In December 2020, a group led by the youth branches of the Green and Socialist Parties in the canton of Fribourg launched a cantonal initiative to introduce free public transport. However, ahead of a cantonal vote the proposed wording had to be approved by the Federal Tribunal to ensure it was compatible with Switzerland’s constitution. […]
Price of Swiss train tickets to rise in December
From 10 December 2023, average Swiss train prices are set to rise by an average of 4.3%, reported RTS. However, not everyone will feel the same level of pain. Those travelling on second class AG passes will be particularly hard hit, according to the Alliance Swiss Pass, an organisation that creates travel passes covering different […]
New low cost passes for under 25s on Swiss trains
On 28 March 2023, SwissPass launched three new train passes for those under 25. The first is the “AG Night Pass”. This costs CHF 99 a year and allows the holder to make unlimited journeys on the Swiss Rail network after 7 pm. It is also valid on trains before 7 am at the weekends. […]
Roger Federer and Trevor Noah star in new Swiss advertisement
On 30 March 2023, Swiss Tourism published a new advertisement for Switzerland starring the two half Swiss half South African stars. The two start off with a well organised plan to film a promotional video. However, unfortunately (fortunately) things do not go entirely to plan. The pair are advertising the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland […]
Deadly week of avalanches in Switzerland
Avalanches can be deadly. This week was a tragic reminder of just how easily they can take lives. This week two skiers were taken in a space of two days at the Verbier ski resort. On 14 March 2023, three skiers were caught in an avalanche in Verbier. According to Valais Police, the three were […]
Reservations on Booking.com can cost 50% more in Switzerland
Since 1 December 2022, contracts that online platforms often get hotels to sign to stop them offering prices lower than those offered via the platform are no longer legally enforceable in Switzerland due to a change in law. This week, broadcaster RTS published the results of a market test it performed to see if the […]
Public funding of WEF security angers critics
The World Economic Forum (WEF), an exclusive gathering of wealthy folks dropping in on private jets is viewed by many as out of touch with the key challenges currently faced by the global population. Swiss critics of the event are angered that an event closed to the public is provided with publicly funded security, reported […]
No Covid tests for travellers from China entering Switzerland
On 11 January 2023, Switzerland’s government announced that the current epidemiological situation does not warrant compulsory testing for travellers from China. The Swiss Federal Council discussed the latest EU recommendations on the measures to be taken for persons entering the Union by air when it met on 11 January 2023 and decided that travellers from […]
Swiss airports almost at pre-pandemic passenger levels
Geneva and Zurich airports both have pre-Christmas passenger numbers close to pre-pandemic levels, reported RTS. On Friday 23 December 2022, more than 55,000 passengers passed through Geneva airport (Cointrin), roughly 3,000 more than the day before. According to airport management, this level is close to the numbers in 2019 before Covid-19 arrived. The highest daily […]
Goldenpass trains to run between Montreux and Interlaken for first time
Until now, it hasn’t been possible to run a single train on the scenic route from Montreux, on the shore of Lake Geneva, all the way to Interlaken on the shore of Lake Brienz. From 11 December 2022, Goldenpass trains operated by MOB, that currently only run as far as Zweisimmen, will carry passengers onwards […]