Rheinau offers several distinct highlights for a stay: the monastery church with its richly appointed interior, paths through natural and cultural landscapes, and activities on the Rhine. There is also wine tasting in the grounds of the Zurich State Winery. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can plan your trip around your preferred focus: culture, nature or the river.
Rheinau lies directly on the Rhine between Schaffhausen and Winterthur and borders Germany. Its river landscape includes a distinctive double loop in the Rhine and an island in the middle of the river. The former Benedictine monastery is located on the island. The monastery church also shapes the town’s cultural character: it is one of Switzerland’s most significant religious buildings.
Monastery Church and Monastery Cellar
The interior of the monastery church dates from 1710 to 1759 and is distinguished by its splendour and abundance. A guided tour lasts around 60 minutes and may include areas that are not usually open to the public, such as the choir, high altar, choir stalls and sacristy.
A guided tour of the historic monastery cellar offers a different perspective on the monastery’s history. It includes a wine tasting and explores the Zurich State Winery’s history of more than 150 years. After the tour, wine tastings take place in the renovated tasting room right by the monastery square. They are intended for people aged 16 and over; confirm the arrangements before your visit.
Forest Reserve and Trails
The Watt forest reserve covers 7 hectares. Rheinau refrains from forestry there, leaving the forest to the forces of nature. The reserve has not been managed for more than 50 years; the municipality will continue to refrain from any timber use so that nature can develop undisturbed. The focus here is therefore on the long-term development of the forest.
The Au nature trail is an ecological educational trail on the Au peninsula. Visitors can experience a varied landscape with natural qualities. Rheinau also has around 12 kilometres of easy walking trails, some of which are wheelchair-accessible. Their themes range from the village of Rheinau and the natural environment and habitat of Au to views across the border towards Rheinau and the Niderholz natural forest reserve, as well as viticulture and agriculture. When choosing a trail, you can also take its theme into account.
The Rhine and Practical Planning
The landscape around Rheinau is ideal for hiking, cycling, diving and swimming. Access to the Rhine by the customs bridge is via the municipality-owned Salmenwiese meadow, right beside the bridge. Local rules of conduct and permit requirements apply to this access. Seasonal trips by motorboat or cabin ship are available on the Rhine between the Rhine Falls and Eglisau; check the timetable and availability before travelling.
You can also factor travel into your plans: Rheinau is accessible by bus from Marthalen railway station. The activities vary considerably in duration: the monastery church tour lasts around 60 minutes, the walking trail network covers around 12 kilometres, and boat trips are seasonal. You can decide in advance whether to focus your stay on a guided tour, time exploring the trails independently or a river cruise.
Discover more destinations: Humlikon, Flurlingen, Berg am Irchel, Dorf, Flaach, Laufen-Uhwiesen, Adlikon, Oberstammheim
For the main travel overview: Andelfingen.
