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...]
News and Features
Swiss workers miss out on a decade of economic growth
Real wage growth has slowed sharply for most Swiss workers over the past decade, leaving real disposable incomes stagnant or falling for nearly all households. According to a Swiss Trade Union Federation's (SGB) 2026 report, only single people in the … [Read more...]
FILM: MOANA (Vaiana: La Légende) *** – a charmer of a film for the whole family
10 July 2026 VAIANA: LA LÉGENDE (called MOANA in the U.S.) *** What a charmer of a film for the whole family. We were expecting animation at the press screening, we were instead pleasantly surprised with a live-action version, with some … [Read more...]
Switzerland lags behind on support for breastfeeding
Swiss mothers breastfeed at among the highest rates in the developed world. Almost all babies—97%—are breastfed immediately after birth, while half are still being exclusively breastfed at around 17.4 weeks. Comparable figures are lower in … [Read more...]
Geneva debates charging for access to its beaches
Gitana beach in Bellevue has begun charging visitors this summer, joining the small number of paid-access beaches on Lake Geneva. The new entrance fee of up to CHF 4 has reignited debate over whether people should have to pay to reach the lakeshore, … [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...]
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
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...]
4 best mountain spas in French-speaking Switzerland
ALL YEAR ROUND The Alps are synonymous with skiing but alpine geothermal springs and spas are sometimes overlooked. If the thought of lugging skis, poles and person to the ski lift to spend a day risking life and limb on snow isn’t appealing, … [Read more...]
5 totally-not-stuffy Swiss museums for kids of all ages
By Bill Harby Winter weather is the perfect time for families to explore Switzerland’s fine museums. Some suggestions: Swiss Museum of Transport Lucern No wonder this is the most-visited museum in Switzerland with its hands-on exhibits showing the … [Read more...]
