Swiss Stories

Learn how Georg Wander developed Ovomaltine in 1860s Bern, turning a fortifying drink into an iconic Swiss brand.

Discover the history of Bircher muesli, created by Dr Bircher-Benner in the early 1900s, now a breakfast staple in Switzerland and worldwide.

Discover the ten Swiss traditions on UNESCO's list of humanity's intangible cultural heritage.

Explore the history of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, protecting the Pope in the Vatican for over 500 years with loyalty and discipline.

Discover six reasons for Swiss chocolate's success, from historical innovation and high-quality standards to significant domestic consumption.

Discover Évolène's carnival, a vibrant tradition in Val d'Hérens, where customs and dialect are passed down through generations.

Discover five unique Swiss winter traditions, such as the Lötschental's Tschäggättä and Liestal's Chienbäse, preserved through generations.

The regular-interval timetable introduced in 1982 continues to shape public transport in Switzerland to this day.

Heidi is Switzerland's most famous child: the novel by Johanna Spyri has been translated into 70 languages and has inspired over 15 film adaptations.

The Geneva Conventions are the foundation of international humanitarian law, establishing minimum humanitarian standards to be respected in armed conflict.

This enormous undertaking comprises three rail tunnels, including the Gotthard Base Tunnel – at 57.1 km, the world's longest railway tunnel.

Symbol of the international city, Geneva's Jet d'Eau is admired every year by tourists from all over the world. Here is the story of its birth and its transformations.

Romansh is the fourth national language. Spoken almost exclusively in the canton of Graubünden, Romansh is part of the Swiss identity and has official language status.

At an altitude of 2,883 metres and nestled among the glaciers and imposing peaks of the Valais Alps, the new Monte Rosa mountain refuge rises from the icy landscape like a giant sparkling shard of rock crystal.

The dream of gliding through the air and travelling long distances without using any fossil fuels has become a reality thanks to the Solar Impulse solar-powered aeroplane.

Explore Switzerland's yellow signposted hiking trails that wind through breathtaking alpine landscapes, attracting hikers from around the globe.

The Zurich vitaparcours, an original outdoor sporting activity available at any time, has delighted people in Switzerland for many years.

Discover Swiss wrestling, a traditional sport steeped in history and unique cultural values.

The Montreux Jazz Festival, founded in 1967, attracts over 200,000 visitors each year and is known worldwide.

The Swiss cycling landscape captivates cyclists from around the world with its alpine passes and idyllic paths along the waters and through the plains.

The Patrouille des Glaciers, a legendary race between Zermatt and Verbier, embodies the spirit of endurance and adventure in the Swiss mountains.

Carl Lutz, Swiss vice-consul in Budapest during World War II, saved over 62,000 Hungarian Jews by issuing protective letters.

The Hérens is recognized as the queen of cows in Switzerland, renowned for its fighting instinct and deep connection to mountain tradition.

Discover Sechseläuten, Zurich's spring festival. Colourful processions, age-old traditions and the burning of the Böögg mark the transition from winter to spring.

Discover the centuries-old tradition of the onion market in Bern, a festive event rich in flavors and folklore that attracts thousands of visitors each year.