Some Swiss doctors are demanding thousands of francs in cash from patients before operations, sometimes without providing receipts or clearly explaining the charges, according to an investigation by SRF. Patient advocates say the practice is becoming … [Read more...]
News and Features
“Snow of May” – Swiss narcissus season in full bloom
The spring narcissus bloom in Switzerland's riviera region, a star tourist attraction of the Belle Epoque - the 30 to 40 years before the war in 1914 - was described as the "snow of May" by Ernest Hemingway in his novel A Farewell to Arms. The book … [Read more...]
FILM: THE SHEEP DETECTIVES *** a delightful family movie
8 May 2026 THE SHEEP DETECTIVES (Bêêêtective Privé) *** The lambies are the best part of this sweet movie. They’re the ones who are going to figure out who killed their beloved shepherd (Hugh Jackman), for he had been reading the most … [Read more...]
Greens propose 80km/h speed limit on Swiss motorways
The Green Party want to turn turmoil in the Middle East into an opportunity to reduce Switzerland’s reliance on fossil fuels and ease pressure on household budgets. Among the measures proposed by the party is an 80km/h speed limit on motorways, … [Read more...]
Swiss glaciers enter summer with unusually low snow cover
Swiss glaciers are emerging from winter with unusually little snow, leaving them poorly protected ahead of the summer melt season. According to the latest report from the Swiss Glacier Monitoring Network (GLAMOS), measurements taken on 25 … [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 Swiss town on the 2019 New York Times’ places-to-visit list
Every year the New York Times assembles a list of 52 recommended places to visit. This year it lists Vevey at number 49. 2019 is a big year for Vevey. It is the year of the Unesco-recognized Fête des Vignerons, an event held every 20 to 25 … [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...]
Lake Geneva – tests show beaches with cleanest water
A map published recently by the Commission internationale pour la protection des eaux du Léman (CIPEL), a Swiss-French intergovernmental organisation, rates the water quality at most Lake Geneva beaches as excellent or of a medium to good quality. … [Read more...]
