Topic Wiki

Trip Reports
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 604381 times)

Offline Divora M

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #2320 on: March 12, 2020, 10:51:25 AM »
Mirabeau Hotel and its run by someone Klien. Its advertised in all the Jewish publications. They run it through Shabbos Hagadol and then again through the summer. I haven't been summer time but I'm sure its beautiful as well.

Which is more recommended to go to see the Alps, St Mortiz or Cranes Montana? I would like to be near kosher food.

Offline iluv2travel

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #2321 on: March 13, 2020, 01:42:08 PM »
Which is more recommended to go to see the Alps, St Mortiz or Cranes Montana? I would like to be near kosher food.

Both are beautiful, so its personal preference. I really like Crans and have been several times in winter especially since St Moritz didn't have a kosher hotel during those times I went. Summer time they may have.

In summer time you can also consider this place in Austrian Alps which I heard is really magnificent:

https://kosher-hotel.at/

I believe there are trip reports on this place from DDFers who've been there.

Offline VacationLover

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #2322 on: March 13, 2020, 06:04:43 PM »
Which is more recommended to go to see the Alps, St Mortiz or Cranes Montana? I would like to be near kosher food.
IMHO St. Moritz is nicer in the summer, and has better attractions. That being said I don't think it's wise to make plans yet for this year due to Covid19.

There is a Kosher hotel in St. Moritz but very expensive. There is also a hotel right outside in Maloja run by Galitzky tours.
« Last Edit: March 13, 2020, 06:07:46 PM by VacationLover »

Offline VacationLover

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #2323 on: March 13, 2020, 06:06:43 PM »
Both are beautiful, so its personal preference. I really like Crans and have been several times in winter especially since St Moritz didn't have a kosher hotel during those times I went. Summer time they may have.

In summer time you can also consider this place in Austrian Alps which I heard is really magnificent:

https://kosher-hotel.at/

I believe there are trip reports on this place from DDFers who've been there.
Although the hotel in Hinterglem Austria is far better than Crans. The landscape (Scenery) in that area is poor compared to Crans or St. Moritz

Offline M218

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #2324 on: May 24, 2020, 10:30:59 AM »
Working on my trip report:

I ended up going to Crans Montana stayed in the Helvetia hotel a 5 min walk from the Mirabeau Kosher hotel (Klien Family) booked food in the kosher hotel (Breakfast, Lunch) the manager there helped us a lot where to go and which buses to take (buses are free) 

Landed in Geneva took the train from there and the funicular up to the Crans beautiful veiw along the trip
Mirabeau was old,nice, and really clean spotless with not a spec of dust.
The veiw is far better then Austria
Food has the same Mashgiach as Hinterglem Austria
Take along gear because everything cost atleast double
Stores in the area are really nice (for your wife)
Try to change some cash before
 more to come!

Offline mr.

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #2325 on: April 11, 2021, 05:41:27 AM »
Does anyone know if we will be able to enter Switzerland from Israel this summer?

Offline mr.

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #2326 on: May 19, 2021, 11:08:47 AM »
GREAT NEWS!
Switzerland will open for tourism form Israel next week from the 24th
Anyone who has info of kosher programs that will operate this summer in the alps please post

Offline elihak7

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #2327 on: May 27, 2021, 05:29:14 PM »
GREAT NEWS!
Switzerland will open for tourism form Israel next week from the 24th
Anyone who has info of kosher programs that will operate this summer in the alps please post
source?

Offline mr.

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #2328 on: May 30, 2021, 02:34:18 PM »
Due to the epidemiological development, Israel no longer belongs to the risk countries as of 24 May 2021. As a result of the adjustment, the regular entry requirements will apply again.

Please note that air travelers must present a negative PCR test performed within the last 72 hours when entering Switzerland. In addition, an entry form must be completed prior to entry.


https://www.eda.admin.ch/telaviv

Offline elihak7

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #2329 on: June 23, 2021, 12:07:02 AM »
Any kosher programs running this summer?

Offline mr.

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #2330 on: June 23, 2021, 04:58:35 AM »
Derby in Davos by levin family
and Kempinski in st moritz

Offline elihak7

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #2331 on: June 23, 2021, 10:05:22 AM »
Derby in Davos by levin family
and Kempinski in st moritz
which place is more ideal with kids?

Offline mr.

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #2332 on: June 23, 2021, 11:19:36 AM »
do you mean the area or the hotel?

Offline sam28

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #2333 on: June 23, 2021, 11:59:19 AM »
would anyone know if u need to go with masks outdoor ? and if yes how strict are they ?

Offline elihak7

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #2334 on: June 23, 2021, 01:24:43 PM »
do you mean the area or the hotel?
Both more the area.

Offline mr.

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #2335 on: June 23, 2021, 02:36:04 PM »
Maybe Davos is a bit more kids friendly, but you cant compare the beauty of St Mortiz area to Davos its 2 different worlds IMO St Moritz- Engadin is a million times nicer and there is so much to do there.


Offline elihak7

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #2336 on: June 23, 2021, 02:49:42 PM »
Maybe Davos is a bit more kids friendly, but you cant compare the beauty of St Mortiz area to Davos its 2 different worlds IMO St Moritz- Engadin is a million times nicer and there is so much to do there.
Thanks!

Offline ABC

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #2337 on: June 23, 2021, 04:48:01 PM »
Derby in Davos by levin family
and Kempinski in st moritz

Prices are nowhere near each other.
St. Moritz a lot more expensive

Offline VacationLover

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #2338 on: June 23, 2021, 06:22:40 PM »
Derby in Davos by levin family
and Kempinski in st moritz
Cresta outweighs Derby 100 times
https://crestahotel.ch/

Offline mr.

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Re: Switzerland Master Thread
« Reply #2339 on: June 24, 2021, 02:31:55 AM »
cresta will not be opening this year
there are very few options of hotels
Re the price if you are taking about the 2 kosher hotels you are right Kempinsky is much more expensive but if you are taking about renting an apartment or hotel you can find nice places for decent prices just make sure it comes with the summer pass