Raging Rhine Falls – Largest Fall in Europe
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Along the upper course of the Rhine River, the sheer might of raging water crashes over the rocks, plummeting furiously over cataracts and thunders down the descent of the Rhine Falls — Europe’s largest plain waterfalls — at 450 feet (150 meters) wide and 75 feet (23 meters) high.
Rhine Falls illuminated by blue lights April 19, 2008. Swiss artist Charles Keller illuminated the Rhine falls, after it was only lit by 2 white flood lights in the past. The new illumination was a measure to improve the public image of Europe’s biggest water fall. Photo AP Photo / Keystone, Steffen Scmidt)
Photo Tiago Pereira
Also called the Rheinfall, it’s one of Switzerland’s most stunning and famous natural spectacles situated on the winding upper course of the High Rhine river in the small town of Neuhausen am Rheinfall, near Schaffhausen — the capital of the canton with the same name — in northern Switzerland and close to the German border. Neuhausen am Rheinfall was officially called Neuhausen until 1938.
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An irregular rocky ledge that crosses the river diverts the current, with the Rhine leaping over 3 ledges, culminating at the end with massive boulders dividing its current. For some distance above the falls are rapids which make the total descent of the waters for about 100 feet (30 meters).
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With an average flow of 25,000 cubic feet of water each second (700 m3 / sec) over its cliffs, the Rhine Falls are best viewed in June when the melting snows in the high mountains swell the current.
Well known for their characteristic rocks in their center, the falls were formed during the last ice age approximately 14,000 to 17,000 years ago.
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There are numerous means to experience this breathtaking sight, the most popular of which is a boat trip during summer months which takes passengers right into the basin of the falls, allowing you to feel the full might of the formidable prevailing waters.
The boat ride will take you to the massive rocks in the center of the falls which can be scaled to an outlook to view the magnificent display of brilliant emerald-green foaming waters that continually rumble down this spectacular cataract.
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You can also view the magnificent display on foot with a walk that starts at the striking medieval castle Schloss Laufen on the left shore that ends up at one of the best vantage points at the Känzeli lookout, affording a dazzling view of the waters. You can reach the right shore from Laufen castle on a paved footpath alongside the railway bridge.
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A visit to the Falls can also be combined with a boat trip on the Rhine from Schaffhausen to the historic town centre of Stein am Rhein.
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Photo von Herr W.Hügli / Reihnfall.ch
Photo von Herr W.Hügli / Reihnfall.ch
Water for hydropower has a long tradition in Switzerland, with documents recording a mill driven by the waters of River Rhine near the Rhine Falls dating back as early as 1052. A modern subterranean hydroelectrical power plant next to the Rhine Falls produces some 40 million kWh of electrical energy per year.
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“Oh traveler, be careful and hold your heart very firm in your hands — I nearly lost mine out of joy by watching the powerful play of huge masses of water thundering down the falls and breaking the surface below, causing a mist rising high.” — Eduard Mörike
Rhine Falls
Check out a live webcam or visit the Rhine Falls website to learn more on the various methods to get there.
Sources: MySwitzerland, All About Switzerland and Wikipedia
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cool pictures. what type of camera do you use? How did you get that first pic to turn out like that?
Thanks for sharing this great photos! The looks so cool.
Great photos! I see the Rhine Falls the very first time.
Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it, Andy
It would be quite amazing to see them in person 