Swiss Stories

Nicolas de Flüe

St Nicholas of Flüe, a genuine Swiss legend

History
St Nicholas of Flüe could take first place in the Swiss hall of fame. Nicholas of Flüe, also known as Brother Klaus, was a legendary figure in his lifetime and remains one to this day. Portrait of a peacemaker who is admired far beyond Switzerland's borders.
Aerial view of Davos today

The German doctor who created Davos

History
A German migrant and asylum seeker, Alexander Spengler, was the first to develop this mountain resort. 
Barbara Piatti

by Barbara Piatti

Teaser

The second life of Swiss bunkers

History
There are believed to be more than 8,000 of them, dotted all over Switzerland, some still concealed beneath their camouflage of yesteryear. But now the country's bunkers have come back to life as veritable national curiosities.
© ETH-Bibliothek Zürich, Bildarchiv

150 years ago, Europe's first mountain railway opened on the Rigi

History
Cogwheel trains are an iconic part of Switzerland's proud rail history. A look back through the archives of the first Alpine cogwheel line, between the cantons of Lucerne and Schwyz.
Gotthard base tunnel

The legend of the Gotthard pass

History
Switzerland's geography is extreme to say the least, ranging from the long and winding to the steep and narrow, with the occasional sheer drop thrown in. And to experience it you don't need to cross the Alps on an elephant like Hannibal did. Or at least that's the way the story goes... The Gotthard pass is truly a living legend.
NASA

Switzerland’s role in the first moon landing

History
Even today, not many people are aware of Switzerland's participation in this historic achievement. And yet, Swiss technological know-how played an important role in the success of the Apollo 11 mission.

by Mehdi Atmani

'SCT Monte Rosa'

The Swiss merchant navy

History
The Swiss merchant navy was established at the height of the Second War World to ensure the supply of essential resources to Switzerland, which at the time stood alone in the middle of devastated Europe. The fleet continues to sail the high seas three quarters of a century later.

by Olivier Grivat