Swiss Stories

Teaser

The second life of Swiss bunkers

History
There are believed to be more than 8,000 of them, dotted all over Switzerland, some still concealed beneath their camouflage of yesteryear. But now the country's bunkers have come back to life as veritable national curiosities.
© ETH-Bibliothek Zürich, Bildarchiv

150 years ago, Europe's first mountain railway opened on the Rigi

History
Cogwheel trains are an iconic part of Switzerland's proud rail history. A look back through the archives of the first Alpine cogwheel line, between the cantons of Lucerne and Schwyz.
The largest Mondaine clock in Switzerland (nine meters in diameter) is in the Aarau train station The largest Mondaine clock in Switzerland (nine meters in diameter) is in the Aarau train station © SBB

Swiss design: nine objects that have acquired cult status

History
Le Corbusier, Jürg Bally, Kurt Tuth, Christophe Guberan, Nicolas Le Moigne, Adrien Rovero, Atelier Oï and Big-Game are among hundreds of designers who have elevated Swiss design to international significance. Swiss designers past and present express and cultivate a unique identity based on minimalism, quality, functionality and innovation. Here’s a look at nine fascinating and indispensable objects.

by Vanessa Hambaryan

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

swiss costumes

Swiss traditional dress – a patchwork of Switzerland's history

History
Switzerland's national costumes are a symbol of centuries-old tradition, their richness reflecting the country's geographical and social diversity as well as its interactions with neighbouring countries.
Gallia

The St Bernard: the making of an Alpine legend

History
According to the breed’s official motto, the St Bernard embodies dignity, devotion and sacrifice. So, how did this breed of dog become one of Switzerland’s most iconic ambassadors? A few salient historical facts will shed some light on how the St Bernard became an Alpine legend.

by Dimitri Kas

ICRC headquarters in Geneva

70 years Geneva Conventions

History
The Geneva Conventions, which are universally ratified, represent a unique commitment to a common humanity and constitute the core of international humanitarian law. Over the past seven decades they have saved millions of lives in hundreds of conflicts around the world.