Reichenbach Falls, Waterfall cascade in Schattenhalb, Switzerland.
The Reichenbach Falls consists of seven distinct drops along the Rychenbach stream, with the upper section reaching a height of 110 meters (360 feet). The largest drop plunges almost vertically over a rock face and creates a spray cloud visible from a distance when water flow is strong.
During the 19th century, the English painter Joseph Mallord William Turner created several paintings depicting the natural power of these falls. Their popularity grew further after Arthur Conan Doyle chose them in 1893 as the dramatic setting for his Sherlock Holmes story.
The falls gained worldwide recognition as the setting of the confrontation between Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty in The Final Problem. Visitors today find a memorial plaque and a small museum that recall this literary connection and draw fans of Arthur Conan Doyle's stories.
A funicular railway connects the town of Meiringen to the viewing platforms and operates from spring through autumn, offering convenient access. Visitors should wear weatherproof clothing, as spray from the falls can dampen the paths when conditions are windy.
A hydroelectric power station controls the water flow of the falls during specific periods, temporarily altering their natural appearance and intensity. During these controlled phases, the water appears calmer and less forceful, offering visitors an unusual contrast to the full natural display.
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