Swiss Stories

Le Rhône

Enchanted Swiss waters

History
Lakes are deeply mysterious and provide the setting for an array of ancient tales. Lakes are steeped in myth, symbolising unknown realms. They are said to have purifying or life-giving powers.
Cloisonné de Théâtre (detail, 1951) – Aloïse Corbaz – Eternod and Mermod Collection, on loan to LaM (Villeneuve d’Ascq) © P. Bernard

7 Swiss works that have left their mark on art history

History
Switzerland has produced a wealth of artists and designers, making it hard to choose from the abundance of artistic creations on offer. Let’s take a look at our – inevitably subjective – choice of seven Swiss works that have left their mark on the history of art.

by Dimitri Kas

© Switzerland Tourism

The mystical and mythical edelweiss

History
The flower has attracted admirers and critics over the years but remains one of the most iconic images of Switzerland, adorning everything from airlines to coins to the logo for the Swiss tourism office.

by Jessica Davis Pluess

Federal Palace © Julian Bregnard

Modesty and splendour: the two sides to the Federal Palace

History
Attracting tourists from all over the world, yet largely unknown to the Swiss at home, the Federal Palace stands out from other seats of power. Our journey begins at the very heart of the building, which mirrors the political structure of the country it represents.
Embroidery.

When Saint Gallen's famous embroidery conquered the world

History
What do Michelle Obama, Queen Elizabeth II and Amal Clooney have in common? All three have worn St Gallen embroidery, a renowned Swiss product that has adorned haute-couture garments and underwear the world over since the 19th century.

by Lea Huszno

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

Advertising poster, around 1900

Henri Nestlé: the man behind the global enterprise

History
With his small family business and product inventions, the pharmacist from Frankfurt was eking out a modest living in Vevey. That is, until he came across an exceptionally lucrative market gap: infant formula, made from the finest Swiss ingredients.
Barbara Piatti

by Barbara Piatti