Switzerland's public transport system operates on a simple rule: passengers must hold a valid ticket before their train, tram or bus starts moving. Buying one on a smartphone even a few seconds after departure can result in a fine. The rule is … [Read more...]
News and Features
Switzerland lags behind on support for breastfeeding
Swiss mothers breastfeed at among the highest rates in the developed world. Almost all babies—97%—are breastfed immediately after birth, while half are still being exclusively breastfed at around 17.4 weeks. Comparable figures are lower in … [Read more...]
FILM: THE ODYSSEY **1/2 – neither impressed nor moved
17 July 2026 THE ODYSSEY **1/2 Sorry, I was neither impressed nor moved by this heavily promoted blockbuster by Christopher Nolan. This is, of course, based on the classic mythical tale by the Greek poet Homer, dating from the 8th century … [Read more...]
Switzerland enshrines children’s right to a violence-free upbringing
Children in Switzerland now have an explicit legal right to a violence-free upbringing, reported SRF. From July 1st, amendments to the Civil Code state that corporal punishment and other forms of degrading treatment are incompatible with good … [Read more...]
Recent Swiss heatwave causes fewer deaths than 2003
The heatwave that swept across Switzerland in late June appears to have caused a modest increase in deaths among older people. Mortality among those aged 65 and over exceeded official projections during the week of June 22nd-28th, though it remained … [Read more...]
Guides
6-step guide to hiring a cleaner in Switzerland
Brought to you by quitt.ch - No. 1 provider of registration and administration services for domestic help in Switzerland. 1. What do cleaners cost in Switzerland? Cleaners are expensive in Switzerland and good personnel are hard to find. Prices … [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
Alpine panoramas, fondue and snowballs at Europe’s highest railway station
On top of the Jungfrau, the alpine views (and elevation) will take your breath away. By Bill Harby The two-plus-hour train ride up, up, up from Interlaken is at least half the fun of going to the Jungfraujoch visitors center, 3,454 meters above … [Read more...]
Here’s why the Chateau de Chillon is Switzerland’s most-visited castle
The Chateau de Chillon is the most-visited historic building in Switzerland. There must be a reason, beyond the fact that it’s easy to get to on the edge of Lake Geneva near Montreux. You enter the Middle Ages as you cross the little castle’s … [Read more...]
Swiss 2021 summer music festival Paléo cancelled
In April 2020, when Covid-19 was spreading across Europe, Paléo announced it was cancelling its 2020 summer music festival. Today, it announced it is cancelling its 2021 festival. In an announcement Paléo said: "the whole organising team kept … [Read more...]
