Swiss Stories

Jacques Dubochet

Jacques Dubochet, Nobel Laureate

Science & Education
Swiss biophysicist Jacques Dubochet, 75, has being doing volunteer work since he retired. He intends to take advantage of his sudden fame to raise awareness of issues he cares deeply about, like migration and climate change.
The Muldry family ‘alpage’ lies above the Rawyl Dam and Zeuzier Lake near Anzère in the canton of Valais

Love of the High Country

Society
It’s the same ritual every year: in June, cows are led up to the mountain pastures, known locally as the ‘alpage’, to spend the summer.
Alphorn Milano

8 surprising Swiss records

Society
The next time someone asks you what Switzerland could possibly be good at, show off with one of these Swiss world records!
Dimitri Burkhard

by Dimitri Burkhard

Swiss village over pasture

The Swiss Village Farm

Environment
Today we venture out to discover the Swiss Village Farm (SVF) Foundation, a complex of old cottages and meadows, home to the most extraordinary species of cattle, goats, sheep and hens. Four-horned rams, 'fainting' goats that keel over with fright when startled, gold-crested hens. Are these simply quirks of nature? Not in the least. These are species born from centuries of crossbreeding, experiments of breeders willing to create stronger and more resistant animals through controlled mating; species that today risk extinction, because they no longer conform to the standards of the global food industry.

by Niccolò Iorno

wormup home

Worm composting comes to Swiss cities

Environment
A new start-up in Zurich is developing worm compost systems for domestic use. With these systems, organic waste can be easily and practically converted into excellent fertiliser at home.
Swiss cuckoo Loetscher

A little birdie from Switzerland?

History
"Watch the birdie." This phrase once used by photographers to capture the attention of their subjects could just as easily apply to cuckoo clocks. Who among us has never heard the call of a cuckoo mark the passing of another hour? The cuckoo clock has a history dating back centuries that first began in the Black Forest area of Germany, but which was eventually to take flight in Switzerland. Let's shed some light on this funny little bird that conquered the world!

by Dimitri Kas

Avengers © Keystone

Five Swiss super talents in the Marvel Universe

History
Where would Stan Lee's superheroes be without Switzerland? The 2019 blockbuster 'Avengers: Endgame' called for no end of Swiss prowess. Indeed, even the heroes in tights seem drawn to our country...