Swiss Stories

Alan Roura

A Vendée for Switzerland

Society
In 2016, I will be the only Swiss sailor at the starting line of the Vendée Globe, the legendary round-the-world single-handed yacht race. For three months, I will be our country’s proud ambassador among the world’s best sailors as we cross the oceans and round the three major capes – Good Hope, Leeuwin and Horn.
The Böögg in fire © ZZZ Zentralkomitee der Zünfte Zürichs

Sechseläuten: Zurich’s spring festival

Society
For the last 500 years, the city of Zurich has staged Sechseläuten, a huge festival celebrating the end of winter and the arrival of spring.

by Dimitri Kas

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Swiss industrial designer Guberan

Society
Christophe Guberan, a Swiss industrial designer based in Lausanne, is currently teaching product design at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

by Cécile Vulliemin

Airheart Copyright Airheart

8 innovative Swiss games

Society
In today’s society, gaming apps, eSports, online games and even virtual reality games have changed the way the Swiss play. And with its top science universities and creative thinkers, Switzerland is well positioned to be a key ‘player’ in the gaming world of tomorrow.
Christmas tree and cookies

Christmas and New Year traditions in Switzerland

Society
December is full of magic, festivities and light – although every now and then something other-worldly can emerge. It is a time of year well known for its particularly abundant end-of-year celebrations, especially Christian traditions such as Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus) and Christmas.
Barbara Piatti

by Barbara Piatti

Justine Mettraux aboard Teamwork during the Solitaire du Figaro in 2016

The Swiss who shine at sea

Society
This November, Geneva-born Alan Roura is setting sail for his second Vendée Globe – the hardest solo sailing race in the world, and a veritable Swiss tradition for getting your sea legs. Despite not having their own sea, Switzerland's sailors have been taking part in the most prestigious events over the last forty years. We've talked to journalist and sailing photographer Jean-Guy Python who recently published a book on this epic Swiss tale.

by Bertrand Monnard

Mujinga Kambundji

How high will Switzerland climb up Tokyo’s Mount Olympus?

Society

On 31 July 1996, 25 years ago, Pascal Richard from Vaud won the holy grail of medals, becoming the Olympic cycling champion in Atlanta.

by Bertrand Monnard