By Bill Harby Winter weather is the perfect time for families to explore Switzerland’s fine museums. Some suggestions: Swiss Museum of Transport Lucern No wonder this is the most-visited museum in Switzerland with its hands-on exhibits showing the history and future of Swiss transport on railways, highways, waterways and skyways. Don’t tell your kids about […]
20 ice skating rinks around Lake Geneva. Get your skates on!
Ice skating season is here so get your skates on! There are ice-skating rinks all over Geneva, Vaud and neighbouring Fribourg. Entrance prices vary and all rinks have skates that you can hire. The links below will take you to the relevant websites for prices, locations and opening and closing times. The ice skating season […]
10 Swiss Christmas markets to get you in a festive mood
While Christmas may be considered an over-commercialised affair, the Swiss hold true to their roots. Traditional Swiss Christmas typically lasts from the beginning of Advent (Sunday 1 December 2019) to the end of Epiphany (6 January 2020). While each Swiss home may give the tradition a slight twist, some customs have remained intact: the excitement, […]
The colourful history of Swiss mountain air rescue
Today two notable organisations provide mountain rescue services in Switzerland. Prior to 1946 mountain air rescue did not exist. Air Glacier SA is based in Sion in Valais, and Swiss Air-Rescue Rega in Zurich. Rega has twelve operational bases around Switzerland but does not operate in Valais. In Valais, Rega uses the services of Air […]
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS – English language musical theatre in Nyon
In the run up of the Christmas season this year, instead of their traditional Pantomime, GAOS offers THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS, by Alan Bennett, adapted from Kenneth Grahamme’s book. Renew your acquaintance with Mole, Rat, Toad and Badger in this modern-day production. A Christmas treat for all! The animals’ adventures take them from the […]
Places to go for early season skiing in Switzerland
Mention skiing in November and it is likely to draw blank expressions, or comments like: “It’s too early, there will be no snow”. While this is true for some resorts not all ski domains were created equal. A recent study shows that in 2015, snow came to the Swiss Alps 12 days later and melted […]
Thanksgiving 2019: where to go in Switzerland
Every year on the fourth Thursday of November – the 28th this year, Americans come together with family and friends to reflect, be thankful and consider those in need, while sharing a traditional, usually sizable, meal. The traditional thanksgiving feast is not for committed vegans. The turkey is the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving table, but […]
Montreux’s Christmas market – get ready for the 25th anniversary!
No wonder the annual Montreux Noël festivities have been among the most popular in Switzerland for a quarter of a century. Here’s a run down of what’s on offer in 2019. Lakefront Christmas market Kicking off on 21 November until 24 December 2019, 172 merchants and craftspeople will be offering countless gifts from their mini […]
Five gorgeous Swiss parks for contemplating autumn splendor
By Bill Harby Whether you prefer thickets of grand old trees, a formal English garden, or a pocket park, these five urban green spaces offer colourful ways to rustle through autumn leaves. Geneva: Park La Grange One minute you’re in bustling Geneva with buses and trams and people everywhere, then, a few steps later, you’re […]
CHANTEZ, SI ÇA VOUS CHANTE! – CONCERT at Victoria Hall – September 26, 2019
If you like to sing – in the shower, in a choir, karaoke…. Come and do it in STYLE – at the Victoria Hall, with two of the most charming and talented entertainers around – the lovely Raphaëlle Farman, and the exuberant Jacques Gay. This delightful couple will lead you through melodies from beloved musicals, […]
