When travelling to Switzerland and in love with nature, it’s a must to check out some Switzerland waterfalls during your stay. There are waterfalls in nearly every canton of Switzerland, each unique in height and surroundings.
We have started this post to combine a highlighted list of Switzerland Waterfalls worth visiting! They are shared based on the cantons, so give a little search to see if there is a waterfall shared here with the canton you will visit.
We will be adding lots more to this post as time goes on, so please save for later!
Switzerland Waterfall FAQs
Is there any waterfall in Switzerland?
So to start with, yes! There are many waterfalls in Switzerland. Based on Europeanwaterfalls.com, there are more than 150 recorded waterfall locations in Switzerland. Isn’t that cool?!
That mean’s you’ll definitely spot a waterfall while exploring Switzerland at the right time of the year.
What and where is the largest waterfall in Switzerland?
That would be the Rhine Falls!
Read on below the contribution text from a traveller who has visited with her experience!
Which waterfall is located near the border between Germany and Switzerland?
As well as being the largest, the one closest to Germany is also the Rhine Falls.
It really looks spectacular and fun to visit – which we will also visit ourselves in August!
Where is the famous waterfall in Switzerland?
There are a few Switzerland Waterfalls that you can class as famous, based on their popularity with tourists.
These would typically include:
- Staubbach Fall
- Rhine Fall
- Seerenbach Falls
- Trümmelbach Falls
- Piumogna Fall
- Mürrenbach Fall
How Can I Find A Waterfall In Switzerland?
Switzerland Waterfalls are named slightly different based on the canton you are visiting. Here is what you can search and look out for based on the main language of the canton:
Waterfall in Italian is “cascata” or “cascate”.
Waterfall in German is “wasserfall” or “wasserfälle”.
Waterfall in French is “cascade” or “chute”.
Waterfalls of Switzerland
Read on to see the following highlight cantons with beautiful waterfalls, contributed by us as well as travellers who have visited the waterfall they have written about:
- Bern
- Schaffhausen
- Ticino
- Grisons
Bern Waterfalls
Staubbach Falls
Google Maps Location: HWW8+CM Lauterbrunnen
If you visit Lauterbrunnen in the Jungfrau region of Switzerland, be sure to carve out time to visit Staubbach Falls.
This towering cascade drops nearly 300 meters from an overhanging cliff and dominates the view at the south end of town.
When we visited Lauterbrunnen, we walked 12 minutes from the train station along Auf der Fuhren to a side street, Beim Pfrundhaus, to reach the foot of Staubbach Falls.
Once there, we followed its interlocking stone walkway for an uphill climb. We did it in sandals, though sneakers or hiking shoes would have been a better choice, especially as the path becomes rockier and somewhat slick toward the top.
Expect the walk—which will take around 20 minutes from start to finish—to be crowded with visitors. Though, for a closer look at the falls and the commanding views of the valley below, this short excursion to Stuabbach Falls is entirely worth it.
Contributed by Janice from Gather And Go Travel
St. Beatus Waterfall
Google Maps Location: MQMJ+HR Beatenberg
St. Beatus Caves upon which you can see the beautiful St. Beatus Waterfall is located a short driving distance from Thun. Buses or a car can easily get you to St. Beatus Waterfall. If driving a personal vehicle, there is parking at the base of the caves that allows you to walk to take in the view of the waterfall.
The waterfall is also visible from ferries and boats that criss-cross the lake. Thun as well as other stopping points on the lake, that go roundtrip to Interlaken pass right by the waterfall.
The trail up to the waterfall is a pleasant walk, and if you arrive early enough, you can beat the crowds. Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes as the terrain can be a bit rugged. The waterfall itself cascades over the cave entrance, forming a misty curtain – a sight that takes your breath away. This waterfall is reminiscent of many of Poland’s cascading waterfalls in the Giant Mountain Range near Karpacz in southwestern Poland.
The St. Beatus Waterfall, water comes down from the surrounding Alps, and is quite cold particularly at the beginning of spring when the water starts to increase down the waterfall.
Before you leave, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the caves.
Contributed by Diana
Schaffhausen Waterfall
Rhine Falls
Google Maps Location: MJH8+65 Neuhausen am Rheinfall
The largest waterfall in Switzerland and one of the largest in Europe is the legendary Rhine Falls. It is located just 2,5km from the northern Swiss town of Schaffhausen and just a few kilometers from the German border.
Unlike many other waterfalls, the Rhine Fall is not particularly high with “only” 23 meters, but it has an impressive width of 150 meters! Since over 1000 years the beautiful castle Laufen is overlooking that spectacle from above.
The ride with the yellow boat line is without a doubt a highlight at the Rhine Falls. The boat takes you to a small rock with a viewing platform in the middle of the waterfall where you can get off for a short while and experience the natural spectacle up close (and get wet).
A wide promenade on the north bank of the Rhine offers restaurants, lookout points and boat docks along the roaring water.
On the southern side of the Rhine Falls there is a wide hiking trail that leads to various viewpoints and up to Castle Laufen. I recommend the scenic leisurely walk of 3.5km, around the Rhine Falls basin. On this short hike of about one hour, you can admire the Rhine Falls from all sides.
Contributed by Linda from Playingoutside.de
Ticino Waterfalls
Cascata di Foroglio, Cevio
Google Maps Location: 9GCW+G4 Cevio
The Cascata di Foroglio waterfall is in the picturesque village of Foroglio and its waterfall is one of the most stunning in the Swiss area of Ticino.
To get there, it is just a short 1 hour journey from either Locarno or Ascona. This is possible with the local public transportation of a bus, else you can choose to drive up the valley to Foroglio with your own car.
Foroglio itself is a picturesque stone housed village, which is the perfect setting for photography. So a combination of the waterfall and village explorations is quite a lovely day out!
The Foroglio waterfall is 110 meters tall and easily reachable, as well as being only a 5 minute walk from the village. The waters at the bottom of the waterfall are mostly shallow. This makes it a great spot for sunbathing and having a little dip in the water.
There is also one of the local Swing of the World swings here, which is great to sit on and swing while facing the waterfall.
Ticino Waterfall Tip: This waterfall is in our opinion one of the most busiest to visit during touristic season. So we suggest that if you are visiting during this time, be considerate of locals and tourists alike.
Ponte Brolla, Tegna
Google Maps Location: 5PPX+6H Tegna
The Ponte Brolla waterfall is located on the edge of the village Tegna. It’s easily reachable with the local 315 bus from Locarno. The bus takes around 13 minutes, else a car journey from Locarno takes only 10mins.
Once you reach Ponte Brolla, its a short walk through the village to the sandy beach area called Pozzo di Tegna. The easiest and safest route to walk to it is across the bridge from the Ponte Brolla bus/train stop and along the pathway towards Tegna.
The Ponte Brolla waterfall is quite fun to be at, since you can swim right under it and sit on a ledge under it. So you can relax while being behind the waterfall. The water is very deep in the area though, so it’s only for those who can swim well.
This gorgeous spot is very ideal for swimming at. It has the sandy beach area where it is shallow and perfect for those with children. From there, you can swim deeper towards the waterfall, where it is very deep.
Ticino Waterfall Tip: You could spend all day here if you wish, with a combination of sunshine and shade for the whole day. Our tip is to take a picnic or at least snacks with you, so you can enjoy a relaxing time here.
We have a fully-loaded, high content Ticino Guide sharing local things to see, do and explore with each season: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
CLICK HERE
Cascata del Salto, Maggia
Google Maps Location: 7P24+9G Maggia
Located in Maggia, this beautiful 60 meter high waterfall is the perfect place for a dip in a deep pool. The Cascata del Salto also has a shallow area for dipping your toes in and to relax in the sunshine. So either way, bring your swimming costume!
The water is, when we were there, extremely cold even in Summer. But once you are in, you do of course get used to it. Make sure to bring a towel and some snacks for afterwards, where you can sit on some of the rocks nearby to dry off.
It’s a very unique, hidden gem where mostly locals visit on a hot Summers day. Perfect for some local waterfall fun!
For this waterfall, there is a little walking involved to get there and it is not suitable for those with difficulties. You start with using the local 315 bus from Locarno to Maggia. The bus takes only 25minutes too, else a car journey from Locarno takes only 15mins. If you are in Ticino with a bike, we would suggest also cycling here!
Ticino Waterfall Tip: Try visiting after lunch time but before 5pm during Summer, as this is when the sunshine hits the waterfall beautifully making the rainbow visible!
Cascata La Froda, Sonogno
Google Maps Location: 8QWC+R7 Sonogno
This beautiful, impressive Switzerland waterfall is a must see for all who travel to Ticino. It is located at the end of the Valle Verzasca valley, which you should spend at least a day exploring.
You can reach the village by local bus 321 from Tenero, which takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. Alternatively if you want to visit by car, there is a large paid parking area at the village of Sonogno. However keep in mind this can get full very quickly during the Summer touristic season.
This waterfall is 70 meter in height and the best time to visit is early Summer, but all year round is just as fun.
The waterfall is located only 15-20 minutes walking from the village of Sonogno. This is an easy route, mostly flat and pathed, so its suitable for those with walking difficulties too. Along the way from the village to the waterfall you will see a few local stone houses as well as the pretty Grotto Efra restaurant (also recommended to visit!).
Ticino Waterfall Tip: This Switzerland waterfalls is really stunning, with a large river flowing down too. So it’s very easy to visit and dip your toes in at any point. There are also many hikes in the area, so consider one of these for a great day out!
Cascata di Val Moett
Google Maps Location: Gerra Froda, 6635 Gerra
The Cascata di Val Moett waterfall is a spectacular waterfall that you can hike past, but also visible from the road on the other side of the river. So if driving up the valley, you will spot it! The pedestrian path takes you first over one of the bridges and then along the river to let you observe it closely.
The waterfall is around 30 meters in height and created with the Riale di Val Mött river. This is, like the Cascata La Froda, based in the Valle Verzasca valley.
To visit, driving is easiest and you can park at the address mentioned above. Else it is the same local bus 321 from Tenero that can get you here. You will need to get off at bus stop Gerra(Verzasca), Prato Maggiore.
Ticino Waterfall Tip: It’s not one of the waterfalls you can really swim at, but it’s still lovely to see in person up close or from the parking area. There are picnic benches near the parking area too, so its a great stop off location while exploring the valley.
CASCATA DEL BOTTO
Google Maps Location: WXJW+8H Rovio
The Cascata del Botto waterfall is around 68 meters in height and created with the Sovaglia river, which flows down to Lake Lugano. It’s a hidden treasure as you first have to walk through a jungle-like pathway to get there.
The waterfall area is quite steep once you are near it, so you cannot really see the river going down the mountain for the whole distance. You are also not allowed to swim here, but still a great spot for relaxing at with the water spray.
It’s an easy route with suitable shoes, mostly on a dirt path with the surrounding area of the waterfall as stone. It’s also suitable to visit with kids as well as dogs, which we saw a few before we left.
Ticino Waterfall Tip: It’s not one of the Switzerland Waterfalls you can swim at, but it’s great to bring some snacks, drink and enjoy a picnic here. On a hot day there are also lots of shady spots to sit at on the surrounding rocks.
Grisons Waterfalls
Cascata di Grono
Google Maps Location: 65V4+9W, 6537 Grono
The waterfall of Cascata Di Grono is located east of the village of Grono, which is located North of Bellinzona in Ticino, but it is actually in the Grisons canton of Switzerland.
From the village of Grono to the waterfall, it takes only 12 minute walking. Else you can park nearby or visit it while on one of the main hikes in the area.
It is possible to dip in the water here, with the best time to visit between Spring and Summer. There is a pool of water for a deeper swim, but its not the largest waterfall in our Switzerland Waterfalls list.
There is a little bridge allowing you to walk and view the waterfall without getting wet. But you are able to easily walk down onto the rocks and closer to the waterfall too.
Switzerland Waterfall Tip: It’s a little hidden, so if you want to enjoy this waterfall during sunshine, come in the afternoon.
Switzerland Waterfalls Summary
We hope you like this list, which we will expand over time!
When visiting waterfalls, we want to highlight that you should always be responsible with your surroundings. Also, please check when exploring waterfalls if it is safe or allowed to swim.
Since we’re in nature at these locations, it’s always nice to have some snacks, drink and make it a picnic. Even consider a picnic blanket! However always remember to take any trash with you.
Furthermore, always wear suitable clothing and shoes. If hiking to specific waterfalls, keep in mind the elevation which can also result in a change of temperature.
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