Many expats, particularly north Americans, may be surprised to discover that Halloween is not widely celebrated in Switzerland. Long before Halloween existed, a Gaelic festival known as Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the descent into winter darkness. Some believed it was the time when the souls of the dead roamed the […]
Patrouille Suisse’s Alpine aerobatics display set for take off
Next month Switzerland’s iconic air display team, known as the Patrouille Suisse, will take to the skies above the mountains of Fliegerschiessen Axalp in the canton of Bern. Founded in 1964, the Patrouille Suisse has featured as the support act at concerts by the Rolling Stones and Madonna. This year’s Axalp Alpine aerobatics display, featuring […]
The Swiss National Museum Château de Prangins celebrates its 20th birthday with lights and Lunch on the Grass
This year, Château de Prangins, the largest 18th-century castle open to the public in Switzerland, celebrates its 20th year as home to the Swiss National Museum in French-speaking Switzerland. To celebrate, the chateau is hosting a party, which includes a light sculpture on Saturday 29 September 2018 and the déjeuner sur l’herbe (Lunch on the […]
Flower-covered cows take to Swiss streets – Switzerland’s désalpe (alpabzug) explained
By Bill Harby What exactly is the alpine descent or désalpe / alpabzug? This article explores the event’s history and where to see it. In Switzerland, we know the clock will soon strike autumn when processions of cows crowned with flowers and hung with huge clanging bells, descend from summer alpine pastures to their winter […]
Paddling for cancer – dragon boat racing on Lac de Joux this Sunday
This Sunday, dragon boat teams will take to the waters of the picturesque Lac de Joux to battle it out in a race to raise money and awareness for cancer support in Switzerland. There are two categories of teams: corporate and open. Each team requires a minimum of 16 paddlers, four of which are female. […]
Vevey’s three-day street circus starts this Friday
The 26th three-day Vevey festival of street artists starts on Friday 24 August at 3:30pm and takes place at nine locations on the cobbled streets of Vevey’s old town. The show, a kind of outdoor circus, includes acrobats, jugglers, mimers, fire breathers and tightrope walkers from around the world. The show, which showcases 20 artists […]
Bern buskers festival animates old town
From Thursday 9 August until Saturday 11 the streets of Bern’s Old Town will be alive with 150 musicians, clowns, puppeteers, actors, dancers and other performers from 25 countries. Plus lots of tasty international food. The 15th annual Buskers Bern Street Music Festival, entitled Lunatic Lights, begins Thursday night and continues Friday and Saturday spread […]
Swiss mountain passes to be reserved for cyclists this summer
This summer some of Switzerland’s mountain passes will be temporarily closed to cars. This will allow cyclists to ride more safely and breathe more easily. The passes will be closed to cars over a series of weekends for an event called Coop Ride the Alps. Ten passes will be car free this summer starting with […]
Museum night – a highlight of Geneva’s entertainment calendar approaches
26 May 2018 Note: There was an error in an earlier version of this article. Museum night is only on the 26th of May 2018. One Saturday evening a year, Geneva opens its museums, workshops, and gardens until midnight. This year, the event starts on the evening of Saturday 26 May 2018, runs into the night. […]
FIFOG – Festival International du Film Oriental de Genève – this weekend
This 13th edition is once again bringing a multitude of films from the Near and Middle East, including Iran, Lebanon, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt and many other countries, to show the amazing diversity of cultures. This year, with about 100 films from 30 countries and some 80 guests, the festival is focusing on women’s issues and […]
