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Dan
Yungerman
chucksterace
VacationLover Part 1
VacationLover Part 2
Chapshnell
Tzadik Nistar
@Yehuda - 1 day trip
sam28
Sam28 St Moritz Switzerland kosher Grand Hotel Kempinski
Yehudaa - 18-hour Zurich stopover


Kosher food list 2022

Zurich
HOTELS
-The Park Hyatt is fantastic and a 10 minute walk to shul.
Tram stop: Stockerstrasse

RESTAURANTS

Meat:

Florentin - Located inside he JCC https://florentin.rest/
Tram stop: Bahnhof Enge

Grill Cave

Food truck. Check website for opening hours. Burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs etc.
https://www.thegrillcave.co/


Milk/Parve:

Babi's Bagels (Bederstrasse corner Klopstockstrasse 8002 Zürich) Tram Stop "Waffenplatzstrasse"

Bakery:
Ma'Adan Bakery
Manessestrasse/Schimmelstrasse
Has delicious pastries and also sells sandwiches, salads, and some sushi.

Butcher:
Metzgerei Kol Tuv

Can preorder for pickup.
Can also deliver throughout Switzerland by post.
See website for details.

https://www.koltuv.ch/en

ATTRACTIONS
-Walk around the lake area
-Bahnhofstrasse window shopping
-Take a train to Lucerne and buy the golden ticket, included a boat ride on Lake Lucerne, cogwheel train and tram. Then take bus back to Lucerne
-When you arrive in Lucerne you can go to the tourist office to see a live view from Mount Pilatus (Or you can check online). If it's cloudy skip the cogwheel train and just take a nice boatride and explore the town, ancient bridges, and walk on top of the old city fortress walls.




Options in the Alps

Arosa: Metropol Hotel - quaint little old hotel. Not very fancy - it's like honeymooning in your grandmother's house (HT: Mrs. Moishebatchy). The food is very basic, but delicious. Mikva on premises. If skiing is your thing, the have an agreement with one of the ski places (Härtner) not to charge Metropol customers for ski rentals over Shabbos.


Need a meal on shabbes, please PM me (Chuchem). I live 15 minute walk from the hyatt, close to chabad. Zürich has no eiruv!

Major Attractions
“Please edit the wiki to add more attractions”

Central Switzerland
-Lucerne, Pilatus Offers: Cogwheel, Gondolas, Alpine Sliding, Mini Zip-line and fun area
-Titlis Offers: Gondolas, Snow Tubing, Trutti Bikes, Ice Museum, Row Boating
-Brunni Offers: Gondolas, Alpine Sliding, Stroll in Lake(!)

Jungfrau Region
-Jungfrau/jungfraujoch Click here for the Kosher hotel in Wengen / 360-degree panorama of Jungfraujoch-Top of Europe
-Grindelwald Offers: Gondolas, mega Zip-line, Trutti Bikes

Eastern Switzerland
-St. Moritz
Davos / Klosters
Arosa Click here for the Kosher Levins hotel

Southern Switzerland
-Zermatt - "Matterhorn"
-Saas-Fee Offers: Gondolas, Alpine Sliding, Mega Zip-line, Trotti Bikes, (Saas-Grund has Monster Trotteres) and on top of "Allalin" you can go Snow Tubing and Skiing even in the summer!
-Crans Montana You can email the Kosher hotel in Crans Montana Hotelmk@gmail.com  or call them at 0032485640498 or 003233011600


HalbTax Pass

A HalbTax pass (or Half Fare card) is a card designated for tourists and not for Swiss residents (officially...). The card gives you half price on all public transportation like buses, trains, trams, boats and also on "most" cable cars (attractions). There are basically 4 kinds.

1) An annual pass, the price is currently 175 francs. If i remember correctly it has a photo ID of the recipient, so double check before sharing it.
Click here for the annual pass

2) A 30 day pass, the price is currently 120 francs, it does not have a photo ID on it.
Click here or here for the 30 day pass

3) - Recommended for frequent traveling Swiss Travel Pass - you prepay a set amount per day and get unlimited for that day (plus "optional" for a fee, for 1 month including the days you chose, it is a HalbTax, even on the prepaid free days, it's only free for all transportation, on cable cars you only get half off). The price per day depends on how many days you prepay, for example if you prepay 8 days, the price per day will be about 53 francs, if you prepay 3 days the price per day will be about 73 francs. If you are 25 y/o or younger, you can get the Youth Pass which is cheaper - If you prepay 8 days  the price per day will be about 40 francs a day, if you prepay 3 days the price per day will be about 62 francs.
Click here (or here) for the prepaid pass

The card comes with a few days “you could chose your dates later”, officially when you want to use a certain day for the free day you should fill in on the pass that date, and when the first conductor comes he punches that day, but technically you can leave the date blank until the conductor comes, that way you have a chance if no conductor asks you for your card (happens quite often) you can save it for the next day :)

4) Swiss Transfer Ticket" This card costs 141 francs and is valid for 2 trips from and to the boarder or airport, for example you are traveling from the airport to Arosa and are not planning to go anywhere else or take any other transportation, with this card you will effectively pay 71 francs per way. This card is only valid for trips to and from the airport or boarder and no (long) stops allowed. Technically if you will travel one more day, the Swiss travel pass mentioned above will probably be cheaper.

Make sure to order your pass a few weeks before leaving, it takes about 1-3 weeks for the pass to arrive. But you can always buy it in the Airport, though you might have to wait in line and also if you want to buy the Youth pass (for 25 y/o or younger) they might ask you for proof...

There is also a family pass if you travel with a large family, I am not familiar with that.


Fast Baggage
There is a service via SBB, They deliver your luggage for you!! For example you are traveling from ZRH to Arosa, you don't want to be busy Shlepping around your luggage, You can check in your luggage in the airport and they (SBB) will deliver it to the train station in Arosa. This service is available "from and to" most train stations in Switzerland. You can ask about the Fast Baggage by any train station or read here or here

You can even buy a tag that you put on the luggage before checking in your luggage in any airport (i.e. JFK) and Rail Europe will take your luggage from the airplane in Switzerland and deliver it either to your hotel or to the train station in the city you're going to.  Read about Flight Luggage Here




PS. When doing research and getting to a website in German, just add /en (after .ch) to translate to English.
And Hey, Don't forget to write a TR ;)

Sample Itinerary for 9 hour stopover on Swiss flight from TLV to U.S. that lands at 810 and takes off around 5
Copied from @cholent:
Here it is: landed in zrh, crazy line for entering country but moved pretty quickly, about half an hour. Picked up sim in the airport. Rented car through Priceline from europecar. Drove to Titlis, stunning scenery along drive. Missed a turnoff because I couldn't get Waze to talk and I was trying to do some stuff online while we were driving, added half an hour to get there, but the stunning scenery made it worthwhile. Got there, parked, you pay at the entrance if you're going to park for more than an hour. Paid, took the cable car. Got off at there halfway station by mistake, gorgeous lake. Went back on and back up to the top. It was somewhat cloudy which was a pity. Suspension bridge was fun but no view because of the clouds. Took the ice flyer to the other peak, then went sledding down the hill, lots of fun. No tubing because there wasn't enough snow. We didn't have enough time for the ice cave because of the extra time driving there and we weren't sure where it was anyway. Made some new Israeli friends and took the cable car down with them. Got back to the airport, returning the car took less than five minutes, getting through the airport took a little longer so we didn't have time for showers at the lounge. It was amazing all around, I would definitely recommend

« Last edited by yyzzrh on October 20, 2022, 01:16:48 PM »

Author Topic: Switzerland Master Thread  (Read 604671 times)

Offline sam28

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #1940 on: May 23, 2018, 05:11:47 PM »
Can anyone suggest (from your experience) a good place to stay for shabbos in the swiss alps? I know there are a few options, kosher hotels in Davos, Arosa etc. Just trying to see what the best option would be...

I was in Crans montana I relay enjoyed it

Offline Luvisrael

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #1941 on: May 24, 2018, 07:42:13 AM »
Any opinions on whats better; Davos or Arosa.. Thanx!

Offline yelped

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #1942 on: May 24, 2018, 09:31:47 AM »
Any opinions on whats better; Davos or Arosa.. Thanx!
Davos is my preference.

Offline moish

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #1943 on: June 03, 2018, 09:19:19 AM »
If I arrive at BSL airport at 13:25, would I have enough time to make it up Pilatus in Luzern?

Offline ABC

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #1944 on: June 03, 2018, 12:58:53 PM »
I was in Crans montana I relay enjoyed it

Crans Montana at Meir Klien hotel will be your cheapest option, and I enjoyed very much.

Offline Luvisrael

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #1945 on: June 03, 2018, 02:34:49 PM »
Crans Montana at Meir Klien hotel will be your cheapest option, and I enjoyed very much.
they have a 7 day minimum stay...

Offline ABC

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #1946 on: June 03, 2018, 02:36:40 PM »
they have a 7 day minimum stay...

Maybe just in the summer.
I was there a few times in the winter.
Good to know, thanks.

Offline Baglach

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #1947 on: June 04, 2018, 02:04:49 AM »
If I arrive at BSL airport at 13:25, would I have enough time to make it up Pilatus in Luzern?
Very tight most Alps close the lifts (last return cable car) between 4:30-5pm you can however just see the city of Luzern lake etc.

Offline ganizzy

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #1948 on: June 04, 2018, 02:27:28 PM »
finished reading the almost 2,000 posts.
however i didnt see this answered -

does it make more sense to rent a car or take trains.
I'm leaning towards renting as i'm traveling with 4 kids for 3-4 days as part of a larger trip, so lots of luggage, stroller, carseat...
seems like a lot to lug around trains and transfers.

however financially, is it worth it?
we wouldnt be paying for the swiss passes, however how much are the cable cars up to the mountain once we get to our destinations?

what about the car free cities - is there a place to park for the day?

in general, does the half off card or the swiss pass or the one where you need to be a resident to buy, do they cut costs towards the cable cars for the "big mountains" like Titlis, Brunni, Mount Pilatus....

thank you

Offline Saulius

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #1949 on: June 04, 2018, 03:46:56 PM »
finished reading the almost 2,000 posts.
however i didnt see this answered -

does it make more sense to rent a car or take trains.
I'm leaning towards renting as i'm traveling with 4 kids for 3-4 days as part of a larger trip, so lots of luggage, stroller, carseat...
seems like a lot to lug around trains and transfers.

however financially, is it worth it?
we wouldnt be paying for the swiss passes, however how much are the cable cars up to the mountain once we get to our destinations?

what about the car free cities - is there a place to park for the day?

in general, does the half off card or the swiss pass or the one where you need to be a resident to buy, do they cut costs towards the cable cars for the "big mountains" like Titlis, Brunni, Mount Pilatus....

thank you

Here is a car rental tip: One can find better prices renting in Germany, i.e. German airport -- however, the car would need to be returned in Germany, else there would be an expensive one-way fee. So, one can return the car in Singen, which is easily accessible by train and is about 74km away from the Zurich airport.

Car-free cities? There are no car-free cities, but there are eight or so villages in the Alps that are car-free, but they all have a designated place where one can park like Saas Fee has a large parking station with 7 floors at the town entrance, parking for Wengen is in Lauterbrunnen, etc. The half card, anybody can buy -- but generally is sold for 1-3 year terms. The discounts are on the following cable cars: https://www.myswissalps.com/swisshalffarecard/validity

As far as cable car costs, you can find more info at https://www.myswissalps.com/activities/naturalsites/mountains

-- As far as if it's financially worth it -- it could be cheaper then paying for all the train tickets -- but driving in Switzerland, requires to be always aware of the speed limit and your speed -- speed cameras are everywhere & the fines are quite hefty. http://www.speedingeurope.com/switzerland     And treat solid white lines on the road as brick walls, as crossing them would be another expensive fine. And pay attention as sometimes they have them right before a traffic light/interchange (ie solid white line that separates the right turning lane and the middle lane)-- you have to switch lanes well before the intersection.
« Last Edit: June 04, 2018, 04:35:17 PM by Saulius »

Offline Luvisrael

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #1950 on: June 05, 2018, 06:47:50 AM »
finished reading the almost 2,000 posts.
however i didnt see this answered -

does it make more sense to rent a car or take trains.
I'm leaning towards renting as i'm traveling with 4 kids for 3-4 days as part of a larger trip, so lots of luggage, stroller, carseat...
seems like a lot to lug around trains and transfers.

however financially, is it worth it?
we wouldnt be paying for the swiss passes, however how much are the cable cars up to the mountain once we get to our destinations?

what about the car free cities - is there a place to park for the day?

in general, does the half off card or the swiss pass or the one where you need to be a resident to buy, do they cut costs towards the cable cars for the "big mountains" like Titlis, Brunni, Mount Pilatus....

thank you
IME it was cheaper to rent for the day, than take the trains. i dont remember the numbers, but the trains were way more expensive.

Offline Saulius

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #1951 on: June 05, 2018, 07:46:56 AM »
IME it was cheaper to rent for the day, than take the trains. i dont remember the numbers, but the trains were way more expensive.

Trains come out expensive for tourists, but residents usually have unlimited travel subscriptions for their region or the entire country or
a half card.

Offline Moshe123

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #1952 on: June 05, 2018, 08:01:48 AM »
I'm dying to go back this summer. Don't think it'll happen though....

Offline ganizzy

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #1953 on: June 05, 2018, 03:46:40 PM »
Yes, it's called Tageskarte. There is two types, the regular one: https://www.sbb.ch/en/travelcards-and-tickets/tickets-for-switzerland/1-day-travelpass/1-day-travelpass-for-the-half-fare-travelcard.html

Plus there is a Gemeinde Tageskarte, but you have to be a registered resident to buy them, has to be booked well in advanced, and are specific to a date. Costs about 48CHF and you don't need a half-card (halbtax). There are no restrictions on who may use them, but again to buy them you have to be a local resident. http://www.tageskarte-gemeinde.ch/en-us/

Tageskarte means day ticket in German; Gemeinde means Commune / Municipality

do these work similiar to the swiss travel pass for what is covered?
for example, Mt. Rigi cable cars are free and Titlis, Pilatus is half off with the swiss travel pass
thanks

Offline ganizzy

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #1954 on: June 05, 2018, 03:47:31 PM »
Here is a car rental tip: One can find better prices renting in Germany, i.e. German airport -- however, the car would need to be returned in Germany, else there would be an expensive one-way fee. So, one can return the car in Singen, which is easily accessible by train and is about 74km away from the Zurich airport.

Car-free cities? There are no car-free cities, but there are eight or so villages in the Alps that are car-free, but they all have a designated place where one can park like Saas Fee has a large parking station with 7 floors at the town entrance, parking for Wengen is in Lauterbrunnen, etc. The half card, anybody can buy -- but generally is sold for 1-3 year terms. The discounts are on the following cable cars: https://www.myswissalps.com/swisshalffarecard/validity

As far as cable car costs, you can find more info at https://www.myswissalps.com/activities/naturalsites/mountains

-- As far as if it's financially worth it -- it could be cheaper then paying for all the train tickets -- but driving in Switzerland, requires to be always aware of the speed limit and your speed -- speed cameras are everywhere & the fines are quite hefty. http://www.speedingeurope.com/switzerland     And treat solid white lines on the road as brick walls, as crossing them would be another expensive fine. And pay attention as sometimes they have them right before a traffic light/interchange (ie solid white line that separates the right turning lane and the middle lane)-- you have to switch lanes well before the intersection.

thanks so much for your help, though i'll have more questions pretty soon

Offline ganizzy

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #1955 on: June 05, 2018, 03:53:55 PM »
IME it was cheaper to rent for the day, than take the trains. i dont remember the numbers, but the trains were way more expensive.

the trains are not cheap. however the cable cars are not either. it seems like it might be worth it buy a pass if your going to more then one mountain. and then your technically getting the trains for free in any case

i probably should have looked at prices of touring before i decided on switzerland. its a fortune to go anywhere with nice views!

Offline Saulius

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #1956 on: June 05, 2018, 04:26:46 PM »
do these work similiar to the swiss travel pass for what is covered?
for example, Mt. Rigi cable cars are free and Titlis, Pilatus is half off with the swiss travel pass
thanks

Yes, although the Swiss Pass in addition to the Rigi, also includes Schilthorn and Stanserhorn.

Also see: https://www.priceoftravel.com/7555/swiss-travel-pass-review-good-value-not/

Offline ganizzy

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #1957 on: June 05, 2018, 05:14:34 PM »
Yes, although the Swiss Pass in addition to the Rigi, also includes Schilthorn and Stanserhorn.

Also see: https://www.priceoftravel.com/7555/swiss-travel-pass-review-good-value-not/

thanks. so you get those for free with the Gemeinde tageskarte
what about kids? do you have to buy for them?
i really appreciate your help

Offline Saulius

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #1958 on: June 05, 2018, 06:05:05 PM »
thanks. so you get those for free with the Gemeinde tageskarte
what about kids? do you have to buy for them?
i really appreciate your help

Note: Tageskarte Gemeinde can ONLY be purchased by Swiss residents from their communes/Gemeinde  - although
any can use them.

Offline ganizzy

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #1959 on: June 05, 2018, 07:58:47 PM »
Note: Tageskarte Gemeinde can ONLY be purchased by Swiss residents from their communes/Gemeinde  - although
any can use them.

i understand that, but before i try to track down any contacts i have, im trying to figure out if it makes sense for me or not.
do you have to buy separately fro kids?
theres nothing in english so i cant find the info myself