Swiss trade weakened at the start of 2026. Exports fell by 4.2% in the first quarter, compared with the previous three months, to CHF 66.9bn, according to the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS). That is their lowest level since … [Read more...]
News and Features
Shrinking fuel supply casts doubt over summer flights
With the Strait of Hormuz still disrupted global supplies of jet fuel are under strain. A handful of flights have already been cancelled. The longer the conflict drags on, the more the aviation industry is likely to feel the effects. Airlines … [Read more...]
Swiss commission backs construction of new nuclear power plants
A parliamentary commission narrowly backed allowing the construction of new nuclear power plants in Switzerland. By 13 votes to 12, the Committee for the Environment, Spatial Planning and Energy endorsed an amendment to the nuclear energy law, … [Read more...]
Swiss government wants more Sunday shopping
For newcomers from much of the rest of the world, shopping in Switzerland can come as a surprise. Limited weekend trading and early closing hours have earned the country a nickname among some expatriates: “Shutzerland”. The Federal Council now … [Read more...]
Early-onset colorectal cancer on the rise in Switzerland
Colorectal cancer among younger people in rising across the world. A new study published this week shows Switzerland is no exception. About seven in 100,000 people under 50 are diagnosed annually. and the trend is moving in the wrong … [Read more...]
Guides
Setting up a business in Switzerland – a guide
Brought to you by Winbiz online accounting for Swiss businesses. So you have decided to start a business. You have a business plan and are ready to get started. Before you launch you need a name and possibly a company. Broadly there are two options … [Read More...]
Hiring a cleaner – around half break law on Swiss accident insurance
Brought to you by quitt.ch - No. 1 provider of registration and administration services for domestic help in Switzerland. In Switzerland, around one in seven hire someone to do their cleaning, but around half break the law, risking fines and a big … [Read More...]
Activities
The Rhaetian Railway – probably Switzerland’s best train journey
Rounding another curve on the Bernina Express, sometimes we glimpse something – an ancient stone hut, a cliff naturally carved with a quizzical face, a shimmering snow-covered village – then wonder later if it was really there. Sitting … [Read more...]
Lausanne’s Olympic Museum – a great family day out
In 1915, the Olympic headquarters moved from Paris to Lausanne, a peaceful stable place at a time when war was tearing Europe apart. It is still there today, on the shimmering shores of Lake Geneva. Today’s picturesquely set modern … [Read more...]
Lake Geneva’s beautiful paddlewheel boats – getting there is way more than half the fun
They say that “getting there is half the fun”. But sometimes it’s more. A lot more. For example: a Lake Geneva cruise on a grand historic paddlewheel steamboat. Destination? Who cares? On a recent gorgeous Sunday afternoon, I, your intrepid … [Read more...]
