Stein am Rhein: Day Trips and Tours from Zürich

The enchanting town of Stein am Rhein lies on the shores of Lake Constance and is arguably one of Switzerland’s most scenic historical destinations.

With its remarkably well-preserved half-timbered medieval houses and their finely painted facades, a day trip to Stein am Rhein from Zürich is well worth it, to admire the town and its surrounding landscapes.

Here's all you need to know about Stein am Rhein, one of the most memorable day trips from Zürich.

How to get to Stein am Rhein from Zürich?

Stein am Rhein is a small town situated 56 kilometers north of Zürich. It lies on the western shores of Lake Constance, where it flows into the Rhine River in north-eastern Switzerland.

From Zürich to Stein am Rhein by car

Stein am Rhein is an easy 45-minute drive from Zürich along the A1 highway.

From Zürich to Stein am Rhein by train

The quickest rail journey between Zürich and Stein am Rhein travels via Oberwinterthur and takes roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes, including the connection time. There are also journeys that combine rail and bus transport.

Guided tour to Stein am Rhein from Zürich

A guided tour to Stein am Rhein is the easiest and most convenient way to visit the town and surrounding area from Zürich. Transport is usually by coach or minibus, while the Sihlquai Bus Station is typically the starting point. Private tours include hotel pickup.

What is the typical itinerary?

A typical tour begins at the meeting point to join your guide and group. The tour travels north past several quaint villages and through dramatic mountain scenery to the town of Stein am Rhein.

On the tour you will learn more about the medieval history of Stein am Rhein from your experienced guide, discover more about the life of the farmers and bourgeoisie in the 19th century and see spectacular sights including the waterfall at Schloss Laufen, the Monastery of St. Georgen and The Hohenklingen Castle.

Depending on the length of your tour, there may be time to walk along some of the hiking trails in the area or go on a boat tour. At the end of your tour, you return to Zürich.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Stein am Rhein?

There are different tours available to go to Stein am Rhein from Zürich. Here are some of the types of tours offered:

Guided tours to Stein am Rhein from Zürich

Guide tours to Stein am Rhein are offered on a half-day or full-day basis and often begin with a drive through Zürich before heading out of town and towards the Rhine region.

Here you will stop at sites including the Rhine Falls, the Belvedere trail and the medieval Stein am Rhein.

Private tour to Stein am Rhein from Zürich

On a private tour, your guide collects you from your hotel, or a meeting point of your choosing in Zürich. Travel in comfort and learn all about the region as you journey to Stein am Rhein.

Your guide will have made all the arrangements and you’ll be able to schedule the tour to suit you.

Private guided walking tour of Stein am Rhein

If you’ve traveled from Zürich on your own, you can enjoy a private walking tour that begins at the town’s city hall. You will have an hour and a half to learn all you need to know about this picture-perfect destination.

Day trip of Zürich plus Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein

To combine a tour of Zürich itself with a visit to Stein am Rhein, you can book a day trip that includes the most well-known landmarks and sightseeing locations in Zürich before heading north by coach to Stein am Rhein. After a full day exploring, you return to the city.

How much does a day trip to Stein am Rhein from Zürich cost?

Guided tours to Stein am Rhein from Zürich start at €70 per person for a half-day coach tour and €100 per person for a full-day excursion. Children pay roughly half price on these tours.

A 6-hour private tour to Stein am Rhein from Zürich requires at least two participants and costs from €350 per adult and €110 per child under 15 years of age. A maximum of 12 travelers can join this exclusive tour.

Private guided walking tours of Stein am Rhein cost €320 for a group of up to 15 people.

A day trip of Zürich plus Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein is an 8-hour excursion that starts at €200 per person and includes transport, entrance fees and the services of a guide.

What will you see and do?

Stein am Rhein is renowned for its half-timbered buildings and beautifully preserved frescoes. Some of the top attractions in town are the medieval Monastery of St. George, the Hohenklingen Castle and the informative Lindwurm Museum.

Roman ruins dating back to 3 A.D. and the ancient Canton of Schaffhausen church are also popular stops on many itineraries.

Lake Constance and the 150-meter-high Rhine Falls that can be viewed from the cliffs, glass elevator and observation points are also part of most day trips.

When is the best time to visit Stein am Rhein?

The best time to visit Stein am Rhein is during the summer, from June to August, although Switzerland has a lot to offer throughout the year. When the weather is fine, you can stroll through the town streets and fully appreciate the town’s unique and historical design and architecture.

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.
• Use a wide-angle lens for photos of buildings and landscapes.
• Pre-book entry tickets to sites to save money and time.