This medieval Swiss town along the Rhine has well-preserved Gothic buildings with painted facades from the 16th century, narrow cobblestone streets, and a Benedictine monastery.
In northeastern Switzerland, Stein am Rhein's main square contains some of Europe's best-preserved 16th-century frescoed buildings. You can explore the detailed murals on the Rathaus depicting biblical scenes, visit the Renaissance art collection at St. George's Abbey, or dine in 15th-century buildings along the Rhine River.
Walking Through the Old Town Center
The medieval street layout leads you through narrow lanes to the central Rathausplatz. The square's centerpiece, the Rathaus (town hall), displays painted scenes of local history on its facade, with a clock tower marking each hour. German painter Thomas Schmede created the frescoes between 1520 and 1525, depicting merchant activities, religious stories, and local customs. Each building around the square tells its own story through painted allegorical figures and geometric patterns.
Inside St. George's Abbey
Founded in 1007, St. George's Abbey remains a central landmark in Stein am Rhein. In the Banquet Hall, you'll find murals from 1515 showing six scenes from ancient Roman history, including Rome's founding and the Punic Wars. Visit between 10:00 and 17:00 daily (closed Mondays from October to April). The monastery garden grows medieval medicinal plants and herbs, with resting spots beneath centuries-old trees.
Views from Hohenklingen Castle
A 20-minute uphill path through vineyards takes you to Hohenklingen Castle, built in 1225. This medieval fortress played a key role during the Thirty Years' War. From here, you can look down on the old town's red roofs, watch the Rhine River curve through the valley, and see across to the surrounding hills. The castle's restaurant prepares Swiss dishes using local ingredients and serves wines from the hillside vineyards below.
Along the Rhine
A paved path connects the train station to the old town along the river. You'll see passenger boats passing between Lake Constance and Schaffhausen, while cafes line the waterfront with tables facing the river. Boat trips run every two hours between April and October, connecting Stein am Rhein with neighboring river towns.
Getting There and Around
Trains arrive every 30 minutes from Schaffhausen, St. Gallen, and Winterthur. Find the train station on the Rhine's southern bank, 500 meters from the old town center. You can walk between most sights within 10 minutes in this 6-square-kilometer town. Cyclists can use dedicated paths on both sides of the Rhine, which connect to nearby towns and continue to Lake Constance.
