Maybe you booked a trip to Switzerland to go hiking, indulge in cheese fondue, or simply to admire the alpine views. Just remember to pack your poncho and waterproof binoculars because this tiny landlocked country has some of the most epic waterfalls you’ll ever see.
Not only is Switzerland home to Europe’s biggest waterfall, but it also boasts a deep valley where you can admire a total of 72 waterfalls.
Regardless of whether your journey starts in Zürich, the Bernese Oberland, or the Italian-speaking Ticino region, we’ve got you covered on how to get to these epic waterfalls in Switzerland, all of which are easy to reach by train.
Image Credit: Getty Images. Image Location: Rhine Falls, Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland.
Best waterfalls in Switzerland
What is the biggest waterfall in Switzerland?
Rhine Falls
Closest train station: Neuhausen Rheinfall or Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall
The Rhine Falls, known as Rheinfall in German, is Switzerland largest waterfall by volume of cascading water, with an astonishing 158,500 gallons tumbling per second during the summer months. This magnificent waterfall, which is also Europe’s largest, was formed over 15,000 years ago due to tectonic shifts. You can admire this natural wonder from viewing platforms on either side of the waterfall, look down on it from an overhead rail bridge that includes a pedestrian path, or get up close by taking one of several boat tours. If you’re feeling adventurous (and are not afraid of heights), book a boat tour that includes the option to climb Middle Rock, a big boulder in the middle of Rhine Falls.
Which town in Switzerland has 72 waterfalls?
Lauterbrunnen Valley
Closest train station: Lauterbrunnen
The famous Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland is home to 72 separate waterfalls. The Trümmelbach Falls (Trümmelbachfälle) are Europe’s largest subterranean waterfalls and were created tens of thousands of years ago by the powerful stream of the Jungfrau glacier, which carved a path through the mountain. The name of the waterfalls, which translates roughly to mean “a stream that sounds like a drum”, is your first clue as to what you’ll experience during your visit to this unique place, as you ride an elevator up into the mountain and descend through a network of stairways and tunnels constructed over 100 years ago.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Anton Petrus. Image Location: Staubbach Falls, Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland.
What is the highest free-falling waterfall in Switzerland?
Staubbach Falls
Closest station: Lauterbrunnen
No list of Switzerland’s best waterfalls would be complete without mention of Staubbach Falls (Staubbachfall), the highest free-falling waterfall in Switzerland. Staubbach Falls is arguably the best-known of the 72 waterfalls in the iconic Lauterbrunnen Valley, an outdoor lover’s paradise said to have inspired some of J.R.R. Tolkien’s breathtaking landscapes in The Lord of the Rings.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Daniel Bartschi. Image Location: Adelboden, Switzerland.
More famous waterfalls in Switzerland
Engstligen Falls
Closest train station: Frutigen
One of the tallest waterfalls in Europe, Engstligen Falls includes two separate waterfalls (Engstligenfall I and II) that reach a stunning height of nearly 2,000ft. From Frutigen station, take bus number 230 to the nearby village of Adelboden. Next, transfer to bus number 232, and then take a gondola to reach the Engstligenalp mountain plateau (alternately, you can hike to the top during the summer). Once you’ve reached the plateau, take the wheelchair and stroller-accessible trail around the mountain to enjoy the views.
Botto’s waterfall
Closest station: Maroggia-Melano
The only way up to Botto’s waterfall (also known as Cascata del Botto) in Switzerland’s Italian-speaking Ticino region is a rocky mountain path, so bring your hiking boots! From the Maroggia-Melano train station, it’s a 15-min bus ride on bus number 541 to the village of Rovio overlooking picturesque Lake Lugano. From here you’ll follow the well-marked path up to the waterfall, admiring the tall chestnut trees and moss-covered rock formations along the way. Look back down at the village and you’ll spot the Church of San Vigilio, a charming example of Romanesque architecture dating back to the 11th century.
Image Credit: Getty Images, HeiFi. Image Location: Foroglio Falls, Ticino, Switzerland.
Foroglio waterfall
Closest station: Locarno
Over 328-ft tall, the Foroglio waterfall (Cascata di Foroglio) tumbles past rocky ledges into the steep and spectacular Val Bavona valley. From the train station in Locarno, settle in for a picturesque journey on bus number 315 to Cavergno, Paese bus stop, where you’ll switch to bus number 333 heading to the village of Foroglio.
Diesbach Falls
Closest station: Schwanden GL
Looking for an under-the-radar spot? Diesbach Falls (Diesbachfall) in Switzerland’s Glarus region has been called one of the country’s most photogenic and idyllic waterfalls for its awe-inspiring topography, which sends streams of water thundering past tree-covered cliffs. For the best lighting, you’ll want to visit this hidden gem in the afternoon.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, jacquesvandinteren. Image Location: Staubbach Falls, Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland.