Best waterfalls around Schänis, located in the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland, offer access to notable natural wonders. The region is characterized by its diverse landscape, including impressive waterfalls and scenic routes through forests. Schänis serves as a starting point for exploring these natural features, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. The area's geology contributes to the formation of significant cascades and karst springs.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Highlight • Waterfall
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Waterfall
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Waterfall
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Waterfall
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more waterfalls around Schänis.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Schänis
The Lakes Route – Picture-postcard views in the Swiss alpine foothills
Lake and Alps Adventure – explore 100 dreamy places in our cycling region!
Cycling around Schänis
MTB Trails around Schänis
Road Cycling Routes around Schänis
Hiking around Schänis
Gravel biking around Schänis
Running Trails around Schänis
Mountain Hikes around Schänis
Pure nature, simply great.
7
0
Great waterfalls, by the way, the highest in Switzerland.
7
0
This section of the hiking trail on the Thur is considered the most beautiful, interesting, fascinating and wildest section of the trail on the entire Thur! Next to the wild river itself, the narrow path is beautiful. It leads along fascinating forest and rocky slopes, past a flat moor and feeding sites for beavers. But the section above (i.e. south) of Krummenau (from the railway bridge over the river) to just before Nesslau can keep up and is definitely recommended, especially as far as the wildness of the river is concerned. And there are also nice and interesting sections with two higher waterfalls above/south of Nesslau. In short: the entire 18 km hike between Stein and Ebnal-Kappel is worth it!
3
0
Unfortunately completely dry in summer 😩
0
0
Standing on the viewing platform at the Seerenbach Falls, you are almost awed by the thundering waterfalls. From here you can see the vertical rock face and the waterfalls cascading down into the valley. They are only topped by the white, foaming Rin spring right next to it.
0
0
A short hiking trail from Betlis leads to the gigantic Seerenbach Falls, which at a height of 600 meters are among the largest waterfalls in Europe. The Seerenbach Falls can be seen from afar, thundering down the vertical rock face in three stages. Gigantic spectacle of nature The best view of all three levels of the waterfall is from the chapel in Betlis. The middle of the three cascades is one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in the world with a height of 305 meters. Refreshing destination Coming from Weesen or Quinten, the Seerenbach Falls with the source of the Rin are a special highlight of every hike. It is a short hike from the picturesque village of Betlis to stand on the viewing platform at the foot of the third cascade and watch the roaring waterfalls up close. In warm weather, they provide cool refreshment. In spring after the snow has melted or after heavy rainfall, the Seerenbach Falls are particularly impressive due to the large amounts of water. Mystery source of Rin Where the Seerenbach falls imposingly fall into the valley, they unite with the Rinquelle, one of the largest karst springs in Europe. At the beginning of the 20th century, researchers began to study the source of the Rin and the cave system that branched out for kilometers. There is a turnoff about three kilometers from the cave entrance. From here the water disappears inside the mountain. Where? That will probably remain a secret. See also: Christian Steiner - cave diver at Lake Walen
1
0
The Seerenbach Falls are accessible via a hike. For those driving, there's a parking spot approximately 2.1 kilometers from the waterfall. Alternatively, ferries from Murg to Quinten offer easy access, with the initial part of the hike often shaded by forest. You can find more details about the falls here: Seerenbach Falls.
The Seerenbach Falls are notable for being the second-highest waterfall in Switzerland, cascading a total of 585 meters in three stages. Its second stage alone boasts an impressive drop of 305 meters, making it one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls globally. Near the falls, you can also find the Rinquelle, one of Europe's largest karst springs.
The Seerenbach Falls are particularly impressive in spring after the snow has melted or following heavy rainfall due to the increased water volume. However, the Rinquelle, a powerful karst spring near the falls, can fall dry after hot summers, so spring or early summer might offer the most spectacular experience for both.
Yes, the Rautibach Waterfall is considered family-friendly. While the path to Seerenbach Falls can be muddy with high steps, the mist from the waterfall provides a cooling effect, and the nearby Walensee offers opportunities for swimming, which can be enjoyable for families.
Beyond the waterfalls themselves, you can explore the Seerenbach Falls and Rinquelle, which features one of Europe's largest karst springs. The Thur Waterfalls and Wild River Trail also offers a fascinating section of the Thur river, leading along forest and rocky slopes, past a flat moor and beaver feeding sites.
The region around Schänis offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find challenging mountain hikes, diverse gravel biking routes, and scenic road cycling routes. Many of these routes pass through picturesque landscapes, offering views of the waterfalls and surrounding nature.
Yes, for the Seerenbach Falls, there is a viewpoint in front of the falls. However, for a more intimate experience, it's recommended to walk further up the path to get much closer. The best view of all three levels of the Seerenbach Falls is often cited from the chapel in Betlis.
Many of the trails leading to waterfalls, such as the ones to Seerenbach Falls, are rated as intermediate difficulty. They might involve muddy paths or high steps, but generally offer a rewarding experience for those with moderate fitness. The Rautibach Waterfall is also an intermediate hike, but considered family-friendly.
Yes, for the Seerenbach Falls, visitors have the opportunity to walk closer to the falls to experience their grandeur more intimately. While there's a viewpoint, walking further up the path allows you to get much closer and better experience the falls, despite the path potentially being muddy and having high steps.
Visitors frequently praise the impressive height and cascades of the multi-tiered waterfalls, especially the significant free fall of the Seerenbach Falls. The close-up experience, the scenic surroundings including vineyards and forests, and the refreshing mist from the falls are also highly appreciated. The komoot community has shared over 590 photos and given more than 900 upvotes to these natural wonders.
Near the Wängibach, there is a picnic area with benches and tables. You can also find your own idyllic spot in one of the countless beautiful locations along the stream, which features many waterfalls and pools.


Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls around Schänis: