An iron arrowhead discovered near Lake Biel, probably in 1873, recently surprised researchers at Switzerland’s Paul Scherer Institute and the Natural History Museum in Bern. In February 2021, after many failed attempts, the arrowhead was successfully identified as being of meteoric origin. Analysis showed it had a high nickel content, something indicating it was made […]
New Swiss DNA law raises hope of finding past criminals
On 1 August 2023, a new law allowing deeper analysis of crime scene DNA has raised hopes that old cases can be solved, reported SRF. For example, the DNA of the perpetrator of a rape in Emmen in the Luzern in 2015 is currently being analysed in the hope of catching the culprit. The victim […]
Swiss to vote on subsidised childcare
On 26 July 2023, the administration announced that it had given a green light to a vote on a proposal to provide “good affordable childcare for everyone”. A total of 102,238 valid signatures were confirmed, a figure beyond the 100,000 required to call a popular vote in Switzerland. Vote organisers want day-care centres to be […]
Top Swiss court acquits climate activists who called for army boycott
In 2020, three climate activists in the canton of Vaud made a public call for a boycott of army service and the payment of the extra tax that must be paid by all young Swiss men who fail to undertake compulsory military service. A case was brought against the men in their 20s and 30s […]
Left-wing Nazi mailbox sticker causes a political stir in Switzerland
A mailbox sticker produced and distributed by the left-wing environmental group Campax caused a political stir this week. The sticker has a picture of a sheep wearing a black T-shirt emblazoned with “FCK NZS” kicking the logos of the FDP/PLR and Swiss People’s Party (SVP/UDC) with its hind legs. The sticker has been described as […]
Man charged with Verbier vandalism
On 19 July 2023, Valais Police reported they had charged a man with vandalism at Verbier. The man, a 38-year-old French national, is believed to be responsible for more than 100 graffiti offenses committed at the ski resort, reported the police. At the beginning of July more than 100 acts of spray painting took place […]
Body of climber found at Zermatt after 37 years
In September 1986, a 38-year-old climber from Germany disappeared without a trace in the mountains and glaciers above Zermatt. The search for the man at the time was unsuccessful. However, on 12 July 2023, 37 years later, the remains of a climber were found on the Theodul glacier above the town of Zermatt. DNA analysis […]
Swiss electronic motorway permits available from next week
Anyone wanting to drive on Switzerland’s motorway network must buy a vignette, a road tax sticker introduced in 1985 which currently costs CHF 40. This sticker must be displayed on the windscreen. From next week it will be possible to buy an electronic alternative to the physical sticker, reports Switzerland’s Federal Office for Customs and […]
Gotthard tunnel queues reach 15 kilometres
Switzerland’s Gotthard tunnel is a key link between northern and southern Switzerland. During the summer holiday season it becomes a major traffic choke point. On Sunday 16 July 2023, traffic queues north of the tunnel stretched as far as 15 kilometres, according to SRF. The waiting time to get to the tunnel was as long […]
Zurich air passenger numbers back to pre-Covid levels
On 16 July 2023, more than 100,000 air travellers passed through Zurich airport. This is the first time since the Covid pandemic that passenger numbers have reached six figures, reported the airport company. During the pandemic, some thought attitudes to air travel might change durably as people fell into a routine of holidaying closer to […]
