Swiss Stories

paul grueninger

The police commander who saved hundreds of Jews

History
As Jewish refugees attempted to flee from Austria to Switzerland, Paul Grüninger, commander of the St Gallen police, disobeyed orders in order to help them. He would pay dearly for it.
Cheese production by the Murith family on the Alp Tsermont at the foot of the Moleson near Gruyeres, FR. © Switzerland Tourism - By-Line: swiss-image.ch/Andre Meier

Swiss cheesemakers conquer the world

History
Gruyère, Emmental and Tilsiter. These Swiss cheeses are famous all over the world. Although the names of these cheeses and the recipes behind them are protected to assure consumers that they are made in Switzerland in accordance with strict standards, Swiss cheesemaking traditions are now thriving in some of the most unexpected places around the world.
© Claudio Bader

The forbidding side of Val Bavona, frozen in time

History
Val Bavona is one of the wildest valleys in the Swiss Alps. Bordering Ticino, it has remained frozen in the 16th century. The valley is only inhabited in summertime and has opted to remain true to its rustic roots, even shunning electricity.
Walter Bovery

Walter Boveri – industrial pioneer and company founder

History
At the end of the 19th century, the great age of electrical engineering had just begun and Walter Boveri, a mechanical engineer with a vision, knew that the energy-hungry, modern, booming cities and their factories needed endless amounts of electricity – and that he was the man to supply it.
Barbara Piatti

by Barbara Piatti

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

train

Swiss public transport – going places for 175 years

History
175 years ago, the Spanisch-Brötli (Spanish bun) line between Baden and Zurich was the first railway to operate in Switzerland. Today, public transport brings hundreds of thousands of people to work and school every day – even in the most remote valleys and regions of Switzerland. Public transport connects and keeps us moving, and it is helping Switzerland achieve its climate goals.

by Union of Public Transport

Bollywood und die Schweiz

Bollywood and Switzerland

History
Switzerland and its mountain scenery are hugely popular in India, mainly because of the Bollywood blockbusters filmed there. Indian filmmakers' passion for Switzerland has helped make it one of the most popular destinations for Indian tourists seeking the locations of some of their favourite film scenes.

by Tatiana Tissot