14 Activities
Scenic Journey From Zürich to Basel: Discover History Surrounded by Nature
Starts from
Zürich
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
14
Duration
9 hrs 50 min
Length
64 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Zürich
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
9 hrs 50 min
Length
64 mi
Hamit Gokay Meric
Travel Expert
- Explore the old art masterpieces inside an architecturally significant mansion.
- Take in the views of the Rhine River from different spots throughout the day.
- Wander around the medieval old towns and admire the softly bright colors of the masonry structures.
- Cross over the renown bridges of Rhine River and be surprised how peaceful the surroundings are.
Although the distance between Zurich and Basel is not so long, this route offers a unique road trip both for history enthusiasts and nature lovers. Nestling different layers of history, this region is a true gem. During the scenic trip, you'll feel the spirit of the past in historic fortresses and medieval towns, and you'll cherish your new memories of the spectacular views of the Rhine.
Although the distance between Zurich and Basel is not so long, this route offers a unique road trip both for history enthusiasts and nature lovers. Nestling different layers of history, this region is a true gem. During the scenic trip, you'll feel the spirit of the past in historic fortresses and medieval towns, and you'll cherish your new memories of the spectacular views of the Rhine.
Hamit Gokay Meric
Travel Expert
- Explore the old art masterpieces inside an architecturally significant mansion.
- Take in the views of the Rhine River from different spots throughout the day.
- Wander around the medieval old towns and admire the softly bright colors of the masonry structures.
- Cross over the renown bridges of Rhine River and be surprised how peaceful the surroundings are.
Day Itinerary
14 Activities
Day 1
63 mi1 mi
A Scenic Drive Along the Rhine River From Zurich to Basel
On this day trip from Zurich to Basel, your first stop will be an art exhibition in a pastoral and historic setting. Then, you'll drive to a wonder of nature, and you'll have your lunch with a spectacular view. After recharging, it's time to wander and get lost in the streets of medieval cities set on the banks of the Rhine River. During the scenic drive to Basel, you'll stop by a historic wooden bridge connecting Germany and Switzerland.
Am Römerholz
Open Details
The Oskar Reinhart am Römerholz Villa is an art gallery where you can see the artworks of real masters such as Van Gogh, Goya, Cézanne, Renoir and Manet. The villa itself was built for Oskar Reinhart in 1918, and it overlooks Winterthur. Oskar Reinhart was an enthusiastic collector, and he granted his art collection to the Swiss nation.
It's a rewarding experience to visit this place because you can see the famous art pieces and an architectural marvel at the same time. There is also a café with a terrace overlooking the carefully landscaped garden, where you can have your morning coffee.
It's a rewarding experience to visit this place because you can see the famous art pieces and an architectural marvel at the same time. There is also a café with a terrace overlooking the carefully landscaped garden, where you can have your morning coffee.
17.8 mi
30 min
Rhine Falls
Open Details
Take a walk by the Rhine River and be amazed by the astonishing sight of the Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall of Switzerland. After a short walk, you'll catch a glimpse of the falls from many angles. Take photos and seize the nature's tranquility while you make your way to a great lunch spot.
0.1 mi
5 min
Mühlerad Bistro
Open Details
This easy-going bistro has super delicious bowls, but the best thing here is the unbeatable view of the falls. Order your bowl and sit outside to enjoy your lunch with a view.
Please note, the bistro isn't open all year round. You can check the opening times for different dates and holidays on their official page.
Please note, the bistro isn't open all year round. You can check the opening times for different dates and holidays on their official page.
2.5 mi
10 min
Car Park
Open Details
Only a short drive later, you'll arrive to Schaffhausen. You can leave your car here to do some sightseeing in the old town.
0.3 mi
5 min
Munot
Open Details
This round fortress from the 16th century is one of the symbols of Schaffhausen. Gather your energy and climb the hill that Munot castle is built on. You'll be rewarded with the awe-inspiring views of the Rhine river and the old town that you are going to see next.
There is a small vineyard surrounding the castle, and you are likely to run into the deer family living here. There is not much to see inside the fortress, but the view alone is a reason to climb the hill.
There is a small vineyard surrounding the castle, and you are likely to run into the deer family living here. There is not much to see inside the fortress, but the view alone is a reason to climb the hill.
0.4 mi
10 min
Fronwagplatz
Open Details
Fronwagplatz is a popular square among locals, and it's lined by cafés and restaurants. Don't miss the iconic statues standing by the fountains.
Take a short walk and wander around the medieval old town of Schaffhausen and explore the pastel colored façades, stone clock towers and fountain statues. The oriel windows of historic buildings are pleasing to the eye, and they make great Instagram photos.
Take a short walk and wander around the medieval old town of Schaffhausen and explore the pastel colored façades, stone clock towers and fountain statues. The oriel windows of historic buildings are pleasing to the eye, and they make great Instagram photos.
0.1 mi
5 min
Haus zum Ritter
Open Details
A must-see stop when you are in Schaffhausen is the House of the Knight, it's one of the famous buildings here. Its painted façade displays the Swiss painter Tobias Stimmer's frescoes. Today, the building is used as the cultural center.
26.6 mi
50 min
Festungsmuseum Reuenthal
Open Details
It's time to hit the road once again and enjoy the scenic drive until the next stop along the way. Fort Reuenthal is a fortification near the border between Switzerland and Germany.
It was built in 1939 and was used as a military compound overlooking the Rhine River. Initially, the purpose of the fort was to prevent Germans crossing to the nearby hydroelectric plant. It has been a museum since 1988.
It has very interesting exhibitions if you are a war enthusiast, and you can also enter the underground tunnels that were built in the past to escape from a possible attack.
It was built in 1939 and was used as a military compound overlooking the Rhine River. Initially, the purpose of the fort was to prevent Germans crossing to the nearby hydroelectric plant. It has been a museum since 1988.
It has very interesting exhibitions if you are a war enthusiast, and you can also enter the underground tunnels that were built in the past to escape from a possible attack.
8.6 mi
15 min
Car Park
Open Details
A 15 minute drive with magnificent views along the Rhine River will take you to Laufenburg historic city. Park your car here to walk around town.
0.3 mi
5 min
Gate Tower
Open Details
Walk through the village to reach the Gate Tower, which was once a gate to the village and a part of the ancient city walls. It's small but still standing tall. Don't miss the famous courthouse of Laufenberg just across the street.
0.2 mi
5 min
Römisch-katholisch Laufenburg
Open Details
This Catholic parish church, under the patronage of John the Baptist, was built in the 15th century with a Gothic style. It is located on a not so steep hill and offers panoramic views of Laufenberg and the Rhine River. It's worth visiting to admire the architecture as well as the views.
0.3 mi
10 min
Laufenbrücke
Open Details
Laufenburg is an interesting town because half of the town is in Switzerland, while the other half is in Germany. The historic bridge of Laufenbrücke connects these town centers, which were separated by Napoleon's decision in 1801.
Cross this bridge into Germany and use the opportunity to see both town centers from a distance and watch the Rhine River flow wildly beneath you.
Cross this bridge into Germany and use the opportunity to see both town centers from a distance and watch the Rhine River flow wildly beneath you.
0.1 mi
5 min
Bistro Hähnle
Open Details
Have dinner here and enjoy the great views from the terrace. Have your meal while watching the natural surroundings and the historic site of the Laufenbrücke bridge connecting the characteristic towns of Switzerland. They have excellent soups and hearty hamburgers.
7.4 mi
20 min
Rheinbrücke Stein-Säckingen
Open Details
Holzbrücke is a historic bridge connecting the German city of Bad Sackingen with the Swiss village of Stein. It is the longest roofed wooden bridge in Europe, which spans 203 meters. It used to be a road bridge originally, but today it is only used by pedestrians.
Holzbrücke offers a romantic experience with its wooden crackling sounds. There is a bench to relax and watch the view.
Holzbrücke offers a romantic experience with its wooden crackling sounds. There is a bench to relax and watch the view.