely dried up when I took the picture as it had been hot and dry for several weeks. However, this waterfall is – normally – gorgeous.
On the sunny northern side of Lake Walen, close to Betlis in the north of Switzerland, lie the Seerenbach Falls. The waterfall’s three tall cascades add up to a whopping 1,919 feet (585 meters).
Folklore around the lowest cascade has been pretty fascinating for generations. Since the beginning of the 20th century, divers have been exploring the 2-mile-long channel that runs into the mountain’s interior. But to this day, it remains a mystery what takes place within.
While you can drive close to the waterfall, you will need to walk the last mile or take a boat to enjoy one of the most scenic waterfalls. You can also hike to the top and see the waterfall from above.
Waterfalls at Mattmark Reservoir
The Mattmarksee – an artificial lake, is exceptionally charming, with many waterfalls and a beautiful river. Located in the Saas Valley of the Canton of Valais, there are several gorgeous waterfalls.
It is a nice stroll along the lake (about 60-90 minutes) which should be a breeze compared to the challenging hikes to other waterfalls.
However, the one waterfall – that I could not find its name – is the one before the lake. So, when you approach the lake you will see this unique, weird, odd waterfall – or better a series of waterfalls. It looked out of this world and so I had to add it to this list of unique waterfalls in Switzerland.
Batöni
Three picturesque waterfalls, which range in height from 150 to 280 feet (45-85 feet), cascade over the sheer cliffs and turn the Batöni basin into a breathtaking natural spectacle.
The energies released are extremely powerful, which is a bonus to the breathtaking sight. Because of this, the Batöni waterfall area is considered to be one of 55 locations of power that have been identified in cooperation with the Swiss Power Places research center.
Stäubi Falls
In the Swiss area of Uri, Stäubifall, also known as Stäuben or Staublifall, is a mighty waterfall close to Unterschächen. This waterfall is one of Switzerland’s larger, more powerful waterfalls.
Stäubifall is situated along Highway 17 – pass the beautiful mountain pass – Klausen Pass – by car or Postauto (bus) and you will see the waterfall from afar.
But do not make the mistake of just looking at it – you can also get close to the waterfall which includes a 30-minute uphill walk.
Rosenlaui Falls
The tranquil alpine hamlet of Schwarzwaldalp and the town of Meiringen are both close to the Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge. The impressive Rosenlaui Waterfall, which flows the waters of the Rosenlaui Glacier over this ravine, is the first thing you will notice as you enter the Gletscherschlucht.
There is peace here, though the waterfall is loud, powerful, and impressive. Meiringen´s Township is nearby. A footpath ascends through the small ravine, encircled by cliff walls that can reach 260 feet in height. A forest route will take you back to the entrance at the gorge’s conclusion.
Engstligen Falls
The Engstligenalp Fall was created when several smaller streams combined their forces – and has been preserved since 1948. These falls are some of the most impressive waterfalls in Switzerland. Believe me when I say: Seeing it just left me speechless.
It drops almost 2,000 feet (610 meters) over rocks. You can view the waterfall up close from a rocky hike or at a distance by riding the cable car outside Adelboden. A flat, circular trail that starts near the mountain station leads to the summit.
Giessbach Falls
The 1,600-foot-long (490 meters) Giessbach Falls, located in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland in Interlaken, cascades in 14 stages to Lake Brienz, one of the best lakes in Switzerland. The fact that this waterfall is surrounded by forests, mountains, and stunning alpine meadows is its best feature.
The funicular ride near the falls gets you up to the top (though you can also just do an uphill hike), followed by a loop walk behind the Giessbach Falls.
It is a bit of an uphill walk (even when taking the funicular) but it is well worth it and not too challenging. You can also visit the Grand Giessbach Hotel before the last stroll back to the boat port on Lake Brienz.
And my absolute highlight was when I booked myself two nights at this hotel – and got a room with a waterfall view!
Cascada di Bernina
The mountain stream “Ova da Bernina” plunges over a height of around 650 feet (almost 200 meters) in the direction of the valley and creates the gorgeous Cascada di Bernina. Located in Grison, Switzerland´s biggest canton – and one of the most stunning – it is quite easily accessible.
Whether you road trip or take the train – maybe even the famous Bernina Express – you can combine this sight with some nice walks or hikes, as it is in one of the most beautiful areas in Switzerland – in Engadine, near St. Moritz.
For walking excursions from Pontresina and Morteratsch, the waterfall path is perfect. It can also serve as a segment of longer hikes. You can find the Cascada da Bernina along the Via Valtellina hiking trail.
Cascata del Salto
Maggia has a stunning waterfall called Salto or Cascata del Salto. When you are in Maggia it is easy to get to Cascata del Salto. From Maggia’s main road, you can already see this enormous waterfall.
This wide waterfall is 197 feet (60 meters) high and ends in a large pool – great for a swim (on a hot day) – Cascata del Salto is more of a relaxing waterfall than a particularly forceful one, so don’t expect that.
Cascata Grande
The 200-foot-high (61 meters) Cascata di Bignasco waterfall, or Cascata Grande, is located in Bignasco, Valle di Maggia (Valle Maggia), in the canton of Ticino. Yes, Ticino is rich in beautiful waterfalls.
Near the summit of the peak Punta di Spluga, at an elevation of over a mile, a little lake serves as the source of the river Ri Grande. The mountaintops’ melted snow and ice feed the river. Although early summer is an excellent time to visit Cascata di Bignasco, the falls’ flow is more impressive in spring.
Froda Waterfall
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ticino is in Sonogno – Froda Waterfall (Cascata della Froda), a 70-meter-high waterfall. From the village center of Sonogno, it is a short hike – about 15 minutes – but wow, it is a tranquil and lovely place.
The river “Riale Carded” drops down over 70 meters – later summer, might not be the best time to see this waterfall as there might not be much water coming down. As with some other waterfalls here, late spring/early summer or after a rainy period are the best times to see this Swiss waterfall.
I visited on a hot summer day, after some hot weeks, so the waterfall was not as powerful as it normally is – visiting was still worth it.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON BEST SWISS WATERFALLS
From the thundering Rhine Falls to the serene Trümmelbach Falls, Switzerland is home to some of Europe’s most beautiful waterfalls. Whether you’re after a powerful cascade or a gentle trickle, there are waterfalls for everyone in this stunning country.
Make sure you add a few of these stunning waterfalls in Switzerland to your Switzerland itinerary and enjoy their majestic beauty.
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