Switzerland Waterfalls: 12 Falls to See, with Map and Visiting Guide

Switzerland waterfalls at a glance

The table below compares the waterfalls in this guide by region, type, and how much effort it takes to reach each one. Use it to shortlist a few before reading the full sections.

Most of these sit in two clusters: the Bernese Oberland around Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken, and Ticino in the south. Central Switzerland and eastern Switzerland each add one or two worthwhile stops if you’re routing between the bigger cities.

Lauterbrunnen, the valley of waterfalls

Bernese Oberland

Lauterbrunnen is the town in Switzerland associated with the “72 waterfalls” claim. Switzerland Tourism describes the Lauterbrunnen Valley as home to numerous cascades falling from its sheer cliff walls, with Staubbach and Trümmelbach among the best known, while regional guides and tour operators repeat the 72-waterfall figure as a way of describing the valley’s density of streams rather than a precise, verified count.

Staubbach Falls

Staubbach Falls drops directly above Lauterbrunnen village, visible from the main street without any walking required. It’s a single-drop cliff waterfall, and one tourism source lists its height at roughly 297 metres, making it one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls in the valley, though exact figures vary between sources.

Water volume depends on snowmelt upstream, so the fall can look like a heavy curtain in June and reduce to a lighter spray by late summer. Whether a path runs directly behind the falls changes with maintenance and season, so check current signage in the village before assuming access.

Trümmelbach Falls

Trümmelbach Falls runs through the inside of the mountain rather than down an open cliff face. Switzerland Tourism describes it as Europe’s largest subterranean waterfall system, fed by meltwater from the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau glaciers, with roughly 20,000 litres of water per second passing through in summer.

Wear shoes with grip, since spray keeps the walkways damp year-round. The site restricts entry for young children and dogs for safety reasons, and it’s reachable by PostBus from Lauterbrunnen station or on foot along the valley path, which takes about an hour each way.

Mürrenbach Falls

Mürrenbach Falls sits farther south in the valley, near Stechelberg, and is sometimes cited in rankings of Switzerland’s tallest waterfalls. Height claims for it vary by source and by how the measurement handles its drop in stages, so it’s worth treating any single “tallest in Switzerland” label with some caution rather than repeating it as settled fact. Flow is heavily seasonal, dropping off outside the snowmelt months, and the fall is best viewed from the valley floor near Stechelberg rather than up close.

How to see several Lauterbrunnen waterfalls in one day

A simple route through the valley without a car:

1. Arrive at Lauterbrunnen station and walk into the village to view Staubbach Falls.
2. Take the PostBus or walk south along the valley floor toward Trümmelbach Falls.
3. Spend one to two hours inside Trümmelbach.
4. Continue by bus or on foot to Stechelberg for views of Mürrenbach Falls and the southern end of the valley.

Bus schedules and seasonal service change year to year, so confirm current PostBus timetables before you go, particularly outside the summer season.

Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen

Northern Switzerland

If your search is really about Switzerland’s biggest waterfall by water volume rather than its tallest, that’s Rhine Falls. Multiple sources, including regional tourism authorities, describe it as the largest waterfall in Europe by flow, with a summer average around 600 cubic metres of water per second and a width of about 150 metres.

Where Rhine Falls is

Rhine Falls sits on the High Rhine between Neuhausen am Rheinfall and Laufen-Uhwiesen, on the border of the cantons of Schaffhausen and Zurich, close to the town of Schaffhausen in northern Switzerland. It’s within roughly an hour of Zurich by train, which makes it one of the more accessible major waterfalls on this list.

How to get to Rhine Falls from Zurich

By train, Zurich Hauptbahnhof connects to Neuhausen Rheinfall or Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall stations, both within walking distance of viewpoints, with a journey time of roughly 45 minutes to an hour depending on the connection. By car, it’s a similar drive time via the A4 motorway, with paid parking near both the north and south banks.

Rhine Falls viewpoints and boat rides

The north bank offers free, open-air viewing platforms close to the water. The south bank includes Laufen Castle, with an elevator and platform system giving a closer vantage point over the falls, typically for a paid entry fee. Boat operators run short circuits from the base of the falls to the central rock and along the river toward Laufen and Wörth castles, and some trips include a stop directly on the rock at the middle of the falls in calmer water conditions.

Giessbach Falls on Lake Brienz

Bernese Oberland

Giessbach Falls is a multi-stage cascade on the southern shore of Lake Brienz, between Interlaken and Brienz. Switzerland Tourism lists Giessbach among the country’s notable waterfall attractions, and regional descriptions characterise it as a series of connected cascades rather than a single drop.

The Giessbach funicular, one of Switzerland’s older mountain railways, climbs from the boat landing toward the Grandhotel Giessbach, which sits near the falls as a landmark rather than the reason to visit. A walking trail runs alongside several of the cascade stages, giving closer views than the boat approach alone. Seasonal lake-boat timetables control how practical this stop is outside the main travel season, so check current schedules if visiting in shoulder months.

Reichenbach Falls near Meiringen

Bernese Oberland

Reichenbach Falls sits just outside Meiringen, reachable by a short funicular ride or a walking trail from the town. The site is best known outside Switzerland for its connection to Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories, where it’s the setting for a pivotal scene, though the waterfall itself predates that association by geology, not fiction.

Meiringen station connects by train from Interlaken and Lucerne. The Reichenbach funicular runs seasonally, typically closed over winter, so hikers wanting off-season access should plan on the walking trail instead and confirm current operating dates before visiting outside summer.

Engstligen Falls near Adelboden

Bernese Oberland

Engstligen Falls, near Adelboden, is described by Switzerland Tourism as two falls dropping a combined distance of roughly 600 metres into the valley below, making it one of the more substantial waterfalls in the region by total descent.

Families with younger children or anyone wanting a shorter outing can view the falls from lower viewpoints without the cable car. The Engstligenalp cable car adds an alpine plateau above the falls to the visit, useful if you want to combine the waterfall with a longer walk.

Foroglio Waterfall in Ticino

Ticino

Most Switzerland waterfall coverage concentrates on the Bernese Oberland, which leaves out the south of the country. Foroglio, in Val Bavona near Locarno, is currently described by Switzerland Tourism as a waterfall of around 110 metres, with a trail continuing beyond it toward Val Calnègia.

Reach it by PostBus from Locarno via Cavergno, then a short walk into the village of Foroglio itself, where the falls are visible from the village square. The pool at the base draws swimmers in summer, but currents and cold water close to the waterfall mean caution matters more than the calm surface suggests.

Seerenbach Falls by Walensee

Eastern Switzerland

Seerenbach Falls, near Betlis on Walensee, gives Zurich-area travellers a waterfall option that doesn’t rely on Rhine Falls. It’s a multi-tier fall, and like Mürrenbach, it appears in some competing height rankings of Swiss waterfalls, though the exact figures used differ from source to source depending on measurement method.

One outdoor-focused travel source outlines a route that combines a boat crossing of Walensee to Betlis with a walking approach to the falls, describing the round-trip walk as roughly 3.5 kilometres. Boat schedules on Walensee are seasonal, so this trip works best outside the depths of winter.

Batöni Waterfall Arena in Weisstannen

Eastern Switzerland

The Batöni Waterfall Arena, above the village of Weisstannen, is a cluster of waterfalls reached by a genuine hike rather than a short walk. One outdoor travel source describes the round-trip route as roughly 8 kilometres with about 520 metres of elevation gain, which puts it firmly in half-day hiking territory rather than a quick stop.

Reach the trailhead by PostBus to Weisstannen. This one suits travellers who want a less crowded alternative to the Lauterbrunnen or Interlaken waterfalls and are comfortable with a proper hiking day, including appropriate footwear and enough daylight to complete the return trip.

Piumogna Falls in Faido

Ticino

Piumogna Falls sits close to Faido, directly on the rail corridor toward the Gotthard route, which makes it an easy add-on for anyone travelling between German-speaking Switzerland and Ticino by train.

From Faido station, a short walk reaches the lower falls, with a longer trail continuing to an upper waterfall for those with more time. Confirm current picnic or family facilities locally, since amenities at smaller sites like this change over time.

Dundelbach Falls near Lungern

Central Switzerland

Dundelbach Falls, near Lungern, works well for a Central Switzerland or Lucerne-focused itinerary, sitting on the rail line between Lucerne and Interlaken.

From Lungern station, a short walk reaches the falls directly. One outdoor travel source also describes a longer loop of about 10 kilometres around Lake Lungern for travellers who want to extend the stop into a half-day walk rather than a quick photo stop.

What is the largest waterfall in Switzerland?

The answer depends on what “largest” measures, and Swiss waterfall rankings don’t agree on a single method:

• Largest by water volume: Rhine Falls, with an average summer flow around 600 cubic metres per second.
• Highest total waterfall: Disputed between several candidates, including Staubbach, Mürrenbach, and Seerenbach Falls, depending on the source.
• Highest free-falling drop: A narrower category than total height, and one where sources again disagree on which fall qualifies.
• Multi-stage waterfalls: Falls like Trümmelbach, Giessbach, and Engstligen descend in several steps rather than one drop, which makes a single height figure less meaningful for comparison.

The Swiss National Library has noted that ranking Swiss waterfalls is genuinely difficult, since sources use different definitions and measurement methods, and its discussion of the topic references Staubbach, Mürrenbach, and Seerenbach specifically when explaining why competing height claims exist. Treat any single “tallest waterfall in Switzerland” claim you see elsewhere with that context in mind.

Best time to see waterfalls in Switzerland

Late spring through early summer, roughly May to July, is generally the strongest period for Swiss waterfalls, driven by snowmelt feeding the smaller and seasonal falls.

Spring

Snowmelt increases flow at many alpine waterfalls, though some higher trails, cable cars, and seasonal transport links may still be closed depending on how late the winter conditions persist.

Early summer

Often the most balanced period, combining strong water flow with wider hiking and transport availability across the season’s opening dates.

Late summer and autumn

Permanent waterfalls like Rhine Falls and Trümmelbach remain accessible, but snowmelt-dependent falls, including several of the smaller Lauterbrunnen streams, can noticeably thin out.

Winter

Some falls develop ice formations and remain visible, but funiculars, boats, and attractions like Trümmelbach’s underground system typically run reduced schedules or close entirely for the season.

If your trip centres on Lauterbrunnen specifically, see our Lauterbrunnen Valley waterfalls guide for a deeper look at seasonal timing in that valley, and our best time to visit Switzerland guide for how waterfall season lines up with the rest of the country’s travel calendar.

Waterfalls near Switzerland’s main travel bases

Waterfalls near Zurich

Rhine Falls is the obvious choice, under an hour away by train. Seerenbach Falls at Walensee makes a longer day trip for travellers willing to add a boat crossing, and Batöni is an option for those set on a full day of hiking farther from the city.

Waterfalls near Interlaken

Giessbach Falls, the Lauterbrunnen Valley waterfalls, and Reichenbach Falls near Meiringen are all within reach by train, bus, or boat from Interlaken, and can be combined across a couple of days if you’re basing yourself there. See our Interlaken travel guide for how to fit these into a wider itinerary.

Waterfalls near Lucerne

Dundelbach Falls near Lungern sits on the direct rail line from Lucerne, and travellers with more time can look into Engelberg-area waterfalls after checking current access. Our Lucerne city guide covers the wider day-trip options from the city.

Waterfalls near Bern

Bern doesn’t have a major waterfall of its own nearby; the practical move is to treat the Bernese Oberland, including Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken, as the region to head for, both reachable directly by train from Bern.

Waterfalls near Basel

Basel sits farther from most of the waterfalls in this guide. Rhine Falls is the most realistic day trip by train, with a longer travel time than from Zurich.

Waterfalls near Geneva

Geneva is the farthest major city from most of the waterfalls covered here. A day trip to any of them from Geneva involves a longer train journey, so travellers based there may want to plan an overnight stay in the Bernese Oberland or Ticino rather than a single-day round trip.

How to plan a Switzerland waterfall trip

Train, bus, or car?

Many of the larger falls, including Rhine Falls, Staubbach, and Dundelbach, are accessible directly from a train or bus station with only a short walk. Others, like Trümmelbach, Giessbach, and Batöni, need an additional funicular, boat, or hiking segment on top of the initial public transport leg.

Entrance fees

Keep these costs separate when budgeting: natural site access is often free, but funiculars, boats, viewing platforms, and attractions like Trümmelbach charge separately. Check official current pricing before your trip rather than relying on older published figures, since these change from year to year.

Easy-access waterfalls

If you want falls reachable with only a short walk, prioritise Rhine Falls, Staubbach Falls, the lower Giessbach viewpoint, Piumogna, and Dundelbach.

Waterfalls that require hiking

Batöni Waterfall Arena is the clearest example of a genuine hiking commitment on this list, at roughly 8 kilometres round trip with meaningful elevation gain. Seerenbach also involves more walking than a casual stop.

Visiting with children

Conditions vary enough between sites that a blanket “family friendly” label doesn’t hold up. Trümmelbach restricts entry for children under four. Wet stairs, exposed cliff-edge trails, and rocky riverbanks at other sites call for individual judgment rather than assuming every waterfall on this list suits young children equally.

Waterfall safety

Paths near waterfalls are often wet and slippery, river levels can rise quickly after rain or heavy snowmelt, and some slopes carry rockfall risk. Check official local conditions before visiting mountain waterfall sites, especially outside peak season when maintenance and signage may be reduced.

Can you swim at waterfalls in Switzerland?

It depends on the specific site, and there’s no single yes-or-no answer that applies across the country. Some locations have designated swimming areas nearby, but a calm-looking pool close to a waterfall can still carry cold glacier water or a strong current pulling toward the fall itself. Local restrictions also vary by site and by season.

Look for official signage or local tourism information confirming a swimming spot before getting in the water anywhere near a waterfall, rather than assuming a pool is safe because it looks still from a distance.

Frequently asked questions

Are there waterfalls in Switzerland?+

Yes. Switzerland has waterfalls in nearly every region, from the high-volume Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen to the cliff waterfalls of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, the underground Trümmelbach Falls, and smaller cascades in Ticino, the Bernese Oberland, and Central Switzerland.

Where are the best waterfalls in Switzerland?+

The Lauterbrunnen Valley in the Bernese Oberland has the highest concentration, including Staubbach and Trümmelbach Falls. Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen has the greatest water volume, and Giessbach Falls on Lake Brienz is known for its multi-stage cascade.

What town in Switzerland has 72 waterfalls?+

This refers to Lauterbrunnen and its valley in the Bernese Oberland. Switzerland Tourism describes the valley as home to numerous waterfalls, with Staubbach and Trümmelbach Falls among the best known.

How many waterfalls are in Lauterbrunnen?+

Tourism sources commonly cite 72 waterfalls across the Lauterbrunnen Valley, a figure tied to the valley’s many streams. The exact count depends on how a waterfall is defined, since some are seasonal and only flow during snowmelt.

What is the largest waterfall in Switzerland?+

Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen is the largest by water volume and is widely described as the largest waterfall in Europe by that measure, with an average summer flow of around 600 cubic metres per second.

What is the highest waterfall in Switzerland?+

Sources disagree because there is no single agreed method for measuring waterfall height in Switzerland. Staubbach, Mürrenbach, and Seerenbach Falls are all cited in different rankings, depending on whether the measurement counts a single drop or a full multi-stage descent.

Which waterfall in Switzerland is inside a mountain?+

Trümmelbach Falls, near Lauterbrunnen, is a series of ten glacier-fed waterfalls that run through a gorge inside the mountain. Visitors reach them by a tunnel lift and a series of stairs and galleries.

What is the best time to see waterfalls in Switzerland?+

Late spring through early summer, roughly May to July, when snowmelt feeds the highest water volume. Permanent waterfalls like Rhine Falls and Trümmelbach run year-round, but smaller seasonal falls can slow considerably by late summer.

Which waterfalls are near Zurich?+

Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen is under an hour from Zurich by train and is the closest major waterfall. Seerenbach Falls at Walensee is a longer but doable day trip combining a boat crossing with a walk.

Which waterfalls are near Interlaken?+

Giessbach Falls on Lake Brienz, the Lauterbrunnen Valley waterfalls including Staubbach and Trümmelbach, and Reichenbach Falls near Meiringen are all reachable from Interlaken by train, bus, or boat.

Can you swim in waterfalls in Switzerland?+

It depends on the specific site. Some designated swimming spots exist near certain falls, but many waterfall pools have cold glacier water, strong currents, or rockfall risk close to the falls themselves. Check local signage and official guidance before swimming anywhere near a waterfall.

Can you visit Swiss waterfalls in winter?+

Some, yes. Rhine Falls is open year-round, and parts can develop striking ice formations. Trümmelbach Falls typically closes for the winter season, and funiculars or boats serving falls like Giessbach and Reichenbach may run on reduced winter schedules or not at all.

Swiss Living Guide — independent Switzerland travel research. Verify current prices, schedules, and access conditions with official operators before your trip.