We moved to Schaffhausen, Switzerland in 2016 with our 2 children who were aged 4 and 7 at the time. It was a big decision and we were only intending to stay for a short time as we were very settled in the UK and enjoyed living close to family and friends. We arrived on a beautiful sunny day in July and my Husband took us to the river to paddle our feet on the way to our new apartment. It felt very strange to think that we had a one-way ticket and that this was our new home.
The first summer here was very exciting and we had a great time exploring the Swiss mountains, lakes and rivers. Of course we missed our family and friends in the U.K. but it wasn’t long before flights were being booked to come and visit and share our new adventures.
Our children started in local school and it was incredible to see how quickly they were able to pick up the local language and start fitting in with the local children, arranging play dates and going to birthday parties.
The first 12 months was certainly the most exciting and challenging time for us as we got to grips with new ways of doing things. But we quickly discovered that the active lifestyle here really suits our family as we can have fun swimming in lakes and rivers in summer, hiking and biking in autumn and spring and skiing in winter! That feeling you get when you leave the fog and head up into the snow and sunshine is unbeatable. The children have had some fantastic weeks in the snow and the Swiss certainly know what they are doing when it comes to teaching the children to ski and snowboard. We have had endless days of fun in snow!
In all honesty, the International community is an essential part of our life here in Switzerland. There is something very special about knowing that we are all in the same boat and the community here in Schaffhausen is very supportive. Eventually, we moved the children from local school to the ISSH as we felt it was the right thing to do for our family but you can be certain that the international community is there for everyone no matter which school system you choose.
As the first year came to a close, we knew that this move was becoming far more long term. The children already had some great friends and have enjoyed trying various sports such as ballet, athletics, climbing, swimming, tennis and music lessons. There are many other opportunities for children of all ages, but ask around, often you find out about the best places through word of mouth! We were lucky enough to welcome our baby girl in to the world almost exactly a year after we moved here. The Family Hub at the ISSH opened shortly after which meant that also mum and baby had a great support network and social life too.
We have now been here for almost 5 years and the children are 11, 9 and 3. Although it has taken time for me, I do feel that this is home now. I am very happy and settled in Schaffhausen with a wonderful group of friends. I love to run and at the end of last year, I started a new running group with a very good friend called Run Talk Run, which is open to everyone. It is first and foremost a peer support group for people to talk about how they are really doing whilst getting some fresh air at the same time. If you are interested, please check us out on instagram @rtr_schaffhausen. If you are new to Schaffhausen it’s a great place to get to know new people. We also have a walking group if running isn’t your thing!
My name is Paula Grainger-Herr and I have lived here for almost 5 years. We have 3 children age 11, 9 and 3 and thoroughly enjoy the outdoor lifestyle Switzerland has to offer and the supportive International community here in Schaffhausen.
