Stein am Rhein: A Perfect Day Trip from Zurich

A Bit of History

Stein am Rhein, located along the banks of the Rhine River, is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Switzerland. This historical gem stands out not only for its beautifully painted and decorated façades but also for its rich heritage dating back to Roman times. However, it was during the Middle Ages that the town truly flourished into a prosperous urban center.

The foundation of St. George’s Abbey in the 11th century marked a turning point in Stein am Rhein’s development. It became an important religious institution and played a vital role in the town’s economic growth.

Thanks to its strategic location on the Rhine, Stein am Rhein became a significant hub for trade and transport.

Over the centuries, Stein am Rhein has managed to preserve its medieval charm remarkably well.

The town’s architecture and narrow streets still reflect the spirit of a bygone era, offering visitors a genuine and immersive experience of Swiss history and culture.

What to Do in Stein am Rhein

This picturesque Swiss town is packed with charming attractions. Start by strolling through the historic center, a maze of cobbled alleys and intricately painted houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. Each mural tells a story, often depicting historic or mythological scenes—making every step through town feel like a walk through living art.

St. George’s Abbey

Click here to visit the museum’s official website

Hohenklingen Castle and Panoramic View

For breathtaking panoramic views, head to Hohenklingen Castle. Perched atop a hill, this medieval castle overlooks the town and the Rhine River. The hike up is lovely too, with trails winding through untouched natural landscapes.

Click here to view the live stream from the castle

Untertor

Nativity Museum

Located in the oldest house in town, dating back to 1302, this museum features a beautiful collection of 300 to 500 nativity scenes from around the world.

Click here to visit the museum’s official website

Walking Trails and Boat Rides

Nature lovers will enjoy a walk along the Rhine River, a peaceful way to admire the region’s beauty. Or, hop on a boat tour to see the town and surrounding landscape from a different perspective.

Lindwurm Museum

This cultural gem showcases bourgeois life in the 19th century. With detailed exhibitions recreating home interiors and daily routines, the Lindwurm Museum offers a unique glimpse into everyday life in old Stein am Rhein.

Click here to visit the museum’s official website

Thieves' or Witches' Tower

Known from at least 1548 (but likely built in the 14th century), this tower served as a prison until around 1800. It’s known as either the Thieves' Tower or Witches' Tower.

Click here for more info

Where to Eat in Stein am Rhein

Despite its small size, Stein am Rhein offers a great variety of restaurants and cafés to suit every taste. Many are located right in the historic center, offering not only delicious meals but also wonderful views and atmosphere.

Some recommendations:

• Restaurante Adler
• Café Späth 
• Rheinfels Parkhotel

How to Get to Stein am Rhein

Stein am Rhein is easy to reach from Zurich, and you have two main options: by train or by car.

By Train:

Traveling by train takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes and includes a connection in Winterthur—a city worth a brief visit in itself.

Trains depart frequently from Zurich and offer a comfortable journey through the Swiss countryside, with views of charming villages and green fields along the way.

By Car:

Prefer to drive? The car trip takes about 1 hour, depending on traffic. The route is well-marked and includes stretches along Lake Constance, making the drive particularly scenic.

Driving gives you more flexibility in timing and allows you to stop at smaller attractions along the way. Just be sure to check local driving regulations and potential tolls.

Read also: Car Rental in Europe: Everything You Need to Know

Is Stein am Rhein Worth Visiting?

The combination of architectural beauty and historical significance makes Stein am Rhein a destination truly worth visiting—especially for those based in Zurich looking for a day trip.

See also:
One Day in Rapperswil – Day Trip from Zurich

Since the town is small, I recommend pairing it with another nearby destination. Before visiting Stein am Rhein, we stopped at the Rhine Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Europe. While they may not rival Iguazu Falls, they are stunning in their own right!

In the end, visiting Stein am Rhein felt like stepping back in time, with each corner revealing a new surprise.