Rhine Falls, Switzerland

The Rhine Falls, (Rheinfall) near Schaffhausen in northern Switzerland are the largest falls in Europe. Formed in the last Ice Age some 17,000 - 14,000 years ago, the falls are famous not so much for their height (25m) as for their impressive breadth (150m) and sheer volume of water, averaging 26,450 cubic ft/sec. and rising to around 45,000 cubic ft/sec. in spring as the winter snows melt. Turreted Laufen Castle on a cliff directly above the falls adds to the extremely dramatic effect. Don’t miss the boat trip to the rock right in the middle of the torrents - an unforgettable experience!