THE CANTON OF SCHAFFHAUSEN
Bordering Germany in northern Switzerland, Schaffhausen lies mostly along the north side of the Rhine River. If you look at a map of the Canton, you’ll probably think that the cartographer made a mistake as parts of Schaffhausen seem to be separated from the rest of the Canton like two islands. They are... Your eyes didn’t deceive you; these are truly exclaves. If you take a closer look, you’ll also notice that there is a portion of Germany totally enclaved by Switzerland. Although Büsingen am Hochrhein in Baden-Württemberg came close to become a part of Switzerland in 1918, it never happened.
The City of Schaffhausen’s landmark, the ring-shaped Munot fortress, was built in the late 1500s to a design by the renowned German artist & draftsman Albrecht Dürer. For an amazing view over the city and the Rhine River, a climb to the top of the Munot fortress is a must. The trek is not for the faint hearted, but truly worth it. It’s a fascinating fort with quite a bit of history. If you’re looking for a more relaxing pastime and are lucky enough to be in Schaffhausen in autumn, do plan to join the annual “Schafuuse Wiiprob”. It’s a wine tasting event which takes place in the cloister of the Muzeum zu Allerheiligen (All Saints Benedictine Abbey). The region is known for its pinot noir, and each year twenty of Schaffhausen’s vintners present their wines for tasting.
Schaffhausen offers ample wonderful opportunities to walk, jog and cycle along the promenades of the Rhine River. In summer, as they do in Bern, locals jump in the water and enjoy being carried by the flow of the river. For a unique experience you definitely need to plan a boat trip on the Rhine from Schaffhausen to Stein am Rhein. If you have the time, do go on to the Untersee all the way to Kreuzlingen where the Rhine resumes its journey across Europe after leaving the Lake of Constance. Stop off in the little town of Stein am Rhein and visit Hohenklingen Castle where, by the way, they have an excellent restaurant in the castle itself.
Schaffhausen owes its existence to the Rhine Falls (Rheinfalls) which are located at Neuhausen just south of Schaffhausen. They are the most spectacular in July when the water levels are the highest. They are unique and the largest waterfalls in Europe per volume of water passing over them. There are boat tours that will take you right to the falls.
Check out the Videos by clicking on the highlighted links above.
Bordering Germany in northern Switzerland, Schaffhausen lies mostly along the north side of the Rhine River. If you look at a map of the Canton, you’ll probably think that the cartographer made a mistake as parts of Schaffhausen seem to be separated from the rest of the Canton like two islands. They are... Your eyes didn’t deceive you; these are truly exclaves. If you take a closer look, you’ll also notice that there is a portion of Germany totally enclaved by Switzerland. Although Büsingen am Hochrhein in Baden-Württemberg came close to become a part of Switzerland in 1918, it never happened.
The City of Schaffhausen’s landmark, the ring-shaped Munot fortress, was built in the late 1500s to a design by the renowned German artist & draftsman Albrecht Dürer. For an amazing view over the city and the Rhine River, a climb to the top of the Munot fortress is a must. The trek is not for the faint hearted, but truly worth it. It’s a fascinating fort with quite a bit of history. If you’re looking for a more relaxing pastime and are lucky enough to be in Schaffhausen in autumn, do plan to join the annual “Schafuuse Wiiprob”. It’s a wine tasting event which takes place in the cloister of the Muzeum zu Allerheiligen (All Saints Benedictine Abbey). The region is known for its pinot noir, and each year twenty of Schaffhausen’s vintners present their wines for tasting.
Schaffhausen offers ample wonderful opportunities to walk, jog and cycle along the promenades of the Rhine River. In summer, as they do in Bern, locals jump in the water and enjoy being carried by the flow of the river. For a unique experience you definitely need to plan a boat trip on the Rhine from Schaffhausen to Stein am Rhein. If you have the time, do go on to the Untersee all the way to Kreuzlingen where the Rhine resumes its journey across Europe after leaving the Lake of Constance. Stop off in the little town of Stein am Rhein and visit Hohenklingen Castle where, by the way, they have an excellent restaurant in the castle itself.
Schaffhausen owes its existence to the Rhine Falls (Rheinfalls) which are located at Neuhausen just south of Schaffhausen. They are the most spectacular in July when the water levels are the highest. They are unique and the largest waterfalls in Europe per volume of water passing over them. There are boat tours that will take you right to the falls.
Check out the Videos by clicking on the highlighted links above.
