54911CH
Passports are not routinely required but should be available in case of spot checks at the border.
· Between Zurich and the Rhine Falls you can take the national road no. 4 via Bulach, which takes you through Germany and is shorter (but adds two border crossings).
· You only have a half-day drive, so you might want to give extra free time in Lucerne.
· New from 1 April 2025: a (CHF 100) slot must now be booked by your bus company in advance to allow them to drop off/collect at the two central bus stops in Lucerne (Schwanenplatz and by the Lion Monument). ONE drop off/collection is permitted per day. Fines apply if you try to drop off elsewhere.
Rhine Falls – visit
Coming from Lucerne, drive through the town of Schaffhausen following signs for Rheinfall. Set down and park in the bus park. Make a rendezvous for departure. On this drive some of the group may want to take the boat, which goes up close to the Falls – they disembark briefly on an island at the Falls – so you should point out the departure point by the cafes. Make sure the GL(s) are happy for them to do this! Walk the group down to the riverside and give free time. There are several cafés, shops and public toilets down by the water. You have to pay for all facilities, but Swiss and Euro coins are accepted.
Alternatively, before you get to Schaffhausen, follow the signs to Rheinfall and Schloss Laufen. Park in the car park, you will find toilets, café and souvenir shops there. Unless you arrive early, these days you have to pay here to visit the Falls. You can get very close indeed to the Falls and it’s quite an experience. One drawback is the many steps although those who pay can use a lift.
These options are reversed if driving from the Black Forest.