On Friday, 20 November, a three-day medieval Christmas market opens on both banks of the Rhine Falls: in the grounds of Schlössli Wörth in Neuhausen am Rheinfall and around Schloss Laufen in Dachsen. Until Sunday, 22 November, market stalls, jesters, storytellers and medieval music are set to link the two venues. A visit to both can be planned as a short circular walk – with the railway bridge across the Rhine providing a pedestrian link and the waterfall at its geographical heart.
The market is open on Friday from 5pm to 10pm, on Saturday from 10am to 10pm and on Sunday from 10am to 5pm. According to the organiser, the programme goes ahead in all weather; some activities may incur a charge. Visitors wishing to see both sites can walk across the SBB bridge, according to Schloss Laufen: the crossing takes approximately 20 minutes. Alternatively, a ferry crosses the Rhine in around five minutes; a fare applies. The ferry is a separate service run by a third-party operator.
Two banks, two ways in
For rail travellers, each side of the market is close to its own station: “Neuhausen Rheinfall” serves Schlössli Wörth, while “Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall” serves the castle of the same name. The best connection from home depends on the starting point; up-to-date timetables and tickets should be checked for the event weekend. The market thus links not only two historic sites, but also two cantons: Neuhausen am Rheinfall is in the canton of Schaffhausen, while Dachsen is in the canton of Zurich.
The routes on site are important when planning a visit. According to Rhine Falls visitor information, the castle grounds have step-free access; the panoramic path and viewing platforms are accessible by lift during its operating hours. The boat landing on the Schloss Laufen side, however, can only be reached via a natural stone staircase. Anyone who needs a step-free route should therefore plan to use the bridge rather than the ferry and ask the organiser about specific access arrangements in advance. Accessibility information for the general Rhine Falls facilities is no substitute for detailed information about the market site.
A walk with a natural backdrop
Schlössli Wörth stands on an island in the Rhine by the north bank; Schloss Laufen sits above the falls on the southern side. Between the market stalls, the Rhine Falls remain the defining feature: the river narrows here and plunges over rocky ledges. Moving between the banks is precisely what makes the new linked format appealing. Rather than visiting just one market, visitors can combine the weekend with a walk across the bridge and views of the falls. Warm clothing and shoes with good grip are advisable after dark and in wintry weather.
When the weather turns
Smilestones in Neuhausen offers an additional all-weather visit: an indoor miniature world featuring Swiss landscapes and model railways. It is a separate attraction and not part of the market; opening hours and admission arrangements for the chosen day should be checked in advance. Those who prefer to stay outdoors can limit their market visit to one bank and cross the railway bridge another time, in better weather.
The weekend is particularly suited to travellers looking to combine historic settings, crafts and a compact programme of outings. For a relaxed visit taking in both market sites, it is worth allowing time for the journey between the banks. The joint format provides a reason to experience the Rhine Falls from more than one side – and makes crossing the river part of the outing.
Original reviewed by the editors · 11 November 2026
