Swiss Stories

Metavers

Zurich becomes a global hub for the metaverse

Science & Education
Switzerland is playing a key role in building the next dimension of the internet: the metaverse. Thanks to the influence of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich), Microsoft, Facebook, Google, Disney Research and Magic Leap have all opened offices or research laboratories in Switzerland's economic capital.
Horse-drawn carriage

Across the Gotthard on foot and by train

Environment
Today's travellers have different ways of getting from one side of the Gotthard Massif to the other: they can either follow the old Gotthard Pass road, as our forebears did, or they can travel through the world's longest tunnel, the new Gotthard Tunnel.
Cathédrale de Lausanne

The Lausanne tradition carrying on in female form

Society
Ever since 1405, a long line of night watchmen have taken it in turns to call out the time from the top of Lausanne's city cathedral. It was only in August 2021 that a woman became part of this historic tradition.

by Lea Huszno

Les informations générées s’affichent en temps réel sur un écran au bord du terrain, qui remplit aussi la fonction d’arbitre.

The tennis court of the future

Economics
The company, Technis, has designed a fully tactile court surface capable of recording where the ball bounces and the position of the players on the court. The information is displayed on a screen in real time.
absinthe

Absinthe: Swiss local product leaves behind its shady past

Society
Switzerland's Val-de-Travers is the birthplace of absinthe and has strong links to this local product that was banned for many years. An interactive exhibition in Môtiers in the canton of Neuchâtel tells its extraordinary story, while some distillers have set about seeking a PGI. We take a closer look at a spirit with a colourful past.

by Tatiana Tissot

portrait sarah marquis

Sarah Marquis, always on the move

Environment
Books, lectures, and of course expeditions: Swiss explorer Sarah Marquis never stops. We caught up with her before she hit the road again.
Photo

Drug checking – the Swiss response to the risks of drug use

Society
People have a fundamental responsibility for their own lifestyle and behaviour. The Swiss National Strategy on Addiction is based on this principle. So is the innovative Swiss approach known as 'drug checking'. Its aim is to promote health literacy among drug users by providing them with information on the composition of the drug(s) they take and increasing their awareness of the risks and consequences of their consumption of illegal substances. Although not all drug use can be prevented and many people choose to consume drugs despite the risks, Swiss drug-checking services strive to minimise risks and prevent harmful consequences such as overdosing.

by Infodrog - Swiss Office for the Coordination of Addiction Facilities