Switzerland is one of the most beautiful regions in Europe. This is a country of magnificent mountains and glaciers, bewitching nature, high culture and standard of living. It is difficult to describe in words all the beauty of Swiss nature; you only need to see it with your own eyes. Tourists from all over the world flock here to see its sights.
One of such interesting places is the Rhine Falls. It is considered the greatest flat waterfall in terms of the amount of flowing water. These indicators vary depending on the time of year. In winter, the volume of water is not very large - 250 m 3 / s, but in summer the unbridled element is impressive: the water flow rushing down is almost 600 m 3 / s. The threshold height is 23 meters and the width is 150 meters. Everything created by nature is amazing, and the sight of a powerful game falling and breaking on the surface of the water is an impressive sight.
How was the Rhine Falls formed?
Before falling from a 23-meter height, the Rhine overcomes many sills across its entire width, and it seems that he frolics in front of the final obstacle, and then falls down between two rocks. Scientists believe that the Rhine Falls dates back to the time of the ice age. Moving, blocks of ice destroyed the mountains, changed the terrain and riverbeds. Raging streams of the Rhine gradually eroded the soil, and today in its central part there are only two rocks. Rhine Falls 14 thousand years. In the XIX century, two dams were built to ensure the operation of the metallurgical plant. There were plans to build a powerful hydroelectric power station, but because of public outrage, this project was not supported. The natural monument was more valuable. Now there is a small power station, supplying energy to the entire tourist complex, and with the onset of darkness include spotlights.
Location of the natural monument
50 km from Zurich, in the vicinity of Neuhausen am Rheinfall, and is located the famous Rhine Falls. Everyone chooses how to get there: by train or car. If you take the train to Zurich, you can reach the Winterthur stop in an hour. And from there by train, almost to the waterfall. If you wish, you can rent a car to visit other interesting excursion routes.
If you visited Switzerland in order to see the main water attraction, you should definitely stay for a few days in the town of Schaffhausen. It is a beautiful city with ancient buildings, fountains, restaurants and shops.
Locks
Two castles rise above the waterfall - Laufen and Werth. The Laufen castle, restored in the 19th century, is a stone building with a multi-colored roof, a coat of arms above the gate, and there is a museum on its territory dedicated to the Rhine Falls and Switzerland.
You can see the beauty created by nature from several viewing platforms near the Laufen castle. They go to the upper platform by elevator, then along wooden walkways. You can get to the second terrace by boat on the water. It is located on a cliff in the very center of the waterfall. A winding staircase leads upstairs.
Nature is impressive, demonstrating its beauty and indomitable power. Water is bubbling, growling like a wild beast. From the excursion to the waterfall you get a powerful charge of energy and a lot of the most vivid impressions. It’s real adrenaline to watch how the Rhine at first spills quietly and suddenly on the descent it begins to seethe, froth, with a deafening noise breaks down, bringing down tons of water from the cliff.
Below the waterfall is a railway, opened in 1857. There are pedestrian areas from which you can observe the water element from afar.
Entertainment for tourists
There are souvenir shops near the pier. For tourists offer several water excursions. Prices range from 8 to 17 francs. For children, the cost is 50%, and kids under 6 travel for free. The trip lasts from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours (if you visit the castle Laufen).
A walk around the waterfall gives tourists the opportunity to relax in a cafe or restaurant located in the castle of Laufen and Werth. Tasting dishes of national cuisine and at the same time observe the waterfall - what else is needed for a good pastime ?! A photo of the Rhine Falls will complement the collection of memorable pictures. To diversify the rest at the foot of the waterfall, fishing enthusiasts can go fishing. There is a large selection of fish: eel, river bass, chub and others.
Light show
The most memorable sight in the summer is fireworks. During the national holiday on July 31, a large number of tourists gather at the waterfall to watch a show called "Fire on the Rocks". All the actions of light fireworks with different effects, with their beauty and magic, fascinate and resemble a fairy tale. Laufen Castle is illuminated with blue light, which creates the mystery of what is happening.
Switzerland is the richest country in the world. It is famous for its stunning diversity of culture and nature.
Mountains, alpine meadows, famous lakes, Rhine Falls. Switzerland is a picturesque place that will surprise even the most experienced traveler.