Schaffhausen is most notably known as the home of the Rheinfall, but I am here to tell you there is more to this little northern-eastern Swiss city than just a waterfall. There are many other interesting places and things to do in this “Blos e chlini Stadt” which I’ve discovered over the past three years.
Eating Out in Schaffhausen
- Enjoy breakfast at: Nordlicht, here you will find a wide variety of bagels!
- Grab a coffee at: Meeting Point, this is our local co-working space, but they also serve a nice range of coffees
- For a hipster vibe: Th_ke is the place to be, serving a wide range of Poke Bowls
- Dine with the Family at: Carcajou just across the river in Flurlingen
- Grab something sweet at: Sweets Schaffhausen has something for everyone!
- Vegetarians will feel at home at: Sapori Cafe or Vordergasse Cafe both are located in the centre of town and are known for their vegetarian and vegan options
- Try the local speciality: Pick up a Schaffhauserzungen from Confiserie Reber
- For girls’ night out: Rhykantine, during the summer months
- For drinks: Bar No.13 is a good place to start, just up the road there is also an Urban Drink pop-up store that has a wide selection of drinks too
Where to Shop in Schaffhausen
- Buy your groceries at: We head across the border to Singen to buy our groceries, the prices are cheaper and we can get our tax back the next time we shop.
- Visit the Farmers Market: The main Schaffhausen farmer’s market happens on Saturday mornings in town, but once again I recommend crossing the border and visiting those in Singen.
- Pick up a souvenir at: the kiosk just by the Rheinfall, it stocks all the things that you need to remember your trip to Schaffhausen.
- Grab a nice bottle at: the Rötiberg winery, my personal favourite is their Dichterwii
- The best Cheese can be found: Bolderhof offers a selection of locally made cheeses that you can buy at their shop. Also offers an interesting overnight accommodation option of sleeping in a barn.
- Find something for the home, for the kids and even for yourself, clothing-wise, at Lieblings – this store has it all! Clothing, homewares and things for kids
- Hire Skis from: Alley-oop is a little store located in Thayngen. They do great deals on ski and snowboard rentals
- A great second-hand shop: The Heilsarmee Brocki always has a wide selection to browse through
Acitivites In and Around Schaffhausen
- Hop on a bike and cycle: Along the Rhein from Schaffhausen to Stein Am Rhein
- Families love to visit: All the various playgrounds that you can find around the area.
- Take a dip: Anywhere you can get in along the Rhein is the perfect place for a swim. Otherwise head to KSS, the local pool.
- Pull on your hiking boots and go for a: walk along the Randen and visit the many viewing towers that line the ridge.
- An easy day trip: Head either north into Schwarzwald or head East towards Bodensee
- If it is raining: take a trip to Smilestones – a miniature world of Switzerland and its train systems.
- A great playground: located right behind the Munot there is an amazing playground, which has a pop-up restaurant/bar in the summer
- Don’t miss a visit to: the old city, with all of its beautiful bay windows.
- Locals ski at: I believe they all head to Toggenburg like us, as I often see SH number plates there when we are out skiing.
- For the best views: Head up to Siblingen Randenhaus to enjoy a meal and a view.
- When guests visit: we take them to the Rheinfall, so they can tick that off their bucket lists.
All the Locals of Schaffhausen Know
- Local festivals not to miss: “Stars in Town” happens over 6 days in August. Generally, there are some very big bands who come to visit this little town during those days. The headliners of the cancelled 2020 concert were Gipsy Kings and UB40!
- It is busier on: Sunny Friday afternoons and evenings, mostly in summer but also in spring and autumn… Everyone seems to come out on these days!
- The locals eat at: The pop-ups along the Rhein that come out during Summer
- The best time of year to visit is: I would definitely say summer, although it is very beautiful in the other seasons too. Summer offers you the chance to take a dip in the river to cool off from the heat.
- Best place to watch the sunset: Anywhere you can find a spot to sit along the edge of the river
Getting Around and Hotels Schaffhausen
- Best to get around on: your feet, most things in town are within walking distance but there are also many buses, trains and also ferries going up the river.
- Closest airport/train station/bus stop: Schaffhausen’s main train station has trains leaving for Zurich every 15 minutes or so. Depending on the train, it can take between 35 and 60 minutes.
- A place to rest your head and not break the bank: Crossbox – located right across from the train station.
- A place to rest your head when you want to splurge: Hotel Park Villa is the place to go.
