Stein am Rhein Old Town
Stein am Rhein, Switzerland
A small riverside town where the Rhine leaves Lake Constance, known for its half-timbered houses with painted facades around the Rathausplatz. Park outside the centre and walk in; the lanes are short and easy to cover in an hour.
Stein am Rhein lies on the right bank of the High Rhine, exactly where the Rhine leaves Lake Constance. It is the only municipality in the canton of Schaffhausen with access to the lake. Around AD 300 the Roman fort of Tasgetium stood here. The oldest surviving document bearing the village's name dates from 1267; in 1457 Stein am Rhein gained imperial immediacy, and in 1484 it came under the protection of Zurich. The well-preserved old-town centre has painted façades, the oldest dating from the 1520s. In 1972 the town received the Wakker Prize for preserving its townscape.
Also worth seeing are the former St Georgen Abbey, now a museum, the Lindwurm Museum and historic towers and gates. Hohenklingen Castle stands some 200 metres above the town. From April to October, boats of the Untersee und Rhein shipping company operate. The railway station lies south of the Rhine. About an hour is enough for a walk around the old town; allow more if you visit the abbey and museums.
- Nearest town
- Stein am Rhein, Switzerland
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 47.6592, 8.8586
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Switzerland: Vignette needed for motorways. Vehicles over 3.5 t pay the heavy vehicle charge instead of the vignette. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping WagenhausenCampsite1 km from Stein am Rhein Old Town · 40 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Campingplatz WangenCampsite6 km from Stein am Rhein Old TownTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsNo dogsWi-Fi
- JohannihofCampsite7 km from Stein am Rhein Old TownTentsElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- JohannihofCampsite7 km from Stein am Rhein Old TownTentsElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Campingplatz GütighausenCampsite12 km from Stein am Rhein Old Town · 20 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Wohnmobilstellplatz Halbinsel MettnauMotorhome stopover13 km from Stein am Rhein Old Town · 31 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Switzerland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Stein am Rhein Old Town?
Stein am Rhein Old Town is in Stein am Rhein, Switzerland, at GPS 47.6592, 8.8586. It is about 16 km from Reichenau.
Can you camp near Stein am Rhein Old Town?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping Wagenhausen, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 78 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Stein am Rhein Old Town?
Places worth a stop nearby: Reichenau Island (16 km), Rhine Falls (18 km), Mainau Island (26 km) and Birnau Basilica (28 km).
When is the best time to visit Stein am Rhein Old Town?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)