The scene depicts an outdoor location in Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland, looking down a paved staircase towards the Rhine River and its opposite bank

The scene depicts an outdoor location in Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland, looking down a paved staircase towards the Rhine River and its opposite bank. The sky is clear blue, indicating daytime conditions with bright sunlight casting prominent, elongated shadows of the railings across the dark grey interlocking pavers of the steps. The environment suggests late autumn or winter, with most deciduous trees in the foreground and on the distant hillside appearing bare. A group of approximately eight individuals, consisting of six adults and two young children, are present on a landing or in the process of descending the staircase. All are attired in heavy winter clothing, including dark-colored jackets and various hats; one adult wears a dark jacket and hat while gripping a metal railing on the left. A small child in a light blue jacket and white hat is positioned near this adult, with another child in a pink patterned jacket and pink hat further to the right. The remaining adults are clustered behind or around these individuals. The staircase features a light-colored metal railing with vertical balusters on the left and a section of wooden railing with horizontal bars on the right. Sparse, bare tree branches and some green undergrowth are visible along the sides of the steps. In the midground, the wide Rhine River flows rapidly from left to right, exhibiting ripples and whitecaps on its blue-green surface. The opposite bank features a riverside promenade, distinguishable by numerous small flagpoles or banners. Structures on the far bank include a modern, multi-story building with a flat roof on the left, and a distinctive yellow building with a gabled roof on the right. A small red hut or structure is visible higher on the hillside between these buildings. Dominating the background is a long, multi-arched stone railway viaduct traversing a steep, tree-covered hillside. Several residential buildings are also visible higher on the hillside.