Stein am Rhein
Zurich, Switzerland
The picturesque Swiss town marks the spot where the Rhine River meets Lake Constance. Overlooked by the towering Hohenklingen Castle, the town draws sightseers with its medieval abbey, traditional architecture, and convenient transport links, making it an ideal destination for a day trip from Winterthur, Zurich, and beyond.
The basics
The town is commonly visited on half- or full-day tours from Zurich, often in combination with Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Rhein Falls. Other tours visit as part of a wider exploration of central Europe—taking advantage of its proximity to the Swiss border to tick it off on the way to or from Lichtenstein, Austria, or southern Germany. Packages typically include walking tours of the Old Town, passing sites such St. George’s Abbey, and Pelikan House.
Things to know before you go
- Wheelchair users should confirm access arrangements with their tour provider.
- Some tours and multi-attraction passes include admission fees; otherwise, there is a small charge to enter attractions such as St. George’s Abbey.
- Bring a light jacket in summer as the riverside Old Town can get chilly towards evening; in the colder months, a coat and umbrella are a must.
How to get there
It takes just over 60 minutes to get to Stein am Rhein from Zurich by train. In a car, the journey takes around 45 minutes. Tours typically include round-trip transportation, though paid parking is available outside the Old Town. The Untersee-Rhine cruise from Schaffhausen to Kreuzlingen also passes Stein am Rhein.
When to get there
Summer affords the best views of the city and provides plenty of opportunities for al fresco drinking and dining. In winter, the streets are much quieter, though a light snow dusting on the medieval town is a special sight to see.
Discover Stein am Rhein with a Swiss Travel Pass
The Swiss Travel Pass includes free use of Switzerland’s public transit network, plus free access to more than 500 museums across the country. In Stein am Rhein, your pass provides free entry to St. George’s Abbey, the Nativity Crib Museum (KrippenWelt), and the family-favorite Lindwurm Museum, which transports visitors back to late 19th-century Switzerland.
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