The 6 best waterfalls near Zurich that are worth the trip
I must admit that I was mesmerised by Rhine Falls the first time I saw it. There’s just something about the cascading water and its sound when it drops to the basin. That’s not to mention the beautiful scenery that typically surrounds waterfalls.
So, it kind of bums me out that my beloved city doesn’t have a lot of waterfalls. In fact, I’d say I can count on one hand the number of waterfalls we Zurichans can call our own.
My consolation is that there are some fascinating waterfalls near and around Zurich that I can always visit. So, I’d like to share my best picks with you.
1. Rhine Falls
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Website: https://rheinfall.ch/en
Address: 8212 Neuhausen am Rheinfall
Distance from Zurich: Approximately 50 kilometres
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Pricing: Free
Located between the cantons of Schaffhausen and Zürich is Europe’s largest waterfall—the Rhine.
This stunning waterfall spans 150 metres, with powerful cascades creating a breathtaking sight. I really adore the mist that rises from the crashing waters, and you’ll often see bright rainbows popping up—it’s like nature showing off.
Plus, lush green trees line both sides of the Rhine, with viewing docks in just the right spots. These provide close-up views of the roaring waters and serve as an observation deck for those who want to admire the natural beauty of this tourist destination.
I love that you can take a boat ride to the middle of the falls for unique vantage points of the cascading waters. You can also try river rafters or hike to the top of the falls.
Pro Tip:
For the best views of the Rhine, go to the viewing platforms on the Swiss and German sides of the falls.
2. Sihl Falls
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Address: Alte Sihltalstrasse 38, 8135 Sihlwald
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Pricing: Free
Found deep in the Sihl Valley just south of Zurich is Sihl Falls, or Sihlsprung to locals.
It’s a small waterfall along the picturesque Sihl River. It’s lined on both sides with lush forests, showing off a mix of bright greens and soft browns.
Sihlsprung is a hidden gem among Zurichans. Unlike the Rhine’s wild, rushing waters, the Sihl River flows gently down steep rock faces, creating a calm spot. I like that this makes it a perfect place for unwinding and taking superb IG reels.
But that’s not all—you can best experience this tranquil environment with boat rides along the Sihl River. You can also swim here in the summer months of June to September.
Pro Tip:
Take the train to Sihlwald and then walk to Sihlsprung. It’s a great way to explore this hidden gem south of Zurich.
3. Kraftwerk Eglisau Waterfall
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Address: Rheinsfelderstrasse, 8192 Zweidlen
Distance from Zurich: Approximately 27 kilometres
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Pricing: CHF 5
Kraftwerk Eglisau Waterfall is where nature and engineering team up—partly natural, partly man-made, and absolutely worth seeing.
It’s located north of Zurich, near Eglisau and Glattfelden. It was built to use the current of the Rhine, with the dam directing the water down into a catch basin, creating the waterfall effect.
But what I like most is that you can enjoy the view for free from the observation platforms around the waterfall. But for the best experience, I suggest you take a guided tour. I hope a CHF 5 isn’t too much for a scenic walk or hike along the Rhine.
Pro Tip:
Check out Kraftwerk’s innovative fish ladder. It’s a feature that lets fish pass by the dam through an elevator-like system. It’s an engineering marvel that lets nature take its course even within a man-made structure.
4. Trümmelbach Falls
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Address: Lauterbrunnen Valley, Trümmelbachfälle, 3822 Lauterbrunnen
Distance from Zurich: Approximately 130 kilometres
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Pricing: CHF 15 for adults, CHF 6 for children
The imposing Lauterbrunnen Valley is known as the Valley of 72 Waterfalls. The grandest and most spectacular of these, which is also one of my favourites on this list, is Trümmelbach Falls.
This waterfall pours meltwater from the Jungfrau (a famous mountain in the Swiss Alps) into the valley at an incredible 20,000 litres per second. The force is so powerful that it makes the mountain tremble.
And because of its location, access to it is through a system of interconnected tunnels, walkways, and a lift. This comes at a small entrance fee of CHF 15 for adults and CHF 6 for children.
That fee is certainly worth it to see this majestic waterfall up close. You’ll even see chutes and corkscrew-shaped rock formations shaped by the natural power of the Trümmelbach Falls.
Pro Tip:
Bring a waterproof jacket. The location of Trümmelbach Falls inside a mountain means a trip inside will be wet and cold. Your coat will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable as you enjoy the view.
5. Schwarzsee Waterfall
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Address: Schwarzsee Village, Canton of Fribourg
Distance from Zurich: Approximately 160 kilometres
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Pricing: Free
The whole Schwarzsee region is a stunning sight. Right in the village, just southwest of Zurich, is the Schwarzsee Waterfall. It’s a bit tucked away at the lake’s western end, so you’ll have to hike a little to get there—but trust me, it’s worth it.
Schwarzsee Waterfall is a 30-metre near-vertical drop where water cascades gently into a serene basin. It’s honestly a mesmerising sight!
For starters, you can hike through distinctly marked trails and observe colourful flora and fauna. You can also go swimming or boating at the pristine Lake Schwarzsee or picnic near the waterfall.
Pro Tip:
Schwarzsee is home to local farms that sell some of Switzerland’s best cheese and other dairy products. Stop by one or two of these farms to taste some cheese and buy tasty treats.
6. Bachläger Waterfall
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Address: Bachläger, Bernese Oberland Region
Distance from Zurich: Approximately 140 kilometres
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Pricing: Free
Bachläger Waterfall is one of several waterfalls in the Grosse Scheidegg region, a mountain pass in the Bernese Alps popular among local and international hikers.
This place looks like it’s straight out of a postcard—lush greenery, snow-capped mountains, and low-hanging clouds. But what really caught my eye was the waterfall itself. It’s a rare parallel waterfall where water flows down side-by-side rock walls.
It’s a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts. It’s surrounded by lush alpine vegetation and has a clear view of Grosse Scheidegg’s imposing mountains and beautiful valleys.
Even better, reaching Bachläger Waterfall is an adventure in itself, offering scenic hiking trails.
Pro Tip:
Take the nearby First Cliff by Tissot if you’re up for a thrill. Here, you walk in a metal walkway attached to steep rocks by the mountains. This gives you the best view of the valley and Bachläger Waterfall.