Hello,

I am relatively new to Switzerland (< 3 months) but have visited this website quite frequently since my arrival. While there has been discussion on a vast number of topics, I did not find much on shopping just over the border in Germany/France. I am located in Zurich and am looking for places that are accessible by SBB trains (I have heard there are a few). Unfortunately, I do not know the specific trains/stops. I tried the SBB website but with little luck. I would be interested in hearing about the various locations and also your personal experiences. While groceries may be of interest, I would ideally be looking for locations that have a large number of products including clothing, shoes, etc. Any input as to whether or not traveling outside of Switzerland to make such purchases would also be greatly appreciated.


Thanks for your help!

One place that is accessible by SBB is Waldshut.

Take a train to Baden then get the S27. The S27 at xx:54 terminates in Waldshut, the one at xx:24 goes to Bad Zurzach and you need to change in Koblenz.

You have a Lidl and Rewe at the station (take the underpass under the tracks) or it is a short walk to the town itself which is quite interesting.

For Germany I would recommend Konstanz. Far better than Waldshut. A nice city, good shopping, and on the lake. Excellent restaurants.

For France, you either try St. Louis, an outer suburb of Basel just across the border or Mulhouse, the "sister city" of Basel.

I was just going to say Waldshut. Used to go there all the time.
Watch it though.. in Germany the shop really do shut at 4pm on Saturday

Famila (grocery store) in Walshut is open until 10:00 pm on Saturday....you'd be surprised how many people shop Saturday evening.

So is the Rewe at the station. The Lidl next to it is open till 9.

How much is the return fare? And how much, in percentage terms in general, is the price difference?

Thanks!

Closest to Zurich (about 45 minutes) is Jestetten on the Schaffhauser line. Some direct trains or change at Bulach.

Not much good shopping in St. Louis... Colmar is farther, but might be a better bet.

Colmar is one of the most beautiful places in Central Europe