Stein am Rhein: A Perfect Day Trip from Zurich, Stein am Rhein, Switzerland

Charming little quaint towns nestled by the lake surely form for a picturesque scene. And when this scene is from the bewitching country of Switzerland, you are definitely in for a visual treat. When in the country of the Swiss, a visit to small towns with gorgeous lake fronts, perfectly manicured street gardens, heritage monuments and old town centres is something that one should not miss. Stein am Rhein, located in the canton of Schaffhausen and just about 55 km from Zurich is one such idyllic town.

Perched on the banks of Lake Constance where it meets the river Rhine, Stein am Rhein is not only a town replete with picture postcard beauty but also known for its distinct medieval vibes. Renowned for its half-timbered houses covered with colourful frescoes and murals, Stein am Rhein’s old town is known to be one of the most beautiful in the entire Switzerland. Rathausplatz, as it is also called, retains its ancient street plan and is best explored on foot.

Walking down the winding cobbled stone paths lead to you to a delightful maze of alleys that host some of the most well-preserved heritage buildings whose murals and paintings make the square a riot of colours. As you look upward, each building is an impeccably created spectacle. The Rathaus or the town hall occupies a prominent place in the centre of the square with a clock face that culminates in a tower on top. The painting on the building is detailed and bears a historic significance. The tiled gabled roof coupled with its brick red hued upper facade along with ornate oriel windows complement the structure. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).