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...]
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...]
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...]
School exchanges help bridge Switzerland’s language divide
Zurich and Vaud are expanding school exchanges as French lessons in Zurich’s primary schools come under political pressure, reports SRF. French teaching in primary schools is under pressure in German-speaking Switzerland. But Silvia Steiner and … [Read more...]
Swiss youth discuss the case for protest after the mayhem in Europe
Across Europe, young people are taking to the streets. Some protest peacefully; others turn to violence. They say they are angry about uncertain job prospects, poor education and the high cost of living. Zurich and Basel have also seen protests … [Read more...]
Guides
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...]
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
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...]
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...]
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...]
