Swiss Stories

Riverside bar scene, Lucerne (hi-res). Credit: © Simon Conway

Swiss Craft Beer Boom

History
Switzerland is famous for many things and now its burgeoning beer scene is beginning to gain recognition. The demise of the beer cartel at the end of the twentieth century opened up the industry and provided the space for Swiss brewers to create and flourish. They have responded by establishing breweries and microbreweries in unprecedented numbers and Switzerland has emerged as a major contributor to the ever-swelling European craft beer wave.
The charnel house in Leuk, June 2018 – © Cyril Zingaro for Le Temps

The catacombs of Valais: as fascinating as those of Paris

History
You don't have descend into the catacombs of Paris to feel the gaze of thousands of empty eye sockets. With its 24,000 skulls, the charnel house in Leuk in the Upper Valais region of Switzerland provides an equally chilling spectacle.
Aerial view of Davos today

The German doctor who created Davos

History
A German migrant and asylum seeker, Alexander Spengler, was the first to develop this mountain resort. 
Barbara Piatti

by Barbara Piatti

jet d'eau

The Jet d'Eau in Geneva

History
Tourists come every year from all over the world to admire the Jet d'Eau, one of the most famous landmarks of this international city. But the Jet d'Eau wasn't always a tourist attraction. This is the story of how Geneva's unique fountain came to be and how it acquired the iconic status it enjoys today.

by Tatiana Tissot

NASA

Switzerland’s role in the first moon landing

History
Even today, not many people are aware of Switzerland's participation in this historic achievement. And yet, Swiss technological know-how played an important role in the success of the Apollo 11 mission.

by Mehdi Atmani

Tavillon

The 'tavillon' or wooden shingle – ancestral craft and living tradition

History
The smooth covering of wooden scales that clothes the curves of many a roof are part of Switzerland's built heritage. A technique passed on orally from generation to generation
Ambulance jet Bombardier Challenger 650

Rega: the Swiss saviour

History
Rega, also known as Swiss Air-Rescue, carries out helicopter and ambulance jet missions in Switzerland and abroad for those in need. The non-profit foundation celebrated its 70th anniversary this year and is supported by the financial contributions of more than 3.6 million patrons.

by Olivia Chang