* Pictures noted are from bottom to top - Most of the drive from Austria to Switzerland was on highway which made the 4 1/2 hour drive a bit tedious and boring. Once again, passing between borders was just a wave-through which was nice. We finally arrived to Schaffhausen by late afternoon. Not sure exactly where our hotel was located, we were able to wind our way through town center to the information office for a map and directions.
In the intense late day heat (close to 95F degrees) we settled into our nice, but non-airconditioned room then left for the 15 minute walk into town to explore and eat dinner (picture 1). In comparison to other areas we traveled in Europe, we thought Schaffhausen was generally more expenisive than most. While there appeared to be a number of Swiss and Austrian tourists around it didn't feel like a very lively 'tourist' town - especially when downtown streets turned dark and deserted by 10 pm.
The next day was beautifully clear and sunny. Perfect opportunity to take the 1 1/2 hour boat cruise down the Rhein to the picturesque village of Stein am Rhein. With a great seat on the top deck of the boat we enjoyed the slow ride through the only unconstrained section of the Rhein. The views of the villages, crops, vineyards, farmhouses, and churches was just fabulous (picture 2).
We disembarked at the popular destination of Stein am Rhein. In addition to being so quaint, we were most impressed with the seemingly endless rows of painted buildings (picture 3). Just beautiful. After strolling through the center of town along winding, narrow, stone streets we found a wonderful place to enjoy the local cuisine of delicately cooked fish of the region and Swiss Riesling wine. Within a few hours we were back on the boat for our return to Schaffhausen.
Instead of going directly back to our hotel, we decided to walk the steep stone steps to Munot, the impressive 16th century fortification located high over the city (picture 4). Built as a circular bastion it stands free on all sides with a moat to ensure 360-degree defense. Today while the moat is filled with grass and the hillside is covered in vineyards, the views of the city and Rhein were still breathtaking (picture 5). It was a great end to a wonderful day.
Early the next morning we checked out of the hotel and before leaving town drove to view the famous Neuhausen am Reinfall. After a vigurous walk from the parking area we reached the largest waterfall on the Rhein (picture 6). Just beautiful. We watched the falls for only a short time then returned to the car for the start of our road trip to Annecy, France.
In the intense late day heat (close to 95F degrees) we settled into our nice, but non-airconditioned room then left for the 15 minute walk into town to explore and eat dinner (picture 1). In comparison to other areas we traveled in Europe, we thought Schaffhausen was generally more expenisive than most. While there appeared to be a number of Swiss and Austrian tourists around it didn't feel like a very lively 'tourist' town - especially when downtown streets turned dark and deserted by 10 pm.
The next day was beautifully clear and sunny. Perfect opportunity to take the 1 1/2 hour boat cruise down the Rhein to the picturesque village of Stein am Rhein. With a great seat on the top deck of the boat we enjoyed the slow ride through the only unconstrained section of the Rhein. The views of the villages, crops, vineyards, farmhouses, and churches was just fabulous (picture 2).
We disembarked at the popular destination of Stein am Rhein. In addition to being so quaint, we were most impressed with the seemingly endless rows of painted buildings (picture 3). Just beautiful. After strolling through the center of town along winding, narrow, stone streets we found a wonderful place to enjoy the local cuisine of delicately cooked fish of the region and Swiss Riesling wine. Within a few hours we were back on the boat for our return to Schaffhausen.
Instead of going directly back to our hotel, we decided to walk the steep stone steps to Munot, the impressive 16th century fortification located high over the city (picture 4). Built as a circular bastion it stands free on all sides with a moat to ensure 360-degree defense. Today while the moat is filled with grass and the hillside is covered in vineyards, the views of the city and Rhein were still breathtaking (picture 5). It was a great end to a wonderful day.
Early the next morning we checked out of the hotel and before leaving town drove to view the famous Neuhausen am Reinfall. After a vigurous walk from the parking area we reached the largest waterfall on the Rhein (picture 6). Just beautiful. We watched the falls for only a short time then returned to the car for the start of our road trip to Annecy, France.
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