Hallau lies in the Klettgau in the canton of Schaffhausen at the southern foot of the Hallauerberg and is the centre of Schaffhausen winegrowing: the largest contiguous area of vineyards in German-speaking Switzerland stretches around the village. Visible from far off above the vines stands the Bergkirche St. Moritz of 1491, once a much-visited place of pilgrimage.

Signposted vineyard paths lead from the village up through the slopes to the hillside church, from whose terrace the view reaches across the whole Klettgau to the Randen and into the Black Forest. The region calls itself Blauburgunderland after its most important grape and is at its finest in autumn, when the vine leaves turn. The Hallauer Herbstsonntage then draw visitors into the village's wine presses and cellars.

Hallau is reachable by S-Bahn from Schaffhausen in around 25 minutes; Schaffhausen is connected by train from Zurich in around 40 minutes. By car, drive from Schaffhausen via Neunkirch into the Klettgau. Parking is available in the village centre and at the path up to the hillside church.