Rhine Falls

At 150 metres wide and 23 metres high, the Rhine Falls are one of Europe's largest waterfalls – a fact that becomes apparent even before you can see them. The roar of up to 600,000 litres of water per second crashing over the rocks makes your ear drums throb. There is some lovely walking in the romantic landscape around the falls, but the must-do experience is a boat trip to the rock that stands at the heart of the powerful masses of water. Once there, the captain moors the boat and you can climb out and ascend the rock. Trips run continuously all day from May to September. Don't forget to wear sturdy footwear. Alternatively, pay the entrance fee for the dramatically situated Schloss Laufen and you'll be granted access to viewing platforms just above the water. One benefit of this is escaping the hoards of tourists who tend to crowd the banks trying to find the best angle for a photo.