Switzerland’s Federal Supreme Court has clarified the distinction between shared custody and extended visiting rights: each parent should normally provide more than 30% of a child’s regular care. A recent ruling explains how that share should be … [Read more...]
News and Features
Switzerland’s polarised politics threaten to undo the 2027 budget
In an exceptionally rare decision, the National Council’s finance committee has recommended rejecting Switzerland’s federal budget for 2027. Federal finance experts could recall no previous instance of a finance committee rejecting a budget at this … [Read more...]
Swiss unions plan vote on 5,000-franc minimum wage for apprenticeship graduates
Anyone who has completed an apprenticeship in Switzerland should earn at least CHF 5,000 a month in full-time emplyment says the Swiss Trade Union Federation. It plans to launch a popular initiative to introduce this minimum pay level. Delegates … [Read more...]
FILM: HOW TO ROB A BANK ***1/2 – much like “The Italian Job” or “Baby Driver”
13 November 2026 HOW TO ROB A BANK ***1/2 There are many blockbusters vying for success on the screens, but most of them are regurgitations of bombastic action franchises, produced just to make money for the Hollywood studios. Who cares about … [Read more...]
Switzerland’s vote to ban firecrackers
For some, fireworks are a tradition worth preserving. For others, they are a noisy nuisance. On November 29th Swiss voters will decide whether to restrict their private use. The popular initiative was submitted by animal-welfare organisations. … [Read more...]
Guides
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...]
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...]
Activities
Switzerland’s cow parade (désalpe/alpabzug) 2025 and its history
By Bill Harby What exactly is the alpine descent or désalpe / alpabzug? This article explores the event’s history and where to see it. In Switzerland, we know the clock will soon strike autumn when processions of cows crowned with flowers and … [Read more...]
The best way to save forests, according to a forester
Last summer, two mates and I set out on what turned out to be a “bridge-too-far” walking project. Switzerland is blessed with more than 60,000 km of walking trails crowned by seven iconic National Routes. The National Route 5 (which extends as the … [Read more...]
Lake Geneva’s beautiful paddlewheel boats – getting there is way more than half the fun
They say that “getting there is half the fun”. But sometimes it’s more. A lot more. For example: a Lake Geneva cruise on a grand historic paddlewheel steamboat. Destination? Who cares? On a recent gorgeous Sunday afternoon, I, your intrepid … [Read more...]
