Schaffhausen Hostels

Schaffhausen's biggest claim to fame is the roaring Rhine Falls, the largest plain waterfalls in Europe. They are like Niagara Falls' baby sister, but no less majestic. The city is also located very close to the relaxing Bodensee, also known as Lake Konstanz in the English-speaking world, the third-largest lake in Europe that sits on the borders of Germany, Austria, and a small piece of Switzerland.

Located on the northernmost edge of Switzerland, Schaffhausen is bordered by Germany and of course located in the German-speaking part of the country. A small city of stunning architecture, leisure nature walks, and some of the most fabulous supermarkets around, the town is a nice one- or two-day stop at a Schaffhausen hostel if you find yourself in the area. Take an early train in, try to avoid the Swiss police (who may spot you at the station with your big backpack and thumb through your passport pages for kicks), stop by the Tourist Information center to find the most suitable hike for your fitness level, take bus #1 to the Rhine Falls, fight off a few tour groups for the best panorama location, snap your touristy pictures, take a boat to the edge of the falls, climb the cliff, take more touristy pictures, and begin your hike for the day. There is one of those fantastic supermarkets called Coop near the Falls so stock up on your picnic supplies before you head off and make sure not to come back 'til dusk because Switzerland nature is just too darn beautiful.

Beware that although Switzerland is known for its English-speaking capabilities, Schaffhausen is a small city and English is not as prevalent. It is also not very popular with backpackers, so if you are looking for Schaffhausen hostels, you have two options -- the two public hostels that are part of the HI hostelling network. Besides the hostels, there are lots of pricey hotels. The Schaffhausen is easily connected to other parts of Switzerland via train, so have your fill and be on your merry way. In less than two hours, you can find yourself in Zurich, where you'll never have seen city water so blue!