One Sunday morning in September, I found myself with an entire day completely open before a late night flight from Zurich. Idly leafing through a book about Lake Constance in a kiosk, the page for Stein-am-Rhein just popped open. I had never heard the name before, but knew immediately I had to see it. So I hopped on the first train going that way.
To get from Stein-am-Rhein’s railway station to the town proper, you must cross the Rhine. Luckily, I took a roundabout route – exploring the riverside and the quaint little alleys before I discovered Rathausplatz, the Market Square. After seeing that, it would have been hard to appreciate anything else.
The little square is considered the loveliest in all of Switzerland.
Ancient buildings covered in colourful frescos surround the square. I ambled about staring at the walls, frequently bumping into strangers, all as distracted as I was. Everywhere, busy cameras buzzed. Like a celebrity had surprisingly popped out of a limo or something.
If you’re ever in Stein-am-Rhein, take your time examining the frescos in detail. I promise you’re in for a delight – and a few surprises.
Over here, two women in medieval costume chat pleasantly. Innocent enough… until you notice one of them is holding a severed man’s head in her hands.
Over there, a naked woman is carrying a child. An endearing scene… until you spot her hooves and the tail sticking out from her plump bottom.
I had planned on staying an hour or so – but four hours later I was still walking around, bumping into people. Sadly, I had a plane to catch. Otherwise, this would have been a wonderful place to spend the night, hang at a pleasant Weinstube (pub), drink red wine and make up stories about the frescos.
Update: For more on the fab frescoes of Stein-am-Rhein, see my article on Boots’n'All.
For more fun photos, head over to Budget Travelers Sandbox and DeliciousBaby.
I can see why it is considered the lovely square- it’s so pretty! I would love to spend an afternoon there.
jade recently posted..Seal Yoga at Elephant Seal Rookery
Beautiful place, I want to visit someday
Muza-chan recently posted..A Japanese Song per Day: 7!! seven oops – Lovers
I love Stein am Rhein and the frescoes are spectacular! I have a similar post coming out in the next couple of weeks from when I was there. I had never heard of it either, but was visiting a friend in Schaffhausen who said I would love it and she was right.
Laurel recently posted..Would you Want to Live in a Castle?
@Laurel – I look forward to reading it
Stunning beauty. I want to go there !
The view from the lake looks almost painfully beautiful.
Did you see the pale green glacier water in the rivers in the region?
Lake Constance is where a pleasure boat rocked my little kayak on hire from a local boatyard and gave me visions of swimming for the shore
David Bennett recently posted..The Forth Rail Bridge
It’s great when something spontaneous and unexpected turns out to be such a delight. Weren’t you lucky to open that book. And that town absolutely deserves a visit.What gorgeous frescos.
I love Europe and the ease of public transit so you can make these spur of the moment decisions.
Leigh recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday: Calgary Colours
Thanks for giving us this detailed look at the murals at Stein am Rhein. I was completely fascinated by the painted buildings in Switzerlands’ old town areas.
Vera Marie Badertscher recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday: Honfleur
What a wonderful surprise to come across Stein-am-Rhein. It looks like a place I’d love to visit, too. Beautiful frescos!
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..The Happy Couple
Stein am Rhine is one of those villages that I have wanted to visit for a while. Looks as stunning as I thought! I believe you can take a boat to the falls from here too.
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted..Cool and Relaxed in Innsbruck
@Debbie – I think there’s a boat going Kreuzlingen > Stein am Rhein > Schaffhausen. I’m not sure the boat stops at the Falls or if you have to connect with a bus, though. It would certainly be a beautiful boat trip.
Those frescoes are absolutely stunning. I’d love to see them in person. They sure don’t make ‘em like they used to!
Michael Figueiredo recently posted..Where in the world am I? (#16)
Love this post! And what a way to spend the day.
Beautiful.
Cheryl Howard recently posted..Weird and Wonderful Milan … In Photos.
What a beautiful discovery! We haven’t made it to Switzerland yet, but I am now adding this little spot to our growing list of places to visit. Good for you for getting out and spontaneously making the most of your time before jumping on your flight.
Lucia recently posted..Prague’s Tower of Books
That would be so much fun to visit. Great photos.
Trying to motivate to get to work, but I’d much rather be getting up to go see some buildings like those today! Beautiful.
Abby recently posted..Michael Jackson Cirque premiere in Montreal
Aren’t you glad you followed your instinct and decided to visit that gorgeous place? Sometimes acting on a whim produces incredible results
Ana recently posted..Of graveyards and stories
I absolutely love discovering new charming little towns in Europe. This one’s now added to my list. Two others on my Switzerland list: Murren and Gruyères.
Sonja recently posted..Photo Friday: Dragon Tails in Copenhagen
Love those saucy frescos!
Oh my gosh! So beutiful. Definitely one of the more stunning squares I have seen
Preparing For Takeoff recently posted..ComedySportz with Kids
Oh, my goodness – these are fabulous! I could spend all day looking at the art and coming up with stories about what’s being depicted. You always seem to stumble upon the most curiously intriguing places.
Sherry recently posted..“Another Migrated Blog”
Switzerland has so much to offer – I want to spend more time there to visit places like these – beautiful!
Andrea recently posted..5 Reasons to Love Switzerland Even Though it’s so Damn Expensive!
What a fascinating and beautiful city!
Jessica recently posted..Is That Tree Wearing a Sweater?
What a pleasant-looking town. Those spontaneous travel decisions are usually some of our best experiences.
The Travel Chica recently posted..Buenos Aires Odd Jobs: The Dog Walker