Schaffhausen A cute town close to the German border
I visited the Rhine Falls last year for the first time (read about Europe´s biggest waterfall here), but I did not visit the town, Schaffhausen, which I know now was a pity.
If you are in that area, make sure to plan at least a couple of hours (my tips here: for where to sleep and where to eat) for this cute little town in the very north of Switzerland.
I stayed in that region for less than 24 hours, and it stressed me out (due to my own fault because I arrived way later than planned), so I would actually plan to at least 24 hours to see the town center and the Rhine Falls.
Though it was a short trip, I definitely enjoyed it and though the town is not big you can easily get lost here for hours.
I was not very lucky with the weather here and though I think a city/town can only be very beautiful when there is no rain included I got a good overview of the town, and I actually think it is a beauty (the heavy rain, on the other hand, meant that I saw a very powerful waterfall the other day at the Rhine Falls).
Must See Places in Schaffhausen in 24 Hours
Best Places to See in Schaffhausen
Contents
Visit the Old Town of Schaffhausen
Schaffhausen, Old Town
The old town is home to beautiful old and colorful houses and is considered as one of the best remaining medievals towns in Switzerland. It is also called the city of Erker (oriel bay windows) as many old houses have these oriel bay windows. Make sure to also look up while strolling through the streets.
Schaffhausen, city of Erker (oriel bay windows)
Schaffhausen´s City Center @shutterstock
Schaffhausen´s most stunning facade
As usual, I do not give a certain itinerary for exploring a town and just say, get lost there and stroll through the streets and you will find some nice places.
For Schaffhausen, I would recommend the same. Just stroll through the town and keep looking up so you do not miss the beautiful facades, but there a couple of things you should not miss in my opinion.
Schaffhausen Town Center on a Rainy Day
Munot Fortress
Munot – This impressive fortress offers the best views of the town. Steps lead up through vineyards to this fortress (and a little, lovely garden). You can walk inside the fortress and learn about the history and the view is just a gorgeous extra.
View over Schaffhausen
View from Munot over the Rhine river and parts of Schaffhausen
View from Munot – with a view on a wine field @shutterstock
Munot Fortress in Schaffhausen
Inside the Munot in Schaffhausen
Inside the Munot in Schaffhausen
Münster Allerheiligen
Münster Allerheiligen (Saints Abbey) should also be on your list – the cathedral that has also a herb garden inside which you should check out as well. Make sure to take your time as there are some lovely places hidden in that area.
Münster Allerheiligen in Schaffhausen
Münster Allerheiligen in Schaffhausen, the inside
Discovering Münster Allerheiligen in Schaffhausen in Puppygak
Pretty pink doors and facades in Schaffhausen
Beautiful Schaffhausen – Things to do in 1 day in Schaffhausen
Münster Allerheiligen in Schaffhausen
Stroll Along the Rhine River
Also, I recommend a nice walk along the river though there are not, unfortunately, many cafes or restaurants to sit at and enjoy the view.
The weather was not my best friend when I visited but it was still fun to walk along the Rhine which definitely looks much better in this part of the world than in other parts :).
Stroll along the Rhine river
Visit the Rhine Falls in Neuhausen
And of course, you should visit the Rhine Falls, the biggest waterfalls in Europe. How to get there and what to expect is in this post here.
Schaffhausen, Neuhausen Rhine Falls A Must-See Place in Switzerland
Disclaimer: I was invited for a night in Schaffhausen tourism board, but as always these are my opinions.
For more about Schaffhauserland check the website of the tourism board.
Read about one of my dining highlights this year at Theater Restaurant in Schaffhausen.
Read all about travel tips for Switzerland here.
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It’s been a long time since I was in that part of the world. I always enjoyed visiting the fortresses and castles that each town seemed to have.
What a perfect picturesque Swiss town. I would love to visit Switzerland and Schaffhausen would definitely be on my list.
Schaffhausen looks live a pretty town! I love the gardens and the historical houses. I must really come back to Swityerland, this country looks like it has both cool cities and amazing nature.
This gives me more a reason to go to Switzerland soon! I’ve been in Europe for a while now but never really had the opportunity yet to go there. Anyhow, once I do, I’ll definitely keep Schaffhausen in mind!
Looks like a very unique and sweet town to visit. I’d love to stay for a few days and get ‘lost’ as you recommend. Love the views from the heights too.
Looks like such a great place to get lost in. I’d love to wander through those beautiful buildings. Guess I’ll just have to add Schaffhausen to my list.