Schaffhausen Switzerland

Schaffhausen is the northernmost canton of Switzerland with history dating back a thousand years. It is almost entirely surrounded by Germany and thus, is a perfect starting point for day trips and excursions across the border.

Schaffhausen also has much to offer in terms of outdoors and cultural activities. It is promoted as ‘a piece of paradise' and its landscape is characterised by river scenery and vineyards. The Randen Mountains and the Rhine Valley, with the majestic Rhine Falls, are must visits. Most of its 298km² area is agricultural land which also includes a significant winemaking region. Tourism, agriculture and high-tech industry all play an important role in the canton's economy.

How to get to Schaffhausen?

By plane:

The nearest airports to Schaffhausen, if you suddenly have decided to drop in for few days, while being in Germany, which, by the way, surrounds the canton from three sides, are in Frankfurt and Munich. Both airports are very well connected with Schaffhausen via the railway (the trains depart directly from the airport).

The nearest one located in Switzerland is Zürich Airport, 40-55 minutes away by train, depending on the direction.

By train:

Schaffhausen can be directly reached by train from Zurich, Winterthur, Kreuzlingen-St. Gallen (Seelinie), Singen-Stuttgart and Basel. Herblingen railway station provides local trains linking Schaffhausen station and Singen. Whereas Schaffhausen railway station, which shares two owners – the Swiss Federal Railways and Deutsche Bahn and provides trains of both nations, is served by long-distance passenger trains connecting Zurich and Frankfurt as well as Basel and Ulm. Although Zurich S-Bahn serves trains S16, S22 and S33 to the station, only the S16is a direct line to Zurich. The St. Gallen S-Bahn S3 train runs to St. Gallen, and S8 train connects with Rorschach.

By car:

If you travel by car or have rented one in the rental office, to reach the city from Zurich, take the A4/E41 direction to the north. Beware that all Swiss motorways require all users to purchase a vignette.

By bus:

If you are more comfortable going by bus, there’s a very nice Post bus connection from Zurich as well as many other major cities, which will ensure you have a fast and pleasant trip to Schaffhausen. So, definitely pick the one that offers an excursion on the way, this way you’ll find out lots of interesting things while en route. In addition, there is a good bus network and the Schaffhausen trolleybus system in the town. The latter connects with neighboring places including Herblingen and Neuhausen am Rheinfall. It makes it really easy to travel all over the region.