Hello all,

I‘d like to take a day trip tomorrow for the first time from Zurich to Schauffhausen. I usually like to explore new places by bike, although I‘m not sure how necessary it would be in Schauffhausen or what that would look like. I‘m interested in seeing the Rhine Falls and the town, possibly the Fortress as well if I have the time.

Two questions: which is more convenient - to drive there or to go by train?
Second question: Does it make sense if I go by train to take a bike with me if what I would be doing with it is just exploring/roaming around? Or is going around by foot better out there?

Thanks for your suggestions.

Just keep in mind that the Rhine Falls are way outside Schaffhausen, they are in Neuhausen.

Take the train and walk

I would either start at the Rhinefalls or finish at the Rhinefalls. Its an ok walk along the river, about 45 mins I guess.

The Rhinefalls is probably going to be the highlight. They are really nice.

In Schauffhausen the town is nice enough, The castle is small but worth a look. You could also see if the IWC museum is open and have a look. If nice weather a drink on the Rhine at the Guterhof is also something to consider

Take the train and leave the bike at home.
The town has cobbled streets and will be busy on a sunny Saturday. You will be a nuissance with a bike. Pedestrians only in some parts.
As said you can walkto the Rheinfall and take the train back to Zurich directly from there

Take your bike!

Near the beginning of April, my son and I did a multi-day bike ride along the Rhine (started in Chur). That section after Schaffhausen was one of my favorites.

Take the train and park the bike at the train station (downstairs in the bike parking, you can pay 1 CHF to leave your bike in a secure location). Walk around Schaffhausen; a couple of hours is more than enough to see the old town. Then get your bikes and look for the bike path #2 (Rheinradweg 2 or something, you can't miss it). As you are approaching the Rheinfall, look for Routes 77 and 752 to go visit the falls. Cross the border to Germany for a bit and then cross back into Switzerland at Rheinau and rejoin Route 2 again. Bike all the way to Eglisau and then catch a train back to Zurich.

Here's a map:

Bike Route 2

If you like to go by bike, then take your bike. It isn't necessary though and you can easily walk around (I did it several times already).

Train is most convenient since you don't need to find a parking space.

It's not so big that you need a bike to go around. For the first time, I'd recommend going by foot and just walking everywhere.