The Perfect Weekend Getaway in Maui

The Perfect Weekend Getaway in Maui

Destinations, United States

The Perfect Weekend Getaway in Maui

What to see & do in Maui in three days

What started as an impulsive decision to purchase flight tickets to Maui turned into an endearing love with the island and culture of Hawaii as a whole. Laid back vibes, wholesome people, humble living, amazing food and incredible landscapes are all a part of what you’ll experience here. Living on the west coast allows for an easy opportunity to travel to Hawaii for a weekend getaway; it is similar in flight time back to the east coast (fly back towards unpredictable weather OR fly to island heaven? In my opinion, the choice will almost always be the islands!).

Travelers could spend much more time than a long weekend in Maui, however if you are prepared for a quick retreat to the island here are the

Top things to see & do in Maui in a weekend

Snorkel with the ‘fishies’

Experience snorkeling areas on a weekend getaway in Maui without having to jump on a boat and drive out to sea. Rent equipment locally and swim with coronet fish, yellow tang and various pufferfish (among many other species!). Here are some of the top snorkeling beaches in Maui:

  • Ka’anapali Beach, West Maui: go to the north end near Black Rock
  • Honolua Bay, West Maui: called the ‘crown jewel’ of Maui
  • Wailea, South Maui: we loved Ulua Beach for snorkeling
  • Makena Landing, South Maui: not for beginners as the area is rocky but great wildlife

Treat yourself to a fancy dinner and great food

There are many restaurant options in Maui, so allow yourself to be picky when it comes to eating out. Most places source their ingredients locally (which may also have to do with the fact that importing can be very expensive) and many support a sustainable farming lifestyle.

  • Lahaina neighborhood has many choices, with Kimos Restaurant having a delicious vegetarian plate and a wonderful ocean view
  • Paia Fish Market: there are multiple locations on the island, and are known for fast service (order at the counter, hunt down a seat at a shared table and listen for your number to be called). Their menu changes depending on what fisherman catch that day, so fresh is an expectation here.
  • Enjoy vegan coconut ice cream from a handmade hut on the Road to Hana at Coconut Glens. Trust me when I suggest trying the lilikoi (passionfruit) flavor.
  • Mama’s Fish House: this is the nicest restaurant on the island. Deliciously crafted cocktails, excellent service and the most enjoyable, fresh food. Eating here will have you quoting ‘treat yo’ self’ from the show Parks and Rec. *Make a reservation before you arrive to Maui.
  • Other foods to make sure to enjoy:

-Maui golden pineapples: they are much less acidic so better for your mouth and stomach

-Banana Bread baked by the Four Sisters (although really any fresh baked bread on the island is delicious)

The Road to Hana

The Road to Hana requires an entire day, if not two days. Check out my guide to The Road to Hana here.

Visit Haleakala State Park

Towards the end of the Road to Hana, Haleakala State Park has two stunning outdoor locations that are a must do:

  • O’heo Gulch Pools (Seven Sacred Pools)
  • Kipahulu Waterfall Hike

*both of these are discussed in my Road to Hana Guide

Enjoy a relaxing morning or afternoon on a calm beach

Adventurous exploring is always great, but Hawaii is most well thought of as a beach getaway, so be sure to plan at least half a day lounging with your toes in the water and booty in the sand. Don’t forget to bring your reef-safe sunscreen (a review of different reef-safe sunscreen brands is in the works!) and your beach friendly supplies to ensure a blissful few hours under the sun. Here are Maui beaches that were recommended to us by both locals and prior visitors:

 

  • Na’apili Beach: street parking is fairly easy to find here
  • Maluaka, South Maui
  • Big Beach, South Maui
  • Makena area, South Maui
  • Kihei area, South Maui: you can see beaches from the road, so stop where you want (also a great area for surf lessons)
  • Ka’anapali, West Maui: Maui’s most popular & well-known beach

Explore Paia Town

Many call Paia a hippie town, whereas I consider it a historic neighborhood with a casual vibe and colorful buildings. Take a half a day here and be sure to load up on vegetarian and vegan lunch options from the Mana Grocery Store in town.

Hi! I’m Laura, a sustainable travel blogger, as well as freelancing online brand strategist. I share real & honest information about traveling, how to do so sustainably, and ways to earn an income while working remote.

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Top TIPS for visiting Maui:

  • Getting from beach to beach isn’t as easy as driving down the road and parking. Many beaches are on resort properties, so you have to find parking elsewhere and walk. Make sure to incorporate that into your schedule
  • It is now required to book reservations to watch the sunrise at the Haleakalā crater. These book fast, so plan ahead!
  • Rent a car if you’re not planning on staying at a resort
  • Mana Grocery store in Paia was a perfect place to purchase local goods to bring home; hot sauces, coffee, etc.

Things I want to do on our next visit to Maui:

  • Snorkel and/or scuba dive at Molokini Crater
  • Camp overnite at Wa’ainapanapa State Park
  • Go to the Ali’I Lavender Farm
  • Catch sunrise at the top of Haleakalā crater

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Guide to the Road to Hana, Maui

Guide to the Road to Hana, Maui

Destinations, United States

Guide to the Road to Hana, Maui

The best stops and all of my tips to make the most out of your day!

Note: this post contains affiliate links to products we love and have purchased ourselves on Amazon. Clicking these links doesn’t cost you any extra money, and you’re supporting us by doing so. You can view our disclosure page for additional details.

The Road to Hana is an adventure that any traveler should be prepped for physically… and well, mentally too. Containing so many stunningly beautiful parts of the island and hidden gems, the Road to Hana is an all-day road trip through a lush garden and vistas around every corner. While everyone says, ‘you have to do the Road to Hana’ and how gorgeous the stop offs are, few tell you how immaculate the drive can be and how to do it to make the most out of your day. This is a guide for the best stop offs if you only have one day for this adventure.

Preparing for the Road to Hana

The Road to Hana is just that – a road that takes you the town of Hana. Its uniqueness is that it is a series of over 600 of curves on a single lane, 64-mile road with various stop offs. If the beaches, waterfalls and hikes were not enough of a reason to visit, successfully driving this roller coaster road is! Travelers can choose to rent a car and do the drive themselves or go with a tour group. Many drive through with an extensive checklist of places they want to photograph, while those more prepared will have a select few stops to have time to enjoy. Doing the latter will require a rental car so that stops can be done when and where you please.

Be sure to dress and pack appropriately for what you want to do, whether it be hiking, swimming through waterfalls or lounging on a beach. One of the best tools to have at the ready is an app called the Gypsy Guide. It follows through your gps to provide notice for upcoming turns into sightseeing spots, highlights each stop you can make, suggests which is best to stop at and history of Maui.

While there are over 20+ talked about stops on the Road to Hana, here are the stops that we felt encapsulated a unique day of adventure and relaxation… and of course food. Please note that we left stops for the drive back so the order we chose may not be the same you choose/your most ideal.

The Best Stops on the Road to Hana

Wa’ainapanapa State Park

Wa’ainapanapa is the black sand beach that Maui is infamous for. It truly is as stunning as everyone’s pictures make it look, and one of the main reasons leaving early in the morning is ideal. Getting here early will mean less of a crowd to enjoy the calm beauty of the beach. The guide talks about the parks lava tubes which we had difficulty finding because they were at another entrance. Be sure to make the first left turn to get to them. *Camping is an option here!

Haleakala National Park

Haleakala is great because it contains two amazing places to see- the O’heo Gulch Pools (also known as the Seven Sacred Pools) and the Kipahulu Waterfall.

  1. The O’heo Gulch Pools are a series of pools and waterfalls that you can swim in (however they were closed for swimming due to rockslides; be sure to check ahead).
  2. The Kipahulu Waterfall is a four mile round-trip hike (from the parking lot) that leads you through a bamboo forest and ends with a beautiful waterfall. The hike took us about two hours to complete which includes eating a packed lunch and stopping for pictures.

If you want to explore Haleakala State Park be sure to think about how much time you want to allot there as you could spend half a day there in itself. *$20 entrance fee

Hamoa Beach

On our way back towards Paia I really wanted to enjoy a nice beach, as we spent the first half of the day hiking. Hamoa beach was perfect. A pristine sand beach with calm, warm, teal blue water. The best part about this beach is that it is difficult to reach as it’s so far into the Road to Hana experience so the crowds don’t exist (these pictures are from a Saturday afternoon) and you feel as if you have earned your privilege to relax on the beach having worked so hard to get here.

Support local food stands

As reviewed on the ‘Perfect Weekend Getaway in Maui’ here are some delicious items to keep an eye out for while driving-

-Coconut Glens Vegan Ice Cream; try the lilikoi flavor

-Maui Golden Pineapple; they are much less acidic than typical pineapples

-Baked breads

Ke’anae Arboretum

A somewhat long pull off on the road, this place has a lot of history (Thanks Gypsy Guide!) and a great look out with sharp, volcanic black rocks bursting along the coastline with powerful waves crashing alongside them.

Twin Falls

One of the first stop offs, we did this midday our second day and it wasn’t too crowded as most people seem to stop there as their first morning location. Bring water shoes if you want to get into the water as it is rocky.

Garden of Eden

Another must see location, the Garden of Eden did not disappoint (especially as my expectations for a botanical garden are fairly high after visiting so many). The land is privately owned and maintained, so your entrance fee helps preserve the grounds. There are so many beautiful flora species to see, as well as ocean and waterfall vistas, and what may have been the favorite is feeding the ducks and peacocks that live on the property (*be warned, these guys come hungry and with the tactfulness of a child digging into his Halloween candy). Plan at least an hour here; better yet, as it’s close to the start of the Road to Hana you could visit this on a separate day.

Whether you’re a thrill seeker or a resort lover, the Road to Hana is a bucket list item that should not be missed. Taking a day to drive through this adventure will provide a greater sense of what the Hawaiian islands have to offer beyond the beaches at the resorts. Hopefully this guide will provide insight into planning a great day!

Top Tips for the Road to Hana, Maui:

  • The Gypsy Guide costs $5. There are CDs and maps you can purchase as well, but when you are driving on a road with so many winds and turns, looking at a map can be dangerous.
  • Depending on where you are staying leave early. Staying in or near Paia was great as we were basically already staying on the Road to Hana, whereas people staying in west or south Maui had to make a 30-45-minute drive just to get to Paia.
  • When renting a car, please consider the tight corners and that parts are unpaved. It seems many tourists rent convertible mustangs which may be the least reasonable car for this adventure, yet you also do not need a full-sized sedan (don’t let the car rentals upsell you!)
  • Be a cautious, calm and polite driver; Hawaiians will tail you because they know the road better than you. When possible, pull to the side and let them go around you
  • Do NOT stop on or along the road unless there is a proper pull off or lot
  • Pack your own food, especially if you’re leaving early in the morning as most stands won’t be open until midday
  • Paia town is considered a Road to Hana stop, however we stayed in Paia and feel it should be done separately as it’s a cute town and there is so much to experience further on the road
  • Don’t expect excellent (or any) cell service
  • The road received its name for the town Hana, there isn’t much of a reason to stop in the town, so if pressed for time, feel free to drive past
  • You can drive past Haleakala State Park but the road turns into hairpin turns and dirt paths. In fact, many rental companies say your contract is void if you drive past this area

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Where to stay in Maui, Hawaii

Where to stay in Maui, Hawaii

Destinations, United States

Where to stay in Maui, Hawaii

Details about each area of Maui & travel styles they match

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One of the most difficult parts of planning a weekend getaway is making sure your lodging is the best location for your ideal type of trip. Maui may be an island but that doesn’t mean it’s small. There is so much to experience in Maui, with each neighborhood bringing its own unique perks with it, so it’s best to know that you’ve selected THE best place for you to stay during your trip.

When you visit Maui you need to consider the kind of vacation you are looking for; whether it be total beach relaxation, hiking and exploring, seeing historic towns, or water adventures. This post will help you decide which area to book lodging with when deciding where to stay in Maui.

Where should I stay in Maui?

 

There are four main areas to Maui, each with its own set of unique landscapes and lodgings:

  • North Shore/Upcountry
  • West Maui
  • South Maui
  • East Maui

Each area has beautiful beaches and water activities for visitors to enjoy, but what one person may describe as the perfect beach may be someone else’s not so great location or require an out of budget spend.

So questions such as

‘which beaches are better than others?’,

‘Should I rent an Airbnb or splurge on a resort hotel?’ and

‘which side of the island has the best sunrise or sunsets?’ are all questions smart travelers should ask themselves.

Maui is much larger than first time visitors expect. It would take around 12 hours to drive around the entirety of Maui, and as we’re sustainable travelers, you understand that you’ll have a better vacation by going slow and enjoying each area without feeling rushed.

I found this image from Pinterest in 2015 and have not been able to find the original owner, if you know who created this image please let me know

As I’m not a native to Maui, I don’t feel I can comfortably list out recommended places to stay, so instead I’ve linked a search tool where you can find great deals on hotels and more through Booking.com

You can also go through Airbnb to find more affordable options. If you’re new to Airbnb here is a $40 discount off of your first stay!

Booking.com

Staying in North Shore/Upcountry

The North Shore & Upcountry areas of Maui are probably the largest area and most lush on the island. This is where authentic Hawaiian lifestyle lives. In fact, most locals on the island live in this area.

The beaches in North Shore will be windier (which is great for kite & windsurfing) and Paia Town is a great starting point if you want to do the Road to Hana (trust me, you want to do the road to Hana)

You can read my guide to the Road to Hana here!

 

If you choose to stay further upcountry will get you beautiful views from the Maui mountains.

*We stayed in the perfect bungalow of an AirBnB – this place was a studio and walking distance to the cutest grocery store. Big plus was that it is already ten minutes onto the Road to Hana, so visitors beat a ton of the crowds leaving from here.

Use this link to get $40 off of your first stay using AirBnb!

Staying in West Maui

West Maui is the most popular area to stay in Maui and where the original resorts are located. There is a lot of dining options as well as the old whaling village, Lahaina, that you can explore.

The beaches of West Maui are sunny and dry and it’s one of the prettiest parts of Maui as you’ll have the West Maui mountains as your backdrop. In fact, many believe West Maui to have the best beaches on the island.

With its popularity for tourists to stay in, West Maui comes with a range of lodging options. Visitors can find beachfront resorts, as well as affordable condos to rent.

West Maui is also where a lot of tourist excursions take off from. So, if you plan on going out on a catamaran, whale watching or want to ferry over to Lanai or Molokini, you would most likely leave from this area.

Something to consider is that with popularity comes tourist traps, tacky shops, and lower quality service. West Maui is also a farther drive from other parts of Maui. These are things to consider when traveling to the island and the quality of your trip that you are seeking.

30-40 minute drive from Kahului airport

Staying in South Maui

South Maui is less crowded than West Maui with the most sunshine access on the island. There are great beaches in South Maui such as Kihei, Makena and Molokini. All of which have easier parking situations that almost all of West Maui.

While the epitome of classy accommodations would be the Four Seasons resort in South Maui, there are plenty of condos to rent in the area. Of course, the ones with beachfront access will cost a pretty penny. But it may be worth it if you’re only visiting for a weekend getaway.

South Maui is closest to the airport than the other areas of the island.

I’ve been told South Maui can feel ‘spring-breaky’ as so many younger groups of people visit here. I mention this because if you prefer a quieter island experience you may want to stay in another area of the island.

Also, please NOTE that while South Maui may look like it’s close to the end of the Road to Hana, you actually cannot access that part of the island from here. You will have to drive all the way to Paia town to start your Road to Hana adventure. Something to consider if you’re short on time here on Maui.

15-20 minute drive to Kahului airport

Staying in East Maui

East Maui is the most remote side of the island and reached by the infamous Road to Hana. If you are looking for an authentic Hawaiian experience than this would be the place for you to stay at; there are lots of hiking trails, waterfalls and beautiful outdoor spaces to explore. The majority of tourists don’t stay in East Maui, so you’ll be avoiding those crowds if you choose to stay in this area.

Just remember that getting here will take time, so consider that when looking at flight arrival times. I found that visiting East Maui for a day trip or even for an overnight excursion would suffice for a weekend trip to Maui.

2+ hour drive from Hana to Kahului airport

While the Hawaiian Islands are similar to one another, each one has an individuality to them and Maui is a favorite among many. Knowing ahead of time what type of trip you are seeking and matching lodging to that will help make sure you have a fantastic time. If you have questions regarding where to stay in Maui comment below and I’ll connect with you directly.

Mahalo!

Top TIPS for where to stay in Maui

  • Once you land at Maui’s airport, Kahului, and pick up your rental car, stop at one of the major retail chains for groceries and snacks. There is a Costco and Target near the airport. This will help save you money as Hawaii is known for expensive restaurants.
  • Take into consideration driving time; there are only a handful of main roads and traffic backs up during peak times (afternoons around 2-5pm)
  • As stated at the beginning of this post, know your vacation type (especially if you are only visiting for a weekend) so that you can take advantage of all of your time here

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Visiting Mount Pilatus, Switzerland

Visiting Mount Pilatus, Switzerland

Destinations, Europe

Visiting Mount Pilatus, Switzerland

Switzerland’s mysterious mountain

According to Middle Age legend, Mount Pilatus was first inhabited by one or more dragons with healing powers. As visitors creep upward in the steepest cogwheel train, these mythical dragons seem to loom closer as you slowly cross through cloud cover. With the slow approach to the top, you will pass through barely fenced farms with cattle and goats roaming, traditional wooden cottages home to large cowbells hanging up and the occasional crow skimming the clouds.

Once at the top, walk about the hotel, gift shop area, and most importantly the outdoor deck space. This place clings to the peaks surface and on a clear day allows for trail walking and panoramic views of valleys in between Alp summits.

If you’re already in Lucerne for the day, you can purchase tickets at the Pilatus Lucerne store in the Aldstadt (Old Town) area of Lucerne. They did a wonderful job describing how to get to Mount Pilatus. Essentially you take a train from the Lucerne station to Alpnachstad.

We chose the visit option that was 83 CHF. It included the cost of train tickets, the cogwheel ride up, cable car down and the bus back to Lucerne. In total it took us 3.5 hours to visit, however it was very cloudy and snowing at the top so we didn’t spend tons of time up there. There are short trails you can walk up there- dress accordingly for it by wearing hike worthy shoes.

Hi! I’m Laura, a sustainable travel blogger, as well as freelancing online brand strategist. I share real & honest information about traveling, how to do so sustainably, and ways to earn an income while working remote.

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Best Things to do in Lucerne, Switzerland

Best Things to do in Lucerne, Switzerland

Destinations, Europe

Best Things to do in Lucerne, Switzerland

The Top sights to see & chocolates to eat!

Most well-known for its wooden bridge over the Reuss River, turreted buildings and a colorful Aldstadt (old town), Lucerne is like a childhood storybook come to life. If you are visiting Northern Switzerland, or basing your trip in Zurich, then Lucerne is a must see. With just a quick train ride from Zurich, you can hop off to explore this popular take off to the Swiss Alps.

Upon exiting the train station, historic Lucerne is a quick five-minute walk away. In fact, the town is visible from the train station and is a perfect example of preserved history meeting updated 21st century livelihood, all settled gently on the shores of Lake Lucerne. This contrast will have you scurrying toward the famed Kapellbrücke to immerse yourself in the old-world charm.

[We walked around Lucerne in half a day, had lunch then proceeded up to the top of Mt. Pilatus.]

Here are the best things to do in

Lucerne, Switzerland:

Kapellbrücke (Wooden Bridge)

The Kapellbrücke is famous not only for its picturesque setting but also for its archway paintings dating back to the 17th century. Uniquely Kapellbrücke has maintained its damaged areas from a 1993 fire, which destroyed many of the paintings. The charred wooden sections have their own history to them giving visitors an opportunity to cherish what has been able to be preserved. Known as the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe, Kapellbrücke is what lures visitors to Lucerne.

Jesuit Church Lucerne

If you’ve visited elaborately decorated Italian churches than many of the churches in Switzerland will appear lackluster in comparison. However, this Jesuit church is quite beautiful. A light interior glittered with blush pink and gold accents, this was the first baroque* style church built north of the Alps in Switzerland.

Musegg Wall & Towers

A quick walk towards the back of town and you’ll find the Musegg wall. Built in the late 14th century, this rampant wall is still very well maintained with three easily accessible towers to climb up. Enjoy the bright blue views of Lake Lucerne, and don’t miss the city clock that chimes one minute before the rest of the towns clocks.

Walk around Aldstadt

Like Zurich’s Aldstadt area, Lucerne’s’ old town will have you wandering through winding streets and hidden shops.

Lunch on the Ruess River

There are a handful of restaurants on the Reuss river, and while I believe that places to eat in high tourist areas can be traps and/or have bleh food, many of these places had better reviews than places further in the town. We ate at Rathaus Brauerei, which is a small brewery. If you go there be sure to try whatever their seasonal brew is. In the words of Donna from Parks & Rec, ‘treat yo’ self’ to a traditional Swiss lunch while enjoying the Kapellbrücke views.

Lion Shrine

One of the world’s most famous monuments, the Lion Shrine is dedicated to the Swiss mercenaries who were massacred during the French Revolution. Mark Twain is quoted having said that this shrine is “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world”. Let that sink in. I’m always in awe of sculptures and the Lion Shrine of Lucerne captures agony and pain admirably.

So, why was this French Revolution monument built in Lucerne, Switzerland? One of the Swiss mercenary guards was on leave in Lucerne during the time of the revolution and raised funds to construct a monument memorializing his fellow guards.

*Please keep in mind this is a monument and a place to be respected. I wouldn’t recommend taking group photos or posing with a selfie stick here.

Mount Pilatus

If a clear day with blue skies, visit Mount Pilatus where its legendary curative dragon once dwelled is an exciting way to crawl up into the Swiss mountains. Details on visiting Mount Pilatus are here!

Max Chocolatier

Chocolate lovers rejoice! Stopping here prior to heading back to Zurich means enjoying seasonal hand-crafted chocolate pieces on your journey. Tag this place on your map (opens in the afternoon) and tell me what flavors you enjoyed most! With over excitement for these I cannot recall which flavor was best… let’s be real, they were all amazing.

Boat tours

We chose not to take a boat tour as we had done so in Zurich, however these seemed popular while we were there. Walk up to the offices located near the train station to find more details.

Lucerne radiates traditional mixed with modern and is a great gateway to central Switzerland for excursions. Panoramic views of the Alps, peaceful Lake Lucerne and three stunning mountains to explore nearby are begging to be discovered here.

Top TIPS for visiting Lucerne, Switzerland

  • Baroque: following the Renaissance era, Baroque was a European style that thrived in the 17th and 18th centuries. Best known for grandeur, contrast, detailed movement and was meant to stir awe. (I should mention I took an art history class in college that focused on the baroque style. Probably the most impressive era for art).
  • See how to best navigate Mount Pilatus here

Hi! I’m Laura, a sustainable travel blogger, as well as freelancing online brand strategist. I share real & honest information about traveling, how to do so sustainably, and ways to earn an income while working remote.

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Towns to visit Outside of Zurich, Switzerland

Towns to visit Outside of Zurich, Switzerland

Destinations, Europe

Towns to visit Outside of Zurich, Switzerland

The cutest towns to visit in one day when visiting Zurich, Switzerland

While most major cities are hubs for travelers there is quite a bit to experience and enjoy in the towns that are outside of the comforts of an international city cushion. Food, people, transportation, the entirety of a destinations culture are most ingrained in small towns.

Below are three small destinations outside of Zurich that can be visited in one day. Yes, you read that correctly. Three places in one day. Waking up early to catch a morning train is my personal travel style and what makes it possible to explore as this post suggests. Basically, aim to experience as much as the daylight will allow. You can stay in the major hub for a reasonable price and be able to see more places than most.

Stein am Rhein

Stein am Rhein is a quaint and colorful town cozied next to the Rhine River. The train station leads to a short bridge where you can see the town nestled in its original roots and waking up for the day. Cobblestoned streets wind into the Old Town main square where every half-timbered building has a painted façade.

Pop into the nearest café to enjoy a cappuccino or espresso and a flaky sweet pastry, then wander outside to enjoy the serene calm before tourist groups clatter through. Make sure to take advantage of restaurants and benches that line the river for an exceptionally calm view. And if you have the time, explore the Hohenklingen Castle.

Exceptional preservation of architectural heritage makes Stein am Rhein a place worthy of your time. An hour or two to walk around is all you need to enjoy it.

Rhine Falls

Rhine Falls is Europe’s largest waterfall! Its immensity comes from its width rather than its height. With three different areas at Rhine Falls, my suggestion is to choose one and enjoy it from there;

  1. View point from the Worth castle; cross the bridge up top to get to it
  2. View point in the middle; this is where my pictures are from
  3. Open area at the bottom of it; where the boat rides are available (see below for details on this)

Tectonic shifts during the Ice Age forced the Rhine River to the path it takes today and created Rhine Falls. In the middle of the falls is a small but mighty rock that has withstood the test of time for over a thousand years! Small boats ferry passengers over to climb the stairs and platforms hovering over the falls allowing brave people to feel the strength of the water.

We couldn’t resist shffling onto a small speed boat to battle against the current of the falls and climb those stairs. Most people were polite about cautious walkers and those wanting to take solo pictures, which made for a pleasant excursion. Once back on dry land, hop onto the Rhyfall Express, a motorized ‘train’ that transfers guests to and from Schaffhausen, our next stop.

In total, Rhine Falls took about 2 hours to visit including the boat trip.

*See my tips below for how to successfully get to Rhine Falls (and not waste time getting onto the incorrect train like we did)

Schaffhausen

Schaffhausen is a MUST-see town. It was my favorite stop of the day! Settled between the Black Forest and wineries with its own fortress lies this whimsical town. Schaffhausen is known as being one of the most delightful towns in Switzerland because of its lavish facades (similar to Stein am Rhein), oriel windows, colorful buildings, great shopping and a wonderful open square. Being that we visited at the end of the day on a Sunday by the time we arrived most places were closed for the day (as is typical of Europe), however just walking around was enough to pacify us. It is also what led us to our first of many Swiss chocolate shops

Finishing the day at Schaffhausen was the perfect ending to exploring northern Switzerland. It also helped because there were no train transfers from Schaffhausen back to Zurich. That meant a simple train ride back into Zurich’s city center.

TIPS for towns to visit outside of Zurich, Switzerland

  • Getting there; Zurich to Stein am Rhein– check the Swiss train website for transfer details as you’ll need to transfer trains at Schaffhausen. I found it best to follow what the website said as opposed to interpreting the many signs at the train station and it never led me amiss
  • At Stein am Rhein there is a castle atop of the nearest hilltop, called Hohenklingen Castle. You can hike up or drive (I’ve read there is a car park up there)
  • Lindwurm Musuem in Stein am Rhein is a stop for those interested in exploring medieval middle class living. Entrance cost is 5 CHF.
  • Getting to Rhine Falls from Stein am Rhine: I like to think myself an avid traveler who is able to get herself around easily with some research… figuring out the trains from Stein am Rhein to Rhine Falls was confusing. This is your warning and some tips to get there quicker than we did—take the train back to Schaffhausen. Then take a train to Neuhausen. From the Neuhausen stop you can walk to Rhine Falls. There are signs to follow that are easy to find. You can also walk along the river at the Schaffhausen stop to reach Rhine Falls. That should take you about 45 minutes.
  • Leaving Rhine Falls via the Rhyfall Express: Ask the driver what direction the tram is going/if they’re going to Schaffhausen. For as cheap as it was, I would suggest doing it. It drives you through the town leading into Schaffhausen.

Hi! I’m Laura, a sustainable travel blogger, as well as freelancing online brand strategist. I share real & honest information about traveling, how to do so sustainably, and ways to earn an income while working remote.

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