Swiss Stories

Alan Roura

A Vendée for Switzerland

Society
In 2016, I will be the only Swiss sailor at the starting line of the Vendée Globe, the legendary round-the-world single-handed yacht race. For three months, I will be our country’s proud ambassador among the world’s best sailors as we cross the oceans and round the three major capes – Good Hope, Leeuwin and Horn.
Hackbrett © Verband Hackbrett Schweiz

Swiss folk music: 5 traditional instruments

Society
Yodelling, the iconic style of song that echoes through the Swiss mountains, is well known, as is the accordion and the alphorn. However, there are other original instruments in the Swiss folk tradition. Here is a non-exhaustive inventory.

by Tatiana Tissot

Cows

Switzerland's iconic cow

Society
Wherever you go in Switzerland, the ubiquitous cow can be seen grazing an idyllic pasture, as a wooden souvenir, or starring in an advertisement. Favourite animal and overseas ambassador, the cow is a symbol of Switzerland. Find out why.

by Lea Huszno

© SWPIX

Equal opportunities for young cyclists from around the world in Switzerland

Society
Biniam Girmay recently became the first African cyclist to win a major racing event. As a young rider, he spent several months at the UCI World Cycling Centre in Aigle, a small town in the Swiss canton of Vaud, learning about pro cycling and its challenges. His success has made him an ambassador for over 1,500 young athletes from developing countries who have taken part in the programme over the past 15 years.

by Bertrand Monnard

Gavillet & Rust, Biennale Venise, 2011 © Gavillet & Rust

Swiss (new) style

Society
The Most Beautiful Swiss Books is a prestigious annual award that has become an international cultural benchmark, building on the golden age of Swiss graphic design that began after the Second World War. The success story of this Swiss speciality is far from over.
Julien Gremaud

by Julien Gremaud

Montréal Avudo © Compagnia Finzi Pasca

“Avudo” – or how Swiss magic is bringing the Saint Lawrence River to life

Society
Before creating the pageant for the next Winegrowers' Festival in Vevey in 2019, Lugano-born Daniele Finzi Pasca has been invited by Montreal to direct a spectacular show celebrating the city's 375th anniversary.
Julien Gremaud

by Julien Gremaud

Justine Mettraux aboard Teamwork during the Solitaire du Figaro in 2016

The Swiss who shine at sea

Society
This November, Geneva-born Alan Roura is setting sail for his second Vendée Globe – the hardest solo sailing race in the world, and a veritable Swiss tradition for getting your sea legs. Despite not having their own sea, Switzerland's sailors have been taking part in the most prestigious events over the last forty years. We've talked to journalist and sailing photographer Jean-Guy Python who recently published a book on this epic Swiss tale.

by Bertrand Monnard