After 24 hours of debate, senators backed much of the new bilateral package—but toughened the rules on referendums and immigration. After roughly 24 hours of debate, Switzerland’s Council of States has finished its first examination of most of … [Read more...]
News and Features
Swiss parental-leave initiative gathers more than 100,000 signatures
Swiss voters are likely to have their say on a proposal to introduce parental leave. The Green Liberals announced on Wednesday that they had submitted 112,517 signatures in support of the initiative to the Federal Chancellery for … [Read more...]
Switzerland’s last execution—and the long road to abolition
Switzerland debated the death penalty for more than two centuries before it was abolished. Enlightenment thinkers questioned it in the 18th century, but executions continued into the 20th. The last civilian execution took place in 1940. Capital … [Read more...]
Low water on the Rhine pushes up Swiss prices
Low water is making inland shipping less reliable. More freight may move by road and rail, pushing up transport costs—and, eventually, consumer prices. In August the Rhine at Kaub, a key measuring point in Germany, fell to just six centimetres, … [Read more...]
Swiss passport ranks ninth worldwide — but several European neighbours beat it
The Swiss passport remains one of the world’s most powerful travel documents, ranking ninth globally in the latest Passport Reports index. Swiss citizens can travel visa-free to 119 destinations. Another 54 allow entry with a visa on arrival or … [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...]
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...]
Activities
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...]
Swiss architect Le Corbusier’s Villa “Le Lac” turns 100
Granted UNESCO world heritage status in July 2016, Villa "Le Lac" in the canton of Vaud in Switzerland celebrates its 100 year anniversary in 2023. A number of celebrations are planned until October. The Villa, on the outskirts of Vevey, is open to … [Read more...]
Basel Fasnacht 2025 – no ordinary festival
A parade that starts at 4 in the morning? With piccolos? And drums? In winter? Really? Yes, and you’ll be enchanted by the whole thing. Every year in the city of Basel on the Monday after Ash Wednesday (this year, March 10th), the Morgestraich … [Read more...]
