Plizio Visual Lab
Laufen Castle
Laufen Castle perches majestically on a steep limestone cliff directly above the Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall. The complex's history dates back to 858, when it was first mentioned in records as the ancestral seat of the Barons of Laufen. Over the centuries, the castle changed hands several times, including the Allerheiligen Monastery in Schaffhausen and finally the city of Zurich in 1544. Today's architecture blends medieval defensive elements with Gothic residential buildings that were extensively renovated in the 19th century. Besides its military importance as a guardian of the river crossing, the castle early on became a magnet for travelers on the 'Grand Tour.' Today, it houses an interactive exhibition on the history of the Rhine Falls and serves as the starting point for spectacular viewing platforms. The ensemble of historical masonry and thundering water masses is an iconic testimony to the Swiss cultural landscape.
- Location: Switzerland
- Top sights: Känzeli Schloss Laufen · Fischetz · Belvedere
- Nearby: Bülach (18 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 94 | 74 | 92 | 91 | 141 | 139 | 144 | 146 | 103 | 100 | 87 | 102 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The first documentary mention dates to July 29, 858.
- The castle is located in the Zurich municipality of Laufen-Uhwiesen.
- In 1544, the city of Zurich purchased the castle for 12,000 guilders.
- The 'Historama' tour explains the over 1,100-year history.
- The Känzeli path leads to a platform directly above the rushing water.
- The core of the north wing dates back to around 1150.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Laufen Castle (10)
Belvedere
Viewpoint at the Rhine Falls.
Ev. ref. Kirche Laufen am Rheinfall
Church building in Switzerland.
Rhyality Immersive Art Hall🏛 museum
Art hall in Laufen am Rheinfall.
Katholische Kirche Heilig Kreuz
Church building in Neuhausen am Rheinfall, canton of Schaffhausen.
Reformierte Kirche
Church building in Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland.
Ruine Neuburg🏰 castle
Castle ruins in Neuhausen am Rheinfall, canton of Schaffhausen.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you see the Rhine Falls from the castle?
Is there direct access to the waterfall?
Is the castle accessible by train?
How old is Laufen Castle?
Is there a restaurant in the castle?
Laufen Castle: where is it located?
Laufen Castle: what is there to see?
Laufen Castle: when is the best time to visit?
Laufen Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
