Switzerland doesn’t just have waterfalls — it collects them like postcards. You’ll find thundering curtains of water crashing into turquoise rivers, delicate ribbon falls spilling down sheer cliff faces, and icy meltwater roaring out of glacier valleys. The best part? Many of the most spectacular waterfalls are also wonderfully easy to reach — no mountain-goat fitness required.
Below are some of Switzerland’s most impressive waterfalls that are also among the simplest to visit, whether you’re travelling by train, car, or with kids in tow.
1) Rhine Falls (Rheinfall) – Europe’s biggest waterfall (and ridiculously easy)
If you want drama with minimal effort, Rhine Falls delivers. It’s the largest waterfall in Europe by volume, and it sounds like it — a constant, thunderous rush that you can feel in your chest as you walk the viewing platforms.
Why go: huge power and scale, multiple viewpoints, boat trips (seasonal)
Getting there: two train stations (Neuhausen Rheinfall and Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall) and short, well-signposted walks
Don’t miss: viewpoints at Schloss Laufen, plus the close-up boat ride in summer
2) Staubbach Falls (Lauterbrunnen) – The iconic “veil” waterfall
Lauterbrunnen Valley is basically a waterfall gallery, but Staubbach Falls is the star. It drops almost 300 metres in a shimmering stream, often catching sunlight and wind so it turns into mist.
Why go: classic Swiss valley scene right in the village
Getting there: a short walk from Lauterbrunnen train station
Tip: if open, take the path that leads behind the waterfall for a misty perspective
3) Trümmelbach Falls (Lauterbrunnen) – A waterfall inside a mountain
This is one of Switzerland’s most unusual natural sights: ten glacier waterfalls roaring through a mountain via tunnels and caverns. You don’t just see it — you hear it echo through the rock.
Why go: unique, dramatic, great even on rainy days (mostly inside)
Getting there: quick bus ride (or walk) from Lauterbrunnen
Good to know: it can feel cool and damp inside — a light layer helps
4) Giessbach Falls (Lake Brienz) – Fairytale falls + a historic hotel
Giessbach Falls tumbles down in multiple stages through forest, with footpaths and bridges that feel straight out of a storybook. Above it sits the beautiful Grandhotel Giessbach.
Why go: multi-tier falls you can walk alongside + lake views over Lake Brienz
Getting there: boat on Lake Brienz + short connections (seasonal schedules)
Don’t miss: the bridge behind the falls for the best “in the spray” moment
5) Reichenbach Falls (Meiringen) – Sherlock Holmes territory
Reichenbach Falls is famous as the setting for Sherlock Holmes’ showdown with Professor Moriarty — and it’s genuinely impressive in real life too, plunging down in several powerful drops.
Why go: big waterfall + a fun story + great viewpoints
Getting there: easy from Meiringen via funicular
Tip: pair it with a stroll through Meiringen (and yes, try a meringue)
6) Aareschlucht (Aare Gorge) – Waterfall vibes without the hike
Not a single waterfall, but if you want the feeling of rushing water, cliffs, spray and drama – Aare Gorge is a must. Boardwalks lead you through a narrow limestone canyon where the river surges below.
Why go: easy walkways, naturally cool on hot days
Getting there: close to Meiringen with clear access points
7) Mürrenbach Falls (Mürren) – High-drop beauty with minimal effort
Head up to Mürren, the car-free village perched above Lauterbrunnen, and look out for Mürrenbach Falls – one of Switzerland’s highest. It’s especially spectacular after rain or during snowmelt.
Why go: high-alpine drama and panoramic Bernese Oberland views
Getting there: train + cable car (or mountain railway) to Mürren, then an easy village walk
Quick tips for a great waterfall day
- Go after rainfall or during spring snowmelt for maximum power.
- Bring a light waterproof layer — even “easy” waterfalls can soak you in spray.
- Morning or late afternoon is best for photos and fewer crowds.
Written by Niall O’Riordan, Switzerland