On January 8th 2026 the canton of Vaud announced a ban on pyrotechnic devices inside public venues. The decision follows the fatal New Year’s Eve fire in Crans-Montana and is part of a broader effort to tighten fire safety standards. Deeply … [Read more...]
News and Features
Federal Council freezes any assets held in Switzerland by Maduro
Bern, 5 January 2026 — The Swiss Federal Council has ordered a precautionary freeze on any assets held in Switzerland by Nicolas Maduro and people associated with him, effective immediately. The move, intended to prevent a flight of capital … [Read more...]
Chaplin’s World – enter the home and life of a comic genius
Film legend Charlie Chaplin spent 24 years living in the Manoir de Ban, a grand old mansion above Vevey in Switzerland. In 2016, his charming former home and grounds were cleverly and artfully transformed into Chaplin’s World and opened to the … [Read more...]
FILM: FATHER MOTHER SISTER BROTHER *** Jim Jarmusch is back!
9 January 2026 This is a week of some pleasant American movies - each with its own version of a life, a couple in the case of “Song Sung Blue”, or families in the Jarmusch film. No masterpieces, but interesting tales of human foibles. And happy … [Read more...]
Swiss Green Liberals target fuel-tax break for piste groomers
In Switzerland the fuel used by piste groomers to prepare ski slopes is cheaper than that used by most other vehicles. The reason is a refund of the mineral oil tax—a levy that, in practice, does not apply to machines that operate off public roads. … [Read more...]
Guides
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...]
15 things you should know about Swiss health insurance
It's health insurance season. Average premiums are increasing in 2018. Compulsory basic Swiss health insurance can generally only be changed once a year. To change you must notify your current provider by 30 November. This article explains the basics … [Read More...]
Activities
The Swiss cheese train to Chateau d’Oex – fondue and alpine tradition
It’s called Le Train du Fromage – The Cheese Train – but after this day tour, you’ll remember a lot more than that steaming fondue you had for lunch at an alpine village restaurant. You can board The Cheese Train (just one of several trains) in … [Read more...]
The low-cost Michelin-starred restaurants closest to Switzerland
Michelin-starred restaurants are synonymous with high cost. However, there is a wide price range and some offer meals for 30 Euros or less. Prices for a three-course meal at Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe go as high as 595 Euros at the … [Read more...]
4 best mountain spas in French-speaking Switzerland
ALL YEAR ROUND The Alps are synonymous with skiing but alpine geothermal springs and spas are sometimes overlooked. If the thought of lugging skis, poles and person to the ski lift to spend a day risking life and limb on snow isn’t appealing, … [Read more...]
