Swiss Stories

Florence Schelling

Florence Schelling, the woman at the top of a once male-dominated world

Society
SC Bern is Switzerland's largest ice hockey club, with a CHF 60 million budget and home crowds of up to 17,000 spectators. It has won the Swiss championships 16 times. And it has just appointed a woman as its new general manager and sports director, a first in the sport's history. The smart, self-assured 31-year-old from Zurich used to play in goal for the women's national team. Now she's ready for her next challenge, and it's a surprise choice that has created a stir around the world.

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

© Stadler Rail

Export boom for Swiss rail vehicles

Society
An agile and dynamic Swiss engineering company is enabling tram and train companies to offer efficient and environment-friendly transport options across the globe.

by John Durham

Velo Stromer © Stromer

Swiss pioneering spirit on two wheels

Society
The bicycle is the most practical means of day-to-day transport and is constantly being reinvented: as a piece of sports equipment, as an accessory or even as a vehicle with electrical assistance. Swiss manufacturers have played a key role in the history of the modern bicycle: let’s take a look at their contributions.
Hackbrett © Verband Hackbrett Schweiz

Swiss folk music: 5 traditional instruments

Society
Yodelling, the iconic style of song that echoes through the Swiss mountains, is well known, as is the accordion and the alphorn. However, there are other original instruments in the Swiss folk tradition. Here is a non-exhaustive inventory.

by Tatiana Tissot

Creux du Van, a natural rock arena in the Jura mountains

The Switzerlands of the world

Society
The image of a small landlocked country with a stable economy, growing service sector, and scenic views of roaring rivers, glacier-fed lakes and snow-covered peaks is so associated with Switzerland that it is often used to describe other places.

by Jessica Davis Pluess

Cows

Switzerland's iconic cow

Society
Wherever you go in Switzerland, the ubiquitous cow can be seen grazing an idyllic pasture, as a wooden souvenir, or starring in an advertisement. Favourite animal and overseas ambassador, the cow is a symbol of Switzerland. Find out why.

by Lea Huszno