Left-wing parties in Switzerland’s largest cities are trying to revive international night trains—by leaning on the federal government and, if need be, filling the gap themselves. This week, socialist and Green politicians are tabling motions in … [Read more...]
News and Features

Pyrotechnics and acoustic foam: a lethal mix in nightclub fires
Nightclub fires, like the recent tragedy at Le Constellation in Switzerland, have once again highlighted a grim reality: indoor pyrotechnic devices and combustible acoustic insulation dramatically increase the lethality of fires in entertainment … [Read more...]

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...]

Call for Swiss government to stop using X
X is no longer a normal social-media platform, said Cédric Wermuth, co-president of the Swiss Socialist Party, reported RTS. The party says it will submit a parliamentary motion on the subject unless the federal government and parliament withdraw … [Read more...]

Swiss motorists warned over electronic motorway-vignette scams
Drivers using Swiss motorways have until January 31st to buy the motorway vignette for 2026. But the Swiss authorities are urging caution: reports of fraud linked to the electronic version have risen sharply in recent weeks. Unofficial websites are … [Read more...]
Guides

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...]

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...]
Activities

Vaud’s vineyard touring and wine tasting season is fast approaching
The wine tasting season is approaching in Vaud, the Swiss canton stretching around the shores of Lake Geneva. With its six distinctive wine growing regions and eight appellations, Vaud is Switzerland’s second largest wine producing region. … [Read more...]

The best way to save forests, according to a forester
Last summer, two mates and I set out on what turned out to be a “bridge-too-far” walking project. Switzerland is blessed with more than 60,000 km of walking trails crowned by seven iconic National Routes. The National Route 5 (which extends as the … [Read more...]

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...]

