Marco Kern | Schaffhausen - area for makers

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Economic Promotion Canton of Schaffhausen

During his athletic career, Marco Kern traveled extensively out of the country. However, he has always remained loyal to his hometown of Schaffhausen – almost always. Only during his three years of study in business administration did he let Zürich draw him away. Returning to Schaffhausen remained close to his heart. “A large part of my environment was here. Many friends, my family, and my training group,” he recalls. “As an athlete,” says Kern, looking back, “Schaffhausen offered me everything I needed to develop, right from the start. Thanks to the support from the club, the coach, and the connections to supporters and sponsors. These conditions and the great infrastructure were the perfect place for me to achieve my personal, athletic, and professional goals.”

Kern retired from his athletic career in 2021, but he has remained connected to sports both professionally and in his spare time. He now works as a Sales Manager at CONICA, an innovative Schaffhausen-based company that develops, produces, and distributes high-end sports surfaces for schools, recreational, and elite sports worldwide. As an athlete, Kern knows the subject matter from his own experience, and as Sales Manager, he values the network he was able to cultivate over the years as an athlete. For him, working in Schaffhausen means the perfect balance between work and private life. “Thanks to the short distances, you can get to your free time more quickly after work,” Kern says with a laugh. In the summer, he likes to spend this free time by the Rhine – running, swimming, or enjoying a well-deserved after-work beer with friends.

"On the run," Marco can be found on the Randen, at the Lindli, or on the Rheinfall circuit, his absolute favorite routes — even in "international comparison".

"Schaffhausen is a top running area," says Kern. He himself is very grateful for his career. Giving back to young Schaffhausen talents and getting involved is therefore important to him today. For example, Kern helps out at the traditional event "Schafhuuser Bölle", the legendary 60-meter sprint for children, which took place for the 65th time in 2024 at the Munot Sports Facility.

Sporting and Cultural Diversity in Schaffhausen

What Marco Kern loves about Schaffhausen is its diversity. The nature, the cultural offerings, the vibrant old town, but also the accessibility and the family-like atmosphere. He is convinced that one reason people find connections more quickly in Schaffhausen than in a big city is because of these qualities. "Sometimes," the athlete says with a laugh, "you just want to make a quick trip into town, but it turns into two hours because you meet so many people."

Schaffhausen as a place to live? The right decision for everyone, Kern is sure. For true makers, for families, or even for couples who want to start a family. The connections to Zurich, Winterthur, St. Gallen, or Basel are ideal, and yet you still get to enjoy the pure tranquility of Schaffhausen. "I’d love to recommend to my friends who have moved away to come back," he admits with a smile. He himself is deeply rooted here. "Home, for me, is when I come back to Schaffhausen and see the Munot towering over the city. Sometimes," says Marco Kern, "I take an earlier exit at Feuerthalen just to see our Schaffhausen landmark.”