Schaffhausen, Switzerland – Home Memories are Never Canceled

I wanted to write about Schaffhausen, Switzerland because we will miss visiting this well-preserved Renaissance architecture city on the Rhine river.

Unfortunately, this holiday season COVID-19 prevents us from travel to visit family.

Why not takeanotherroute with me. Schaffhausen, Switzerland is the birth city of my husband. I fell in love with this charming city on my first visit. The population as of Dec. 2019 was 36,604, quaint and manageable with an elevation of 1,322 ft. Not exactly what you think of when you think of Switzerland, the Alps, the Jungfrau, but a lovable, livable altitude. I like giving the coordinates of places I visit so here they are: 47°42’N 8°38’E.

People often ask what is Schaffhausen famous for? Often overlooked, Schaffhausen is rich in history, architecture, treasures, and stories.
First, it is the northernmost canton of Switzerland with a history dating back to the Middle Ages.

Oriel

One of the first sights of beauty you will notice in the old town is the distinctive oriel windows, 171 to be exact, and the intricately painted facades. So, you ask what is an oriel window? These are beautifully crafted bay windows that extend from the facades of buildings. Mostly they are decorative and ornate allowing the dwellers an extended dimensional view of the street below. It is said that they were built as status symbols by the rich and Schaffhausen’s has more oriel windows than any other Swiss town.

Brunnen’s

Yes, what would an old town be without a display of fountains? In the public squares, historic fountains are graced by statues of the Moors and of  Wilhelm Tell among several of the historical figures and events. Fun fact, freshwater flows from the fountains throughout the city and YES, you can drink the water. Of course, I did!

Munot
As if the fountains and oriels are not enough, one of the most eye-catching landmarks is the Munot Fortress.
The Munot is a circular 16th-century fortification in the center of the city overlooking the Rhine River and brings a 360-degree view of the city from the top. It is surrounded by vineyards and serves as the city’s symbol. The fortress was built between 1563 to 1583. It was originally used to spot ships and protect the city from military advances before they reached the town. The “Guardian of Munot”, who lived with his family in the tower’s apartment, had a 360-degree view and had to sound the alarm in case of danger and also be on the lookout for fires. In 2019 for the first time in the century’s old history, the Munot fortress is guarded by a woman. At 9 pm each day for five minutes, the ritual of ringing the bells of the Munot is part of the daily rhythm of the people of Schaffhausen, of course, this is done by the Guardian of Munot.

Rosengarten

Next to the entrance of the Munot, you will walk past the Rosengarten. Why do I mention the rose garden? Although this is not part of the ancient history of Schaffhausen, I have to share this fragrant slice of the city with you. You see in 1981 the Swiss association of rose lovers designed the garden in the French Renaissance garden style. The garden is about 2,000 sq.m. or 21,500 sq.ft. As you approach the garden you will experience the eruption of color with over 170 species of roses neatly aligned in the beds. The pergola is a great place to perch and view the garden’s spray of colors from an elevated advantage.

As you walk the bed path you find the most important species are indicated, so take note and write down your favorite rose. Back to Why I mention the rose garden aside from its tranquil beauty, you see Helene Hugi Rathgeb was a founding member in 1981. Helen’s favorite rose was the Rosa Papa Meilland a dark velvety crimson rose. She enjoyed volunteering here until her passing in 1988. Helene was the beloved mother of my husband.

Tick Tock
To all my watch collectors, Schaffhausen is the home of the IWC International Watch Company. Watch lover or not, you are in for a treat of precision if you visit the museum and production experience at the IWC.

Abbey and Museum Allerheiligen
The Benedictine Abbey complex is a museum within a museum including art and history. I am a lover of cloisters, so when I have a chance to discover the town’s cloister, I take delight in making that calm, peaceful walk through time.
The cloister here partly Romanesque and partly Gothic is the romantic cemetery where high-ranking magistrates have been buried between 1582 and 1874. Just passing through the old stone arch you will discover the Herb Garden. Museum Allerheiligen is indeed another Schaffhausen treasure-trove of history far too much to write about. Visit this landmark and see for yourself.

Wrap it Up
From street food to weekly markets, Christmas Markets, Jazz Festival, and Carnival, Schaffhausen is a grand experience. Easy access, 1 hr by train from Zurich, and 1:40 from Lucerne or Bern, it is indeed one of my most beloved Swiss cities.
I have a few more stories of Schaffhausen, but I shall save them for another time. I do hope you enjoyed your time here with me in Schaffhausen.

Take Another Route, www.takeanotherroute.com – Longhaul