Switzerland is famous for its huge mountains, beautiful rivers, and clear lakes, but people often overlook its amazing waterfalls.
Switzerland boasts over 150 waterfalls, ranging from massive, well-known ones to hidden treasures that take some effort to discover. A lot of these waterfalls are particularly beautiful following heavy rain or when snow melts. As a result, visiting them in the spring is especially rewarding. You can witness glacier-fed waterfalls in all their glory from April until October.
It would be a shame to leave Switzerland without experiencing some of these stunning falls, and in this article, we’ll focus on the most picturesque ones. Come along as I guide you through Switzerland’s most gorgeous waterfalls, so you can include one or two in your journey as you explore this enchanting country!
Rhine Falls, Schaffhausen
The Rhine Falls on the Upper Rhine is the largest plain waterfall in Europe, and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Switzerland to boot.
Located just an hour from Zurich in Schaffhausen, near the German border, the Rhine Falls is the largest in terms of water volume (not height), with an impressive 500,000 liters of water flowing per second.
The fall is 150 meters wide, and 23 meters high, so the sheer size of it makes for a pretty impressive sight. Being next to the Rhine Falls is an unforgettable experience, as you can feel the immense power of the falls up close. In summer, when the water volume is at its highest, is the best time to see the Rhine Falls.
These waterfalls are not only powerful but also beautiful, with a rock formation in the middle surrounded by the Swiss countryside.
There are many ways to enjoy the falls. The best option is a boat ride that brings you right up to the falls, but you can also use the viewing platforms on either side or walk across the rail bridge upstream for a different view.
Staubbach Falls, Lauterbrunnen
One of my top favorite waterfalls in Switzerland is Staubbach Falls, located in Lauterbrunnen Valley, which is known for its 72 waterfalls. It’s the third-highest waterfall in Switzerland, with an impressive 300-meter drop, making it one of the tallest in Europe.
In the past, romantics and nature enthusiasts would visit Staubbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen, one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe. The famous poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was even inspired by the falls to write his poem “Song of the Spirits over the Waters.”
In the summer, warm winds cause the water to swirl and create a spray that goes in all directions. The name of the waterfall and the stream comes from these water droplets, as “Staub” means dust in English.
Easily accessible, visitors can reach the falls via a brief walk with amazing views along the way, from either the train station or parking area in Lauterbrunnen. For a closer view, you can choose to walk up a short dirt trail that leads to a vantage point, followed by a tunnel that takes you to a lookout behind the water. After visiting Staubbach Falls, be sure to explore more of the valley, as there are many other waterfalls to see and you’ll be surrounded by the classic Swiss countryside.
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Trummelbach, Lauterbrunnen Valley
Also located in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, like the previous waterfall, it’s easily reachable from places like Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, or Mürren. The Trümmelbach Waterfalls, the largest underground waterfall in Switzerland, is a must-see attraction.
These falls are unique as they are the only glacier waterfalls in the world that can be visited underground through a lift, galleries, tunnels, paths, and platforms. They carry the meltwater from the Jungfrau glaciers down to the valley, with up to 20,000 liters of water flowing per second. The water also moves over 20,000 tons of rocks and debris each year, causing the entire mountain to shake and create a thundering sound. The underground parts of the falls are illuminated, which results in one of the most striking sights in Switzerland.
The Trümmelbach Falls are among the 72 waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, which also includes the impressive Staubbach Falls. The hiking trail, which is mostly flat, goes from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg, passing by waterfalls that burst from vertical cliffs that are several hundred meters high.
Mürrenbach Falls, Stechelberg
Right across from the Trümmelbach Falls, you’ll find Switzerland’s highest free-falling waterfall, the Mürrenbach Fall. Water plunges 417 meters down from the Mürrenfluh.
The waterfall is near the lower cable car station to Mürren in Stechelberg. So you can admire it best during your journey up and down the mountain, which passes very close to the falls, providing incredible views.
The Mürrenbach Falls are particularly impressive in spring after the snow melts and following summer thunderstorms giving the waterfall an incredible amount of power and making it a truly awe-inspiring sight.
Reichenbach Falls, Meiringen
Fans of the Sherlock Holmes detective novels have surely heard of Reichenbach Falls, the place where the famous detective has his final face off with his nemesis Moriarty. But the falls were famous in Europe well before Sir Arthur Conan Doyle published his novels, and even painters have immortalized this beautiful place in their works.
These falls are created by the Reichenbach stream and have a total drop of around 820 feet or 250 meters. What makes these waterfalls so amazing is that they cascade in seven steps, creating a beautiful sight. The tallest step is at the top, known as Grand Reichenbach Fall, which is one of the highest waterfalls in the Alps.
To see Reichenbach Falls, you can either hike to the top, which involves some climbing, or take the funicular up and down if you prefer a more relaxed approach.
The falls are magnificent, and you can even climb to the spot where Holmes fell to his ‘death’ (there’s a plaque commemorating this fictional event).
Giessbach Falls, Iseltwald
If there is a hotel with a perfect view of a waterfall, it has to be the stunning Grandhotel Giessbach. The magnificent Giessbach waterfall cascades down in 14 stages, over 500 meters and has gained popularity not just through Instagram, but also because of the Korean Netflix drama Crash Landing on You, which filmed at this location. The waterfall flows year-round, but it’s most impressive during the snowmelt.
A must-see is the roughly 20-minute walk around the falls. There is also a famous bridge to reach behind the falls. And this section of the trail behind one of the falls is definitely the favorite spot of a large number of tourists. From there you have a spectacular view down to the Grandhotel Giessbach as well as the glistening turquoise water of Lake Brienz.
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However, the best photo of Giessbach Falls can be taken from a distance at the Grandhotel Giessbach.
The Giessbach brook that feeds the magnificent Giessbach falls has its source in the Faulhorn-Sägis Valley. Giessbach Falls eventually tumbles into Lake Brienz near the landing stage for the cruise ships.
Foroglio Falls
When you arrive in Foroglio, it might feel like you’ve stepped into a scene from Lord of the Rings. The old stone houses and the powerful waterfall rushing down a 108-meter high rock, create a stunning setting, making the “Cascata di Foroglio” one of Switzerland’s most beautiful waterfalls.
The best time to visit is between April and August, as the waterfall is fed by the melting ice from the two connected glaciers. The nearby village of Foroglio, which the waterfall is named after, is a magical place to visit. It’s filled with 11th-century churches and castles to explore.
To see the waterfall, you’ll need to hike along a beautiful trail filled with wildflowers and offer fantastic views of the surrounding valleys.
Engstligen Falls, Adelboden
Engstligen Falls is the second-highest waterfall in Switzerland, with a drop of 397 meters into the river below.
Located in the Bernese Alps, this impressive waterfall is a popular tourist attraction that can get quite crowded at times. You can either view the waterfall up close by taking a rocky hike or from a distance by riding the cable car outside Adelboden. A flat, circular trail starting near the mountain station leads to the summit.
Rosenlaui Waterfall, Meiringen
The Rosenlaui Falls are truly a masterpiece, making them one of the top waterfalls in Switzerland without a doubt.
Located high in the Alps near the peaceful alpine village of Schwarzwaldalp and the town of Meiringen are both near the Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge. Due to its remote location it’s easiest reached by car. Prepare for crowds, as it’s a popular attraction for both tourists and locals.
As you enter the Gletscherschlucht, the striking Rosenlaui Waterfall, carrying water from the Rosenlaui Glacier, is the first thing you’ll notice. What sets this waterfall apart is the stunning glacial gorge that has been carved by the water over millions of years. The rock formations create patterns and shapes, making the cliffs appear like a work of art.
A footpath leads through the gorge and up to the magnificent waterfall with its thundering water. As the water comes from a glacier, it has a beautiful blue hue, making a walk along the river a truly enchanting experience.
Even though the waterfall is loud and powerful, the surrounding area is calm and serene. The nearby town is Meiringen. A footpath climbs through the narrow gorge, surrounded by towering cliffs up to 260 feet high. At the end of the gorge, a forest path takes you back to the entrance.
Jaun Waterfalls, Gruyeres
If you’re near Gruyeres, make sure to include this stunning waterfall in your Switzerland bucket list. The Jaun Waterfall has a mysterious aura, adding to its charm. It’s a powerful sight, with a massive volume of water flowing at a rate of 1,500 gallons per second, originating from an underground river.
Surrounded by mossy rocks and a pine forest, it’s a magnificent natural wonder that captivates at any time of the day. According to Jaun legends, being near the waterfall can bring positive energy and healing properties.
Siben Brünnen, Lenk
In the Swiss Alps, there are several karst waterfalls due to the presence of limestone. One of the most beautiful ones can be found in the Bernese Oberland near Lenk, known as Siebenbrünnen. During the summer, around 3000 liters of water per second flow from seven springs.
To reach Siebenbrünnen, you can take a hike of approximately 1.5 hours along the Simmen Falls. It’s a special place with a unique energy, so it’s worth allocating enough time for your visit. In particular, after 4 p.m. the number of visitors decreases, and you can have the waterfalls mostly to yourself.
Piumogna Waterfall
Another beautiful waterfall in Switzerland is located near Faido, just after the Gotthard tunnel. The Waterfall, standing at 43 meters tall, is one of the most amazing sights in Canton Ticino!
The Piumogna waterfall is unique because you can easily reach it with just a 5-minute walk, unlike many other natural attractions. The village is located in the lush valley at the center of the Levantine, along Europe’s main railway and road axis.
Seerenbach Falls, Lake Walensee
The Seerenbach Falls is the final waterfall we’ll explore among the best in Switzerland. It is located near the village of Betlis, along the beautiful shores of Lake Walensee.
This waterfall consists of three cascades, with a total height of 585 meters, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Switzerland and Europe. As the water reaches the lowest cascade, it plunges into a cave system within the mountain. The cave system forms a 3 km long canal that extends into the heart of the mountain, but what goes on inside remains a mystery. Divers have attempted to explore the 3 km long canal, but they have been unable to uncover its secrets.
To reach the falls, you’ll embark on a delightful hike with stunning views of the lake starting from Betlis Village.
Final Thoughts about Switzerland Waterfalls
Switzerland, known for its breathtaking landscapes, is truly a paradise for waterfall enthusiasts. From the towering Rhine Falls to the hidden gems like Seerenbach Falls, each waterfall offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience. Whether you find yourself surrounded by the majestic Alps or exploring the tranquil valleys, the power and beauty of these waterfalls will leave you speechless. As the water rushes, crashes, and cascades down, you can’t help but feel a deep connection to nature’s raw and untamed forces. So, if you’re planning, make sure to include these spectacular waterfalls in Switzerland your itinerary. Prepare to be enchanted by the sheer magnificence and natural wonders that await you in this alpine wonderland.