Experience the beauty of the falls up close with a boat tour on the river below the falls.

The best boat tour is the "Rock Experience," which stops at the rock in the middle of the falls. If that's not in your budget, the short round trip is also an exciting ride, going very close falls, costing half as much. They also offer a longer river cruise, but we don't think it's worth it.

Open: late March through October
Daily 9:30 – 18:30 in summer. In spring and fall, hours shorten to 11:00 – 17:00.

Website: rhyfall-maendli.ch

• Note: If you booked a guided tour to the falls, make sure to add on the boat ride, as it is often not included in the base price.

How to get there

All boat tours leave from the northern bank (aka Schlössli Wörth). If you are starting on the southern bank (aka Schloss Laufen), you first need to ride the “No 2 Red Line” ferry to the northern banks. Then switch to the correct boat for your tour. Some tickets include the transfer between shores.

• Note: The "Schloss Werth" ferry from the northern banks to the main boat launch is included in the price of the following tours

Rock Experience (yellow boat)

This boat ride takes you close to the falls and stops at the rock in the middle of the falls. The whole tour is about 30 mins, with about 20 mins at the rock, to climb the stairs to the viewpoint and take pics.

This boat is labeled: Felsenfahrt Nr. 1 Gelbe Linie, aka “Rock Tour No. 1 Yellow Boat.” The boat departs every 20 mins.

In 2025, this boat ride costs CHF 22.50/adult. Also the rock stairs are a bit dangerous for small children. Best to book online to reduce your waiting time.

15-Minute Round Trip (blue boat)

This short boat ride takes you very close to the falls, but no stopover at the rock.

This blue boat is labeled: Kleine Rundfahrt Nr. 4 Blaue Linie, aka “Short Tour No. 4 Blue Boat.” The boat departs every 12 mins.

In 2025, this boat ride costs CHF 10.50/adult.

Best to book online to reduce your waiting time.

Rhine River tour (green boat)

If you want a longer tour on the river, the Schiffmändli boat company offers a 30 min round trip. This tour goes close to the falls and includes the ferry between the southern and northern banks. It does not include a stopover at the rock. The boat is green and labeled “3 A – 30 Minuten Rundfahrt.”

This tour runs 8 times per day and can sell out. You can buy tickets in advance online to reserve your spot (German website only).