Switzerland’s housing market varies significantly by region. The chances of owning a home depend heavily on the canton in which one lives. Switzerland’s home-ownership rate is low by European standards, but the national figure hides a much more … [Read more...]
News and Features

Swiss government opens door to national ban on conversion practices
Switzerland’s Federal Council has said it would consider a nationwide ban on so-called conversion practices aimed at changing or suppressing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, reported RTS. In a new report, the government said it … [Read more...]

FILM: A SAD WONDERFUL WORLD
4 September 2026 UN MONDE FRAGILE ET MERVEILLEUX **** (vo Arabic) This Lebanese film by Cyril Aris is a moving and charming love story about a couple who were meant to be together from the day they were born in the same hospital in … [Read more...]

Swiss shift strongly in favour of air conditioning
A hot summer has shifted attitudes towards cooling. Swiss voters also favour stronger protections for workers and pupils when temperatures soar. Air conditioning remains uncommon in Switzerland. Only about one household in ten has it. But that … [Read more...]

Zurich parliament backs headscarf ban in public schools
Zurich’s cantonal parliament has backed a proposal to ban headscarves in public schools and kindergartens, instructing the cantonal government to draft legislation, reported SRF. The motion, proposed by the Swiss People’s Party (UDC/SVP), passed … [Read more...]
Guides

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...]

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...]
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...]

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...]

Lausanne’s Olympic Museum – a great family day out
In 1915, the Olympic headquarters moved from Paris to Lausanne, a peaceful stable place at a time when war was tearing Europe apart. It is still there today, on the shimmering shores of Lake Geneva. Today’s picturesquely set modern … [Read more...]

