Swiss Stories

Gordon Bennett

Switzerland, home of ballooning

Society
Although ballooning in Switzerland is most commonly associated with the record-breaking exploits of the Piccard family, its history actually dates back to 1788 when a hydrogen-filled balloon took to the air from Basel.
Matterhorn © Ivo Scholz/ Switzerland Tourism

The fascinating Matterhorn

Environment
The Matterhorn attracts tourists from all over the world. This mythical summit with the iconic shape exudes such a special aura that its image has even been used to sell a variety of consumer products – some of them quite extraordinary.

by Tatiana Tissot

nova friburgo

A Swiss city in the heart of Brazil

Society
In the uplands of Serra Fluminense, 130km from the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, lies a city of 185,000 people. Proud of its Swiss heritage, Nova Friburgo is getting ready to celebrate with great fanfare the 200th anniversary of its foundation. Numerous initiatives on both sides of the Atlantic will strengthen existing ties between Nova Friburgo and Switzerland.
swiss medicinal plants

Medicinal plants: working with nature for our health

Environment
Industrialisation has somewhat eclipsed the valuable properties of medicinal plants. Recently, however, these noble plants are being rediscovered in Switzerland and are experiencing a renaissance.

by Lea Huszno

Ida Hofmann

Monte Verità: the Swiss early hippie colony

History
As a young woman, Ida Hofmann was a successful piano teacher and glamorous socialite in Russia, Austria and Montenegro. She then made a radical new beginning in Ticino and founded the soon-to-be legendary Monte Verità.
Barbara Piatti

by Barbara Piatti

Rinzing

Swiss tattoo artists

Society
While, strictly speaking, there is no distinct ‘Swiss school’ of tattooing, many of Switzerland’s early tattoo artists have had an important influence on the art and are today considered iconic figures.

by Vanessa Hambaryan

The fork, Vevey

Swiss outdoor art

Environment
Once you start paying attention to outdoor art in Switzerland, your mind will start bubbling over as you imagine just what kind of masterpieces might be hiding around the corner...

by Kristīne Strazdiņa