Hint

Intro

The Schaffhausen border trail connects the overwhelming hydro power of the Rhine Falls with the lovingly tended vines of the pretty winegrowing region Wilchingen-Osterfingen. Geology and botany are the focus of this hike.

Description

Starting at Neuhausen Rheinfall rail station, the Schaffhausen Border Trail takes you past the roaring waterfall into the silent forests of Schaffhausen's South Randen area. There is evidence that bean ore (limonite) was mined in this region from the 16th century onwards, and probably since Roman times. Pits that were excavated long ago have often become valuable habitats for native animal and plant species today. Along the way, you'll come to the Aazheimerhof, built in 1598 as the farm estate and summer residence of the Abbots of Rheinau. The estate has belonged to the City of Schaffhausen since 1936, and it is farmed and used by tenants.

From national boundary stone no. 55, you follow the line of the border. At boundary stone no. 67, an erratic block of rock (also known as the "Grey Stone") rises out of a bean ore mine. This is the point where the districts of Beringen, Neunkirch and Jestetten (Germany) meet. The Linth glacier probably transported this huge boulder here from the Glarus or St. Gallen Oberland regions during the Riss glaciation, well over 200,000 years ago. The magnificent forest area between Erlenboden and the Wasen Hut is home to Sika deer, a breed that originated in China.

From the ruins of Radegg Castle, towering over the Wangen Valley on a rocky spur of Rossberg mountain, you will have a beautiful sweeping view of the Klettgau Valley where vines dominate the landscape. The walls of the castle are still visible, and the barbecue area is an inviting spot for a break. Mentioned for the first time in 1472, Bad Osterfingen is known today for its winery and country inn. The villagescape of Osterfingen, which is protected and mentioned in the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites (ISOS), provides an excellent setting to sample a choice Schaffhausen Pinot Noir.

An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Neuhausen am Rheinfall
Destination
Osterfingen
Direction
One way
Ascent
360 m
Descent
320 m
Distance
14 km
Duration
3 h 40 min
Duration back
3 h 40 min
Technical requirements
Easy
Physical requirements
Medium
Theme
Through a vineyard
Signalization
Signalisation in both directions
More information https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/r...

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Quick Facts

Route number

No. 898

Distance

14 km

Duration

3 h 40 min

Ascent

360 m

Travel information: Neuhausen am Rheinfall

  • Neuhausen am Rheinfall Rheinfall - Rock Cruise (yellow line No. 1)

    Boat trip (yellow line no. 1) and ferry (red line no. 2) from CHF 22.50
    Offer details


    valid: 16.09.2026 - 29.11.2026

    Learn more about Rheinfall - Rock Cruise (yellow line No. 1)
  • Neuhausen am Rheinfall Rhine Falls Wine Cruise including Circular Tour

    You cruise across the so-called "Rhineland Amazon" on calm waters. Here, the engines are turned off,... from CHF 55
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    valid: 19.09.2026

    Learn more about Rhine Falls Wine Cruise including Circular Tour
  • Neuhausen am Rheinfall Neuhausen am Rheinfall interactive scavenger hunt with the smartphone

    Discover the town of Neuhausen am Rheinfall with friends or your family. Solve interesting puzzles... from CHF 9.95
    Offer details


    valid: 16.09.2026 - 04.02.2027

    Learn more about Neuhausen am Rheinfall interactive scavenger hunt with the smartphone
  • Neuhausen am Rheinfall Medieval Express

    - Admission to the Rhyality show 'Schaffhausen in the Middle Ages' - Ride on the Rhyfall Express... from CHF 25
    Offer details


    valid: 19.09.2026 - 17.10.2026

    Learn more about Medieval Express
  • Neuhausen am Rheinfall 3A 30-minute boat tour to the Rhine Falls

    Enjoy a 30-minute boat ride along the calm Rhine River to the German border, then head to the Rhine... from CHF 10
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    valid: 16.09.2026 - 18.10.2026

    Learn more about 3A 30-minute boat tour to the Rhine Falls
  • Neuhausen am Rheinfall Ticket Smilestones

    At Smilestones by the Rhine Falls, there’s something for dreamers of all ages. This charming... from CHF 22
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    valid: 16.09.2026 - 31.12.2026

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  • Neuhausen am Rheinfall Explorial Ticket Neuhausen

    Are you looking for an exciting outdoor leisure experience with your friends where you can solve... from CHF 28
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    valid: 16.09.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Explorial Ticket Neuhausen
  • Neuhausen am Rheinfall Eglisau - Rheinfall one way

    Experience an exciting boat trip from Eglisau to the Rhine Falls: start in the natural current of... from CHF 41
    Offer details


    valid: 20.09.2026

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