The best places to shop in Schaffhausen

The old town is a car-free zone, ideal for strolling and discovering small unique shops. Schaffhausen has several local specialties. Try fresh farmhouse ice cream and other homemade delicacies at Adler-Treff. Pasta Pizza Daniele sells Italian specialities such as homemade pasta, antipasti and balsamic vinegar. Chäs Marili (DE) sells a range of Swiss gourmet cheeses including Emmentaler, Gruyère and fondue mixes, as well as Italian ice cream from the Gelateria Antico del Corso in the summer. Zuckerbäckerei Ermatinger (DE) has a range of freshly baked snacks and treats on offer. Vinorama, on the Herrenacker, specialises in local Blauburgunderland wines and also offers wine tasting. PREISIG Schaffhausen (DE) is a small friendly local watch and jewellery shop, also selling Ueli Preisig's own brand.

Discover new places to shop in Schaffhausen in the Hello Switzerland Directory or with the Around Me feature on the Hello Switzerland App! 

Shopping day trips from Schaffhausen:

• Visit the Bolderhof Farm shop and learn about cheese-making.
• Rheinhof Culinarium (DE) is another farmhouse that sells liqueur, jam, baked products and other naturally and locally-produced goods.
• Handicrafts Stein am Rhein (DE) has a selection of locally produced ceramics, glassware, textiles, jewellery, and souvenirs.
• Kundelfingerhof (DE) is a fish farm with a smoke house selling homemade specialities and it also has a nature and play area.

Shopping across the border in Germany

Shopping in Germany is very popular amongst Schaffhausen  residents, who regularly shop over the borders for better prices at general stores and weekly markets. However, it is important to take note of the customs regulations and limitations on bringing goods into Switzerland. The tax-free limit is CHF 300 per person but there are some special regulations concerning certain goods carried across the border. 

Cost saving tip: The VAT (Value-added tax) on items purchased outside of Switzerland can often be reclaimed. Information leaflets are available at customs offices at border crossings. Note: L and G permit holding residents cannot claim VAT.

Shopping for essentials  

The major department store in Schaffausen is Manor (DE/FR/IT) and the two main supermarkets are Coop and Migros. 

Markets in Schaffhausen

Find fresh cut flowers, bread, produce and cheese at the old town's weekly market in the centre of old town on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 07.00 to 12.00. The farmer's market is held on Fridays and Saturdays at the old fire department. 

Online Shopping 

For flexible hours and to avoid crowds, try shopping online for groceries at LeShop or Coop@Home. Zalando (DE/FR), Laredoute (DE/FR) and Koala are a few good options for clothes and shoes. For gift ideas, try visiting Geschenk Idee (DE) and sort through their wide collection based on the person you are shopping for. 

Useful information on shopping in Switzerland

• Most shops are closed on Sundays in Switzerland. The only shops open on a Sunday are at train stations, airports, and at petrol stations in and around urban areas.
• In most occasions, grocery carry bags must be purchased at the store or brought from home.
• Customers pack their own bags at the grocery store. 
• Shopping trolleys require a CHF 1-2 coin deposit.
• Fruit and vegetables are available pre-packaged and priced or loose to be weighed. For non-priced items, place them on the scale, enter the item's corresponding code and print the price tag.
• Sales are held twice annually in January and July. 
• Many shops offer loyalty programmes and regular discounts. For tips on living cost effectively in Schaffhausen, read the article Discounts and saving money in Schaffhausen. 
• Many shops accept both CHF and Euros but change for Euros will be given in Swiss Francs. 

Photo: swiss-image.ch/SCHAFFHAUSEN TOURISMUS