“Just a small town,
with civic walls.
Just a small town,
where one knows the other”
These are lines from the song about Schaffhausen that everyone who has grown up in and around town knows. The reason why I’m referring to this is that, probably one of the most frequently asked questions from my friends at the International School is, “Do you know everyone here in Schaffhausen?” And it’s true, in Schaffhausen everyone knows everyone, or at least it seems like it. Isn’t that beautiful?
I was born in Schaffhausen but I grew up in a small village just across the Rhein. The last few years of my life I have been a part of the ISSH community. Through the stories of my friends I get to know many cultures and countries better; they tell me about their home and how it is to live in other cities. However, I have the pleasure to bring them a little closer to my home and take them to the rather unknown but very beautiful places.
For example, I love to walk to the Fernsehturm in Feuerthalen where you have a beautiful view over the whole town of Schaffhausen. This view always impresses my friends and so do the amount of hidden spots that you can explore. There are also plenty of activities you can do around Schaffhausen that will be remembered, for sure. Something I always recommend to my friends is the Adventure Park at the Rheinfall, a rope park where you can complete different parcures high up in the trees. My personal favorite is the over 400 meter long zipline with a stunning view of the Rheinfall.
Another insider tip from me; already as a child I was fascinated by the underground passages (I usually call them “secret passages”) in the Munot. Not even every Schaffhauser is aware that these exist. If you google Schaffhausen, you will immediately see a picture of our landmark, the Munot Fortress. However, the underground passages can only be seen during the guided tour through the Munot. Definitely highly recommended for everyone!
I have to admit that what I found rather “boring” at the beginning of my adolescence, is exactly what I appreciate so much today as a young adult. Schaffhausen is a beautiful, very small and quiet but charming town and I never want to miss it.
Laura-Lou is 23 years old, grew up in Schaffhausen and is now the apprenticee of ISSH.
