Mudpie Fridays >> Bodensee >> Stein am Rhein in Switzerland – Travel Guide

Stein am Rhein in Switzerland – Travel Guide

We decided to visit Stein am Rhein in Switzerland on the way back from going on a boat trip on the Rhine Falls. Since we had the car we decided we wanted to explore further than the popular town of Schaffhausen. I am so glad we did as the small village of Stein am Rhein really stole our hearts. With its well-preserved architecture and cobblestone streets it is compact making it a great place to stop with children or if you are adding it onto another day trip. As we did when we spent 7 days in the Bodensee.

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Where Is Stein am Rhein Located

Unsurprisingly Stein am Rhein is located directly on the Rhine River. It dates back to the medieval period when the river was used heavily for transporting cargo and trade. The River Rhine originates in the Swiss Alps, flowing through the town into Lake Constance. The river forms a natural border to the North with Germany. Placing Stein am Rhein on the German/Swiss border. Positioned to the northwest of Switzerland, it is relatively close to other Swiss cities such as Zurich and Winterthur. As well as the German city of Konstanz, which is across the lake.

How To Get to Stein am Rhein in Switzerland

There are several ways to visit Stein am Rhein. We drove since we had the car. However, if you are planning on visiting in peak season then the roads around Lake Constance get very busy. Making driving slow and finding parking near on impossible.

By Train: Stein am Rhein has its own train station, and the town can be easily reached by train from various major cities in Switzerland. From Zurich, direct trains run from Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Stein am Rhein and take about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Regular trains also connect Schaffhausen to Stein am Rhein, with a journey time of about 25 minutes.
By Bus: Regional bus services also connect Stein am Rhein with neighbouring towns and cities. Although they suffer from the same congestion on the road during the Summer months. You can find more information on the SBB website.
By Boat: During the warmer months, you can also visit Stein am Rhein by boat. There are regular boat services on Lake Constance that stop at various towns along the shore, including Stein am Rhein. This can be a scenic and enjoyable way to travel, especially if you want to experience the beauty of the lake and the Rhine River.

Car Parking in Stein am Rhein

When we visited we parked in the car park close to the Untertor. You can use the address Busparkplatz 8260 Stein am Rhein to find it. There are several other car parks which are close by including Parkplatz Neumüli. There is also some parking on the other side of the bridge at the train station which has another fifty or so spaces. If you are visiting by car then you want to arrive early in the day.

When is the best time to visit Stein am Rhein

We visited in April during the Springtime when it was not too busy around Lake Constance. This meant that when we arrived around 2.30 pm in the afternoon we could park. We also had no trouble sitting by the riverside and having a bit to eat. Many of the cafes and restaurants in the old town had available seating. Yet the weather was nice enough to sit out in the sun.

Stein am Rhein Things To Do

A popular day trip we spent some time exploring Stein am Rhein after a trip to the Rhine Falls. Allow at least half a day. Especially if you would like to enjoy the harbour area on the river. There is plenty to see and do in this town which is almost like a living museum.

Untertor – Under Gate

Where we parked we could see the Untertor from the car park. Dating back to the 13th century, the Untertor was constructed as a defensive structure to protect the town from potential invaders and to regulate access. Only two gates remain. The Untertor is located at the western entrance of the town, it is hard to miss with its tower and steeply pitched roof. The tower was historically used for surveillance and defence. Today this is the main entrance to the old town, as you pass underneath you enter narrow cobbled streets.

Medieval Architecture & Rathaus

One of the big draws of this small village is the medieval architecture which can be found in the old town. Many of the half-timbered buildings have information plaques outside them. Using Google Translate it is easy to learn the history of each of these buildings. There is a map detailing all of the points of interest which you can pick up from the tourist information office. Even if it is shut when you visit then you may be able to pick one up from one of the plastic leaflet holders outside. One of the most notable is Rathaus or town hall which you can not miss as it is the most prominent building in the Rathausplatz with its 16th-century frescoes.

Painted Facades and Frescoes

Probably one of the key reasons people visit the small village is because the old town of Stein am Rhein in Switzerland is renowned for its painted buildings. As well as the Rathaus, many buildings within the Rathausplatz also have painted facades. The frescoes cover various themes both religious and historical influences. They are very well-preserved and are subject to regular restorations. Several of the buildings are listed as Swiss Heritage Sites.

The Benedictine Monastery of St. Georgen

Founded around the year 1007, the Monastery of St. Georgen was established by a group of Benedictine monks. It became renowned for its scriptorium where monks would copy and illuminate manuscripts, contributing to the spread of knowledge and learning during the Middle Ages. However, with reformation and the subsequent secularisation in the 16th century, the monastery was dissolved. Despite this, the structure of the monastery remains remarkably intact.

The Abbey Church: The church is a highlight of the complex with its Romanesque and Gothic elements, impressive frescoes, and tranquil atmosphere.
The Cloister: The monastery’s cloister is a peaceful courtyard surrounded by arcades, which once served as a place of meditation for the monks.
The Refectory: This dining hall is adorned with beautiful frescoes and is a testament to the daily life of the Benedictine community.
The Dormitory: The sleeping quarters of the monks provide insights into their simple and communal lifestyle.
The Abbey Museum: The museum within the monastery houses artefacts and exhibits that tell the story of the monastery’s history, the monastic life, and the region’s cultural development.

You can find out more about the Monastery of St. Georgen on their website. The entrance is 5CFH, there is also a combined ticket available for some of the other museums.

Hexenturm – Witches Tower

Now with an ice cream shop in front of it and public toilets, you could be forgiven for missing the Witches’ Tower or Hexenturm. Dating back to the 13th century, the Witches Tower served as a defensive structure, forming part of the town’s protective walls. The tower gets its name from its use in the late Middle Ages as a prison for individuals accused of witchcraft, a common practice across Europe during times of superstition and fear of the supernatural.

Obertor – Upper Gate

The Obertor is located at the northern end of the town and can be missed if you focus your exploring in the centre of the old town. It dates back to the 13th century and was built to protect the town from potential invaders and to control the flow of people and goods entering and leaving the town. Although today it looks modern, it would have historically had a portcullis in the passageway.

Rhine Bridge & Riverfront

We wandered down to the bridge which was built in 1974. The bridge has been located in the same place since the medieval times. The bridge today takes both cars and pedestrians. We walked to the middle to take some photos giving views of the Rhine River. Although it was grey when we visited I would imagine it i very pretty when the sun is out. From here we wandered back along the streets to the riverfront. There are several places along the front to sit and eat or drink. The boys enjoyed some ice cream and apple strudel while we watched the boats come and go.

Stein am Rhein to Rhine Falls

The Rhine Falls or Rheinfall in German, is the largest waterfall in Switzerland and Europe. It is located near the town of Neuhausen am Rheinfall, close to the city of Schaffhausen. The falls are a spectacular natural wonder where the Rhine River cascades over a rocky cliff at a breadth of 150 meters (492 feet) and a height of 23 meters (75 feet). If you are thinking of visiting both Stein am Rhein and Rhine Falls, like we did then there are several different options on how to travel between the two. The distance from Stein am Rhein to the Rhine Falls is 15.5 miles by road.

Car: The drive from Stein am Rhein to the Rhine Falls takes around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. The route is well-signposted and takes you through scenic countryside and small Swiss towns.
Train: There are regular train services from Stein am Rhein to Schaffhausen, and from Schaffhausen, you can catch a connecting train to the station “Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall,” which is located near the falls. The entire train journey may take around 1 to 1.5 hours, including transfer time. Once you arrive at the station, it’s a short walk to the falls.
Boat: There are no specific boat tours to the Rhine Falls but it is possible to catch a boat cruise to Schaffhausen. By the river, it is 50km and takes 5 hours with Untersee am Rhein. Prices start at 29CHF

Hohenklingen Castle

Overlooking the town is Hohenklingen Castle. Which we spotted from where we parked. It is possible to visit the castle and have a meal there overlooking views of the Rhine. Dating back to the Middle Ages it was completely renovated between 2005 and 2007. The castle also offers a number of events throughout the year. Both the menu and the wine list are avaliable on the website. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak times.

Lindwurm Museum

Housed in a grand 16th-century building known as the Lindwurm House (Haus zum Lindwurm), the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the domestic life of the upper-middle-class and farming communities during the 19th century. Entrance to the Lindwurm Museum costs 5CHF, with free admission if you have a Bodensee Card. Opening dates and times are available on the website.

Tips for visiting Stein am Rhein in Switzerland

If you are planning a visit then here are some tips for your visit:

The old town within the city walls is pedestrianised making it easy to wander around. Mainly cobbles you do need to wear sensible shoes.
It is also relatively small and so can be easily explored on foot. Although you will need a car to reach the castle.
The main language is German although we found many places that spoke English.
Prices are quoted in both euros and Swiss Francs.
The area around Stein am Rhein is great for cycling. You can rent a bike and explore the surrounding countryside and the banks of the Rhine.
Generally shops are closed on a Sunday in Switzerland.