Swiss Stories

Olympic torch, Glacier 3000

Lausanne 2020

Society
After St Moritz back in 1928 and 1948, Switzerland is now set to host an Olympic event for the third time. The sixth Youth Olympic Games (YOG) will get under way shortly in Lausanne. Former IOC President Jacques Rogge is the inspiration behind the youth event which was launched in 2008. The YOG, which take place this year from 9–22 January, bring together the world's best athletes in the 15–18 age group to compete in 8 sports, 16 disciplines and 81 medal events.
Swiss Family Robinson

The Swiss Family Robinson

History
The Swiss Family Robinson – father, mother and four sons – survive a shipwreck on the high seas. Stranded on a desert island, the family tame their new environment and make it their home. Sound familiar? This 18th century classic inspired by Robinson Crusoe became even more popular abroad than it is in Switzerland. Find out why.

by Lea Huszno

Andri Ragettli

Andri Ragettli: working out under lockdown

Society
Andri Ragettli, the Swiss freestyle skiing phenomenon, is almost more famous for his crazy parkour workout videos than for his World Cup wins. Now he has devised a 'stay at home' parkour workout for people under lockdown.
Centovalli Express, Intragna, Ticino. © Swiss Travel System AG

The hidden gems of Switzerland’s public transport

Environment
Gornergrat? Been there. Glacier Express? Done that. Fans of Switzerland already know and love the country’s public transport gems. But there are many trips and means of transport that are less well known. So, now’s the perfect time to discover some of these hidden treasures – and Switzerland has plenty.
Konzertsaal Tonhalle Maag, Zürich, Switzerland © Unsplash @gwundrig

Swiss choral singing: a tradition that unites

Society
Singing together is about meeting, communicating, sharing a part of yourself and connecting with like-minded people. The importance of Switzerland's choral singing tradition is reflected in the number of young people making up today's ensembles.
The book : 50 sensational Swiss women

3 sensational Swiss women

Society
Swiss history is replete with exceptional women. A book published this year profiles 50 of them: co-produced by five authors and one illustrator, it is aptly titled 50 Suissesses sensationnelles (50 sensational Swiss women). We have selected the portraits of three Swiss women who, through their convictions and experiences, contributed in their time and continue to do so to this day to advancing the cause of women and gender equality in our society. We hope that these portraits will encourage you to discover others !
Swiss environment

Swiss environmental protection

Environment
Lakes, mountains and clean air are inextricably associated with Switzerland's quality of life. Beyond its picture-postcard image, Switzerland's natural environment is an integral part of the country's character and identity. To safeguard this natural heritage the Federal Council and the people of Switzerland have adopted a series of concrete measures in recent years. Key aspects of Switzerland's environmental policy: