Swiss Stories

petite vache en bois au bord du lac

The story behind Switzerland's iconic wooden toy cow

History

In Switzerland, the cow is an icon. Without them, there would be no milk, no cheese, no chocolate.
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

Switzerland: cradle of the Winter Olympics

Switzerland: cradle of the Winter Olympics

History
In January 2020, Switzerland will host another Olympic Winter Games. Whereas the Winter Olympics of 1928 and 1948 took place in St Moritz, the 2020 games will put Olympic capital Lausanne in the spotlight.
Matthias Vauthier

by Matthias Vauthier

train in Swiss countryside

A history of the Swiss railway

History
Travelling over 2,000 kilometres per capita per year, the Swiss are among the world's keenest train travellers. With around 5,300 kilometres of railway lines, Switzerland has one of the most extensive railway networks in Europe. But why does this small, landlocked country have the world's densest transport network? What drove the Swiss to build railway lines at such altitudes – sometimes over 3,000 metres? Let's go back in time to find out!

by Swiss Travel System AG

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.
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.
The Swiss who made their mark on the Winter Olympics

The Swiss who made their mark on the Winter Olympics

History
The 2018 Winter Olympic Games are in full swing in PyeongChang – generating excitement beyond the Alpine countries from which they originate. All over the world, winter sports are once again on everyone's lips, as is the case every four years when the Winter Olympics come round again.
Matthias Vauthier

by Matthias Vauthier