Swiss Stories

Federal Palace © Julian Bregnard

Modesty and splendour: the two sides to the Federal Palace

History
Attracting tourists from all over the world, yet largely unknown to the Swiss at home, the Federal Palace stands out from other seats of power. Our journey begins at the very heart of the building, which mirrors the political structure of the country it represents.
Embroidery.

When Saint Gallen's famous embroidery conquered the world

History
What do Michelle Obama, Queen Elizabeth II and Amal Clooney have in common? All three have worn St Gallen embroidery, a renowned Swiss product that has adorned haute-couture garments and underwear the world over since the 19th century.

by Lea Huszno

Swiss cuckoo Loetscher

A little birdie from Switzerland?

History
"Watch the birdie." This phrase once used by photographers to capture the attention of their subjects could just as easily apply to cuckoo clocks. Who among us has never heard the call of a cuckoo mark the passing of another hour? The cuckoo clock has a history dating back centuries that first began in the Black Forest area of Germany, but which was eventually to take flight in Switzerland. Let's shed some light on this funny little bird that conquered the world!

by Dimitri Kas

© Switzerland Tourism

The mystical and mythical edelweiss

History
The flower has attracted admirers and critics over the years but remains one of the most iconic images of Switzerland, adorning everything from airlines to coins to the logo for the Swiss tourism office.

by Jessica Davis Pluess

Alfred Escher

Alfred Escher: a visionary of modern Switzerland

History
As a key figure behind the construction of the first Gotthard tunnel as well as the founding of the forerunners to both Credit Suisse and ETH Zurich, Alfred Escher had a profound and lasting impact on Switzerland's transition to the modern age. In the fledging Swiss federal state of the mid-19th century, one man emerged like no other in Swiss history to capitalise on the changes taking place and shape so much of the country's political and economic development. Here we look at the extraordinary and enduring achievements of Alfred Escher.
William Tell

William Tell, a symbol of Switzerland known throughout the world

History
The story of William Tell is one of the myths surrounding the creation of the Swiss Confederation. First mentioned in the White Book of Sarnen, a collection of manuscripts dating from 1470, he became a household name thanks to Friedrich von Schiller's play 'Wilhelm Tell'. This is the story of Switzerland's iconic hero who has been held up as the personification of bravery ever since.
© Luc Buscarlet

Geneva's Fête de l'Escalade

History
Traditionally held on the weekend closest to 11 and 12 December, the Fête de l’Escalade is a popular event which for several decades has brought together young and old alike in the heart of Geneva.

by Dimitri Kas