The Federal Council and Parliament urge voters to back, on 28 September 2025, a constitutional change that would let cantons levy a special property tax on owner-occupied second homes. The measure is a prerequisite for a wider reform of housing … [Read more...]
News and Features
Language requirements for Swiss citizenship and visas – what you need to know
Brought to you by Swiss French School. On 1 January 2019, Switzerland’s federal government tightened and harmonised the rules on language requirements to qualify for some residence permits, B and C permits in particular, and … [Read more...]
Deadly week in the Swiss Alps
Over the last week, 9 people have died in sporting accidents in Switzerland's Alps, reported RTS. In addition, the body of a climber that went missing on 11 July 2025 was recovered. © 44Photography | Dreamstime.com On Monday, Valais’s cantonal … [Read more...]
FILM: LOVE – OSLO STORIES *** & Locarno Film Festival highlights
15 August 2025 LOVE - OSLO STORIES *** (vo Norwegian) The Norwegians (and other Nordics) are taking over cinema in talent, discretion and modern relevance! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dUoALAdOeo Here’s the third of the Oslo Stories … [Read more...]
International Geneva in Crisis: Where do we go from here?
A report by Swiss broadcaster RTS looks at the impact large budget cuts at the United Nations are having on the canton of Geneva, home to the UN in Europe. RTS describes the resulting lay-offs as one of the most significant in Geneva's history, … [Read more...]
Guides
10-step guide to hiring an employee in Switzerland
Brought to you by quitt.business. For startups and small companies, hiring and onboarding new employees can be a real hassle. In Switzerland especially, there is a significant amount of admin to deal with. The following is a guide to all the … [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 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...]
Montreux to Gruyères on the chocolate train. Switzerland’s most delicious trip.
By Bill Harby Sorry Willy Wonka, but you won’t want to eat your mode of transportation on The Chocolate Train tour. However, yes, before the day is out, you will taste delicious Swiss chocolate and cheese, and still have time to explore one of the … [Read more...]
Taking a trip back in time on a Swiss steam train
Trains run Saturdays and Sundays from 4 May until 27 October 2019. On 21 May 1966, the local rail company closed the line between the two small towns of Blonay and Chamby, in Switzerland’s Riviera region, on the eastern reaches of … [Read more...]
