Swiss Stories

Federal Palace

Everything you need to know about the Swiss presidency

Society
If you have never lived in Switzerland, you may not be familiar with the intricacies of our political system. Our system, which is federal in nature and based on semi-direct democracy, is often described as unique. Switzerland is a federal state with three political levels: the federal government, the 26 cantons and almost 2,000 communes across the country.
© Ticino Tourism, photo by Enrico Pescantini

Italian-speaking Switzerland, a land of literary inspiration

Society
Did you know that Italian-speaking Switzerland, with its lakes and mountains, features in the works of three giants of world literature? Join us on a literary tour of Italian-speaking Switzerland, stopping in three of the region's most iconic places: Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano and the Gotthard Pass.
René Burri © Sandro Canperdo

Great figures in Swiss photography

Society
The works of Swiss photographers have a story to tell. They are recognisable the world over and some have even become classics of their genres.
Julien Gremaud

by Julien Gremaud

Silvesterchläuse

Urnäsch’s magical ‘double New Year’s Eve’

Society
The Silvesterchläuse of the village of Urnäsch in the Swiss canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden celebrate the New Year twice. It is an old tradition going strong again.
swiss rock

Switzerland rocks!

Society
From Ticino to St Gallen and on to Geneva: today's rock scene is as vibrant as it is varied. Here's a rundown of some Swiss bands making themselves heard.
Stallions held in group on pasture

The Freiberger horse: 100% Swiss

Society
The Freiberger horse originated some 200 years ago in Switzerland's historic Jura region. Because it is the only Swiss horse breed, it receives particular support from the Swiss National Stud Farm.
Monte Rosa Hut SAC

The Swiss mountain huts

Society
The mountain huts operated by the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) are unique in Switzerland and the world. Since the middle of the 19th century they have offered shelter and lodging in some of the most rugged mountain areas of the Swiss Alps. There are currently 153 SAC huts with a capacity for some 9,000 people in the Swiss Alps – from emergency bivouacs at altitudes above 4,000 metres, to self-catering huts, to mountain chalets that offer hikers ample creature comforts. SAC huts are open to all hikers and mountaineers.