Stein am Rhein, Medieval town on Rhine River, Switzerland
Stein am Rhein is a medieval town along the Rhine River in Switzerland, where stone buildings with painted facades line the streets. Half-timbered houses and narrow lanes form a coherent architectural collection spanning different historical periods.
Emperor Henry II transformed this fishing settlement by establishing St George's Abbey here in 1007. This foundation turned the place into a prosperous trading center due to its strategic position at river routes.
The main square features decorated building fronts showing historical scenes, religious imagery, and traditional Swiss artistic styles through detailed frescoes. Residents maintain these paintings as living evidence of their local identity.
The town is easily walkable and offers restaurants, lodging, and shops within close proximity. Regular train connections link the place to larger cities like Schaffhausen and Winterthur.
In February 1945, the United States bombed this neutral Swiss town, making it the only direct military event residents experienced. This rare occurrence left scars in the community and local memory.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
