Switzerland is one of the most beautiful regionsOf Europe. This is a country of magnificent mountains and glaciers, enchanting nature, high culture and standard of living. It is difficult to describe in words all the beauty of Swiss nature, it is only necessary to see with your own eyes. Tourists from all over the world come here to see its sights.
One of these places of interest is the Rhinewaterfall. It is considered the greatest flat waterfall in terms of the amount of falling water. These figures vary with the seasons. In winter, the volume of water is not very large - 250 m3/ sec, but in summer the wild nature is impressive: the water flow rushing down is almost 600 m3/ sec. The threshold is 23 meters high and 150 meters wide. Everything created by nature is fascinating, and the sight of the powerful game of falling and crashing water is an impressive sight.
How was the Rhine Falls formed?
Before falling from a 23-meter height, the Rhineovercomes many thresholds across its width, and it seems that he frolics in front of the final obstacle, and then falls down between two rocks. Scientists believe that the Rhine Falls dates back to the times of the Ice Age. Moving, blocks of ice destroyed the mountains, changed the relief and the river beds. The raging streams of the Rhine gradually eroded the ground, and today there are only two rocks left in its central part. Rhine Falls 14 thousand years. In the XIX century, built two dams that ensure the operation of the metallurgical plant. There were plans to build a powerful hydroelectric station, but due to public outrage this project was not supported. Natural monument turned out to be more valuable. Now there is a small power plant, which supplies energy to the entire tourist complex, and with the onset of darkness they turn on floodlights.
Location of the monument of nature
В 50 км от Цюриха, в окрестностях Neuhausen am Rheinfall, and the famous Rhine Falls are located. How to get there, everyone chooses himself: by train or car. If you take the train to Zurich, you can reach the Winterthur stop in an hour. And from there by train, almost to the waterfall. If you wish, you can rent a car to visit other interesting excursion routes.
If you visited Switzerland to seethe main water attraction, you should definitely stay for a few days in the town of Schaffhausen. This is a beautiful city with old buildings, fountains, restaurants and shops.
Locks
Above the waterfall rise two locks - Laufen andVert. Restored in the 19th century, Laufen Castle is a stone building with a roof of multicolored tiles, a coat of arms over the gate, and on its territory is a museum dedicated to the Rhine Falls and Switzerland.
You can contemplate the beauty created by nature withseveral viewing platforms near the castle Laufen. To the top platform, take the elevator, then the wooden walkways. You can get to the second terrace by water on boats. It is located on the top of the cliff in the heart of the waterfall. A winding staircase leads upstairs.
Impressive nature, showing its beauty andindomitable force. The water is bubbling, growling like a wild beast. From the excursion to the waterfall you get a powerful charge of energy and a lot of the most vivid impressions. This is a real adrenaline - to observe how the Rhine first spills over quietly and suddenly begins to boil on the descent, foaming, with a deafening noise, it falls down, bringing down tons of water from the rock.
Below the waterfall is a railway that was opened in 1857. There are pedestrian platforms from which you can watch the water from afar.
Entertainment for tourists
Near the pier there are souvenir shops.For tourists offer several water excursions. Prices - from 8 to 17 francs. For children, the cost is 50%, and kids up to 6 years old travel for free. The trip lasts from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours (if you visit the castle Laufen).
A walk around the waterfall gives you the opportunityTourists can relax in a cafe or restaurant located in the castle Laufen and Werth. Tasting national dishes and at the same time watching the waterfall - what else is needed for a good time ?! A photo of the Rhine Falls complement the collection of memorable images. To diversify the rest at the foot of the waterfall, lovers of fishing can go fishing. There is a large selection of fish: eel, river perch, chub and others.
Light show
The most memorable sight in the summer isfireworks. During the national holiday on July 31, a large number of tourists gather at the waterfall to see a show called "Fire on the Rocks". All the actions of light fireworks with different effects with their beauty and magic fascinate and resemble a fairy tale. Laufen Castle is illuminated with blue light, which creates the mystery of what is happening.
Switzerland is the richest country in the world. It is famous for a tremendous variety of both culture and nature.
Mountains, alpine meadows, famous lakes, the Rhine Falls. Switzerland is a picturesque place that will surprise even the most experienced traveler.
