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Schlaf im Stroh
("Sleep in Straw")
ABOVE: Sleeping in straw in a Swiss barn is
fun--and inexpensive--for
travelers of all ages.
Switzerland has a reputation for being
an expensive country, but don't be fooled: Bargains are readily available if you
know where to look. As I explain in "Where
to Stay in Switzerland and Austria," lodging options such as private
rooms, vacation rentals, and farm vacations can cut the cost of a Swiss vacation
substantially. And now, with the Schlaf im Stroh ("Sleep in
Straw") program of the Swiss Farmers Association, you can hit the hay in
Switzerland for 10 to 20 francs per night--including breakfast.
The concept behind the program is simple: In the early summer, many Swiss
farmers send their cattle to graze in alpine pastures. With the cows gone for
the season, their barns are vacant, and farmers can turn the cattle's winter
quarters into rustic hostels for hikers, families, nature enthusiasts, youth
groups, and anyone
who's ever wanted to live the life of Heidi and Peter for a few nights.
Facilities vary from basic straw-filled haylofts to accommodations with heating,
recreation rooms, picnic and barbecue areas, and horse stalls. (You'll need to
bring a sleeping bag.) Toilets and showers are sometimes attached to the barn;
in other cases, they're provided in the farmhouse. Special services such as
baggage transportation, meals, picnic lunches, and catered birthday parties are
available on many farms.
In 2003, the standard Schlaf im Stroh rate for an adult is CHF 20,
with a Bauernfrühstück of coffee, milk, and
bread. (Tea and hot chocolate are usually available on request.) Here's a
detailed breakdown of pricing:
| Adults |
CHF 20 or
€13.33 |
| Children up to 10 |
CHF 10 or
€6.66 |
| Children 11-15 |
CHF 10 or
€6.66 plus CHF 1 or € .66 for each
year over 10 |
| Shower |
CHF 2 or
€1.32 |
| Transportation of luggage |
CHF 1 or
€ .66 per kilometer |
| Picnics, other meals, rooms,
etc. |
Prices from the farmer on
request |
For more information, including listings of
participating Swiss farms, see the Schlaf im Stroh links on page
2.
Related Web links
Next Page > Schlaf
im Stroh Web sites > Page 1, 2
Photo © Switzerland Tourism. All rights reserved.
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