A new survey suggests that the Swiss distinguish sharply between patriotic legend and the making of the modern state. In 1291 the three founding cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden sealed the Federal Charter, laying the foundations of the … [Read more...]
News and Features
Switzerland’s bloodiest divide no longer seen as its greatest historical threat
Asked recently which conflict had historically posed the greatest threat to national cohesion, 28% of Swiss respondents chose the struggle between the working class and the better-off, while 25% pointed to the divide between town and country. … [Read more...]
FILM: LOCARNO FILM FESTIVAL with its openness to the public
7 August 2026 Two brilliant festivals, one after the other, celebrating the arts of music and cinema. And both in marvelous settings. French-speaking VERBIER in July, the trendy laid-back ski village which transforms into a world-class classical … [Read more...]
How a tiny battery forced an emergency landing
On July 27th 2026 a routine Swiss flight from Zurich to New York was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangor, Maine, after smoke appeared in the business-class cabin. The source was eventually traced to a headphone-charging case that had … [Read more...]
Swiss Liberal Greens want less polluting cigarette filters
Around 1,000 tonnes of cigarette butts are discarded on the ground in Switzerland each year. The Green Liberal Party wants the federal government to do more to tackle the problem, including encouraging tobacco companies to redesign cigarette filters, … [Read more...]
Guides
8 things you must do if you’re running a Swiss business
Brought to you by Winbiz online accounting for Swiss businesses. Once a business is established, there are many ongoing administrative tasks required by law. The main ones are covered in this article. The first few relate to employees and … [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
Halloween in Switzerland in 2024
Many expats, particularly north Americans, may be surprised to discover that Halloween is not a big event in Switzerland. But it is catching on. Long before Halloween existed, a Gaelic festival known as Samhain marked the end of the harvest … [Read more...]
Places to go for early season skiing in Switzerland
Mention skiing in November and it is likely to draw blank expressions, or comments like: "It’s too early, there will be no snow". While this is true for some resorts not all ski domains were created equal. A recent study shows that in 2015, snow … [Read more...]
Five gorgeous Swiss parks for contemplating autumn splendor
By Bill Harby Whether you prefer thickets of grand old trees, a formal English garden, or a pocket park, these five urban green spaces offer colourful ways to rustle through autumn leaves. Geneva: Park La Grange One minute you’re in bustling Geneva … [Read more...]
