Casa del Habano Kreuzlingen: The Portmann family opens a venue dedicated to enjoyment and discovery

Do you know that feeling? You walk into a place and realise straight away: I can take my time here. You look around, your attention is drawn to the details, you discover something you haven’t seen before – and you’re in no hurry to leave.

This is what the new Casa del Habano in Kreuzlingen looks like. Following on from St. Gallen, Urs Portmann Tabakwaren AG has now opened another Casa del Habano in Kreuzlingen. It is far more than just a new specialist shop: it is a welcoming place for people who love Habanos – and for anyone who is yet to discover this world.

Photos & virtual tour: Christian Schmid, FotoWerk 132

The walk-in humidor provides ideal conditions for the proper storage of cigars and houses an exceptionally wide range of Habanos and accessories. It was designed by Remo Nüesch designed and built.

A ceremonial moment at the opening: the ribbon-cutting, from left to right: Thomas Portmann, Marc Portmann, Her Excellency Laura Ivet Pujol Torres, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Switzerland, Tony Hoevenaars (Managing Director of Intertabak AG), Urs Portmann and Marlene Portmann, as they cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the new Casa del Habano Kreuzlingen by Urs Portmann.

Virtual tour – come on in and make yourself at home

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On Saturday, 27 June 2026, the new Casa del Habano officially opened its doors to the public. This marks the start of a new chapter in the Portmann family’s long history with Cuban cigars. Their presence in Kreuzlingen is now expanded to include a venue that combines selection, expert advice and the pleasure of smoking in a remarkable way.

The lounge: a peaceful retreat for conversation, relaxation and a deliberate break.

A moving start, featuring family, history and gratitude

On 26 June 2026, the programme began with a reception for the media and VIPs. Her Excellency Ms Laura Ivet Pujol Torres, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Switzerland, was also in attendance. Following the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, guests were able to take their time to explore the new Casa del Habano for the first time.

Her Excellency Laura Ivet Pujol Torres, Cuba’s Ambassador to Switzerland, listens to Urs Portmann’s speech, visibly moved – a moment that strikingly reflects the significance of this opening.

Urs Portmann’s speech was particularly moving. He took the guests on a personal journey – from his early days right up to the present. When he came to his acknowledgements and first paid tribute to his wife Marlene, who was of course also present, he was briefly overcome with emotion and his voice faltered. It was one of those quiet moments that say far more than many grand words. You could sense just how deep the bond between the two of them is.

The guests listened to Urs Portmann’s speech with great attention and visible emotion – a moving moment that reflected their close bond with the Portmann family and its decades-long history.

Later, Marc and Thomas Portmann also addressed the guests. The two sons have been running the company together since 2014. They, too, were moved to tears as they presented their parents with a special humidor.

From left: Marc Portmann, Urs Portmann and Thomas Portmann raise a toast to this special milestone at the opening of the new Casa del Habano in Kreuzlingen. Two generations of passion, expertise and family history captured in a single image.

The one published by the Artist Yana Dubinina The custom-designed piece features portraits of Urs and his wife, as well as their two sons. Filled with special cigars that Urs Portmann had received in 2005 to mark his 35th anniversary with the company, the humidor became a deeply personal gift. It symbolises family, solidarity and the history of a company that is far more than just a name above a door.

Marc and Thomas Portmann present their parents, Marlene and Urs Portmann, with the specially designed humidor – a very personal gift to mark the opening.

Another special moment followed with a donation to Camaquito. The Portmann family presented founder Mark Kuster with a donation of CHF 2,000 to support the work of the children’s charity in Cuba. This gave the opening a social dimension – and demonstrated that enjoyment, family history and social responsibility go hand in hand here quite naturally. Camaquito was founded 25 years ago. You can experience this very special story at the Video podcast with Mark Kuster.

A gesture of solidarity with Cuba: the Portmann family presented the children’s charity Camaquito with a donation cheque for CHF 2,000. Pictured (from left): Thomas Portmann, Urs Portmann, Her Excellency Laura Ivet Pujol Torres, Cuban Ambassador to Switzerland, Mark Kuster, founder of Camaquito, Marc Portmann and Marlene Portmann.

A warm meeting: Her Excellency Laura Ivet Pujol Torres, Cuban Ambassador to Switzerland, with Mark Kuster, founder of the children’s charity Camaquito. For 25 years, Camaquito has been working on the ground in Cuba to support children and young people through practical projects – in 2026, the organisation will celebrate its 25th anniversary.

Official opening to the public

On 27 June 2026, the Casa del Habano Kreuzlingen by Urs Portmann officially opened its doors to the public. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held – and afterwards, the new Casa was entirely at the guests’ disposal.

They were welcomed with Laurent-Perrier champagne, water and coffee. The ready-mixed cocktails from Gisep Biert provided a special surprise: an extraordinary concept that was not only straightforward but also tasted absolutely delicious.

The selected spirits and cocktails are not only available on special occasions. They are also part of the range on offer at Casa del Habano Kreuzlingen during normal opening hours – for anyone who would like to enjoy a drink to complement their visit.

As the guests made their way through the new premises, they marvelled, explored, asked questions and, of course, made purchases. The extensive selection of Havana cigars, in particular, attracted a great deal of attention. Boxes were opened, sizes compared, recommendations sought – and some Habanos found a new home that very same day.

Thomas Portmann, Marc Portmann, Urs Portmann, Marlene Portmann, Tony Hoevenaars (Intertabak AG, Managing Director) and Yannick Goetschy (Intertabak AG, Marketing Manager) shortly before the official opening on 27 June 26

The specialist shop is staying – Casa del Habano is enhancing the experience

It is important to note that the existing specialist tobacco shop run by Urs Portmann Tabakwaren AG in Kreuzlingen will remain open. The new Casa del Habano has been established right next door, in the same building.

The display cabinet serves as a reminder of a special honour: in 2014, Urs Portmann was named Habanos Man of the Year in the Business category by Habanos S.A.

It is therefore not a replacement, but an extension. The long-established specialist shop continues to offer its wide range of products and personalised advice. This creates two areas under one roof that complement each other perfectly: on the one hand, the familiar specialist shop; on the other, a space entirely dedicated to Cuban cigars, offering a wide selection and expert advice.

A selection of special spirits rounds off the range of delights on offer at Casa del Habano Kreuzlingen.

Clean lines, warm materials, a wide selection

A glimpse of treasures.

The large shelves in the walk-in humidor, with their many boxes and sizes, do not create a sense of clutter. On the contrary: they showcase just how diverse the world of Habanos is. Brands, sizes and vintages are not hidden away in the background, but invite you to take a closer look.

The focus is not on effects, but on guidance. Casa conveys the message: here, you’re allowed to take your time. You’re allowed to compare. You’re allowed to ask questions. And you’re also allowed to simply have a look.

The walk-in humidor: an impressive selection of Cuban cigars, clearly displayed and inviting you to explore.

A place where curiosity is welcome

This is particularly important for beginners. A Casa del Habano can seem rather overwhelming at first to people who have little experience with cigars. So many names, sizes and boxes. Which one’s right for me? What’s the difference? Where do you even start?

The special humidor, featuring a range of different brands, stands as a visible symbol of Portmann’s long tradition – surrounded by the variety of the walk-in humidor.

The new Casa del Habano in Kreuzlingen makes taking that first step a breeze. The atmosphere is sophisticated, yet not off-putting. It encourages curiosity. A glance at the shelves can spark a conversation. A conversation might lead to your first Habano. And that first Habano could well spark a passion that lasts a lifetime.

Oh my – that’s me!

When spaces become places of encounter

The walk-in humidor, the uncluttered retail areas and the lounge look almost like carefully composed pictures. Yet the Casa del Habano only reveals its true charm once people step inside.

When the room fills with conversation

When connoisseurs stand in front of the shelves, open boxes and discuss vintages, sizes or memories. When a novice asks for the first time which Habano might suit them. When a cigar is lit in the lounge, a glass is poured, and a brief visit suddenly turns into a longer conversation.

Then the atmosphere changes. The walk-in humidor becomes not just a place for quick selections, but a meeting place for new discoveries. The lounge becomes not simply a seating area, but a space for stories, encounters and spending time together.

That is precisely when we see what this new Casa del Habano in Kreuzlingen can be: not a quiet showroom, but a place that comes to life as soon as people fill it with their curiosity, their questions and their passion.

More than just a sale: time to enjoy

The Casa also features a lounge area. Chairs, small tables, subdued lighting and a tranquil setting create a place where enjoyment doesn’t have to be a quick affair. Here, it becomes clear what a good cigar is ultimately all about: time. Conversation. The conscious appreciation of flavours. Perhaps simply a break from everyday life.

The spirits on display complement this picture. They do not appear to be mere decoration, but rather a reminder that enjoyment can take many forms. A Habano is not on its own here. It is part of a moment.

A tradition that remains visible

Amidst the modern design, there are deliberate references to the shop’s history. The classic humidor in the sales area, the display cabinet featuring beautiful accessories. Urs Portmann Tabakwaren AG has for many years been synonymous with expertise, a wide selection and personalised advice – and a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel at home straight away.

That’s what makes the difference. The Casa has a modern feel without hiding its roots.

Interior design that gives the product space

Many retail spaces aim to impress. This Casa del Habano does not try to overshadow the cigars with its décor. It gives them space. Wood, light and glass create an environment in which the boxes, labels and colours can speak for themselves. The architecture draws the eye without being overbearing. It makes the selection visible and the consultation a pleasant experience.

This is particularly important when it comes to Habanos. A cigar is rarely bought on a whim, like an everyday item. You look at it, talk about it, perhaps recall past experiences or discover something new. The spaces are designed with precisely this moment in mind.

A new culinary destination for Kreuzlingen

With the new Casa del Habano, Kreuzlingen gains a venue that makes cigar culture more accessible rather than more complicated. Connoisseurs will find an impressive selection here, in a setting that does justice to their passion. Those simply curious will find a place where they don’t need to know the technical terms to feel welcome.

The new Casa del Habano is elegant, uncluttered and thoughtfully designed. Above all, however, it conveys something important: enjoyment can begin quite simply – with a first glance, a question and a willingness to discover something new.

That is precisely where her strength lies.

A warm welcome!

La Casa del Habano Kreuzlingen by Urs Portmann

Urs Portmann Tabakwaren AG

La Casa del Habano St. Gallen by Urs Portmann