Schaffhausen’s train station is at the northwestern edge of the compact Old Town, served by both Swiss SBB and German DB trains (the latter running along the northern bank of the Rhine and terminating at Basel Bad. station). Counters inside deal with money changing (Mon–Sat 7am–7pm, Sun 9am–7pm) and bike rental (Mon–Fri 6am–8pm, Sat & Sun 8am–8pm). Opposite is the main post office (CH-8201 Schaffhausen 1). One block east from the station is bustling Fronwagplatz, where you’ll find, under the big clock tower, the main tourist office (July–Sept Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 10am–4pm, Sun 10am–1pm; Oct–June Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 10am–noon; 052/625 51 41, www.sh.ch), with plenty of information and excellent guided walking tours of the Old Town (May–Oct Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat 2.15pm; Fr.10), which include a tasting of five wines in a vintner’s after the walk.

The best way to arrive at Schaffhausen is by boat from further up the Rhine. At least three boats a day (May–Sept) make the beautiful journey along the river from Kreuzlingen via Stein-am-Rhein, a peaceful ride between wooded banks on just about the only stretch of the Rhine to be free of heavy industry. Boats dock in Schaffhausen at Freier Platz, just beside the main road bridge at the southeastern corner of the Old Town.