Stein am Rhein and Rhine Falls

Getting on the coach to Rhine Falls was quite a hassle despite my hotel being super close to the meeting point, I ended up being the last one to board. We observed the stunning scenery during the drive - The lush green hills, adorable Swiss towns, and picturesque farms made it a journey worth staying awake. Now, let's talk about our tour guide leader. She was a fountain of knowledge, sharing everything from Swiss politics to history and architecture. It was impressive how well-informed she was! But I must admit, I wouldn't have minded a little breather. It seemed like she had something to say about everything we passed, even a field with vegetables growing! I wanted a nap.

We arrived at Rhine Falls after just over an hour, filled with anticipation as we heard the water rushing behind the fence. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, with groups of children and teenagers scattered around, likely on school trips. We hopped into a lift and caught a glimpse of the Rhine River before stepping out to the sound of the roaring waterfall. The path leading to the boat was like a zigzag through a lush jungle-like route, surrounded by trees, leaves, and bushes. The humidity added to the adventure, making it a truly immersive experience. Finally, we reached the boat and set off towards the magnificent waterfall, the largest in Europe. Despite the wind picking up, people were determined to capture the perfect photo. Inspired by their balance, I mustered the courage to stand up, but quickly decided to sit back down and fully immerse myself in the moment before I fell into the water. Rhine Falls is truly a sight to behold, and I couldn't help but be captivated by its power and beauty. Like most of my waterfall experiences, getting up close to them is always a thrill. The water hitting the river below creates a misty effect that refreshingly sprays on our faces. But this one was different. The sound was extraordinary, the roar of the waterfall colliding with the Rhine River and the rocks. The boat even shook a little, adding to the excitement. You could really see and feel the power of this structure, it was mesmerizing. I had to put my camera away to avoid any mishaps.

After the boat ride, we explored different viewpoints to see the waterfall from various angles. The design of the place was well thought out, with checkpoints offering stunning views of the falls. It was a truly immersive experience, capturing the beauty and grandeur of the Rhine Falls. One highlight was discovering a tunnel-like cave that led to a charming balcony with a beautiful view of the falls. It was truly majestic, and the sound of the waterfall was addictively soothing. Despite being so close to the powerful rush of water, I felt completely safe. I decided to venture down to another viewpoint, where I encountered a group of tourists who were utterly fascinated by my camera mounted on a giant selfie stick. Their heads tilted in unison as they watched me capture the beauty of the falls. As our tour came to an end, we spent some time browsing a souvenir shop, contemplating whether to buy Swiss Army Knives. It was amusing to observe a husband and wife in my group going back and forth on the decision.

During my trip to Switzerland, I had the pleasure of visiting various towns and cities, each with its own unique charm. Interlaken's intimate beauty, Titlis' scenery, and Zürich's vibrant diversity were all incredible. However, it was the community of Stein am Rhein that truly stole my heart. Initially, I didn't expect much from this town, considering it was just an add-on to the tour. I was wrong. As soon as I entered through the Clock Tower Gate, also known as The Untertor, I was transported back in time to the 13th century. I couldn't wait to capture the essence of this place on camera, so I ventured off on my own, leaving my group behind. As I strolled through the town, tourists and school trip teenagers watched me with curious eyes as I waved my camera in the air. While I'm not usually interested in century-old architecture, Stein am Rhein's picturesque streets and adorable food, and souvenir shops were simply irresistible. The town was buzzing with people enjoying the mild weather, and I couldn't help but lock eyes with another clock tower, beckoning me closer. I promised myself I would end my video once I reached it, before re-joining my group who were busy indulging in gelato that our tour guide claimed was the best she ever had.

I couldn't resist the temptation of a pizza restaurant at the bottom of the bridge, but time was limited, so I hurriedly explored the other side. Well, I tried to anyway. The roads were surprisingly clean and peaceful, with only a few passing cars. However, my peaceful stroll took an unexpected turn when I encountered a persistent bee buzzing around my head. It seemed like I became the source of entertainment for some slow-moving traffic. It's not exactly the heroic exit from Stein am Rhein I envisioned, but it made for a memorable moment. Eventually, I managed to escape the bee's pursuit and stumbled upon a map of Stein am Rhein, only to realise that the bridge was the sole connection to where we came from. I couldn't help but mutter some choice words at the bee in my mind. I walked back towards the starting point taking in the view one last time. Terrific tiny town.