Swiss Stories

swiss flag

The Swiss flag – a plus for the country

History
The Swiss flag rarely goes unnoticed. Square in shape, this striking flag composed of a white cross of strictly defined proportions on a red background is not just a distinctive visual icon – it also happens to have a fascinating story.
Matthias Vauthier

by Matthias Vauthier

swatches

The man behind the Swatch

History
Of all the national symbols of Switzerland, watchmaking is one of the most distinctive, drawn from a long tradition dating back to at least the 18th century. But today's Swiss watchmaking also owes its survival to one man whose drive and entrepreneurial spirit changed the industry: Nicolas G. Hayek (1928–2010).
Le Rhône

Enchanted Swiss waters

History
Lakes are deeply mysterious and provide the setting for an array of ancient tales. Lakes are steeped in myth, symbolising unknown realms. They are said to have purifying or life-giving powers.
Cloisonné de Théâtre (detail, 1951) – Aloïse Corbaz – Eternod and Mermod Collection, on loan to LaM (Villeneuve d’Ascq) © P. Bernard

7 Swiss works that have left their mark on art history

History
Switzerland has produced a wealth of artists and designers, making it hard to choose from the abundance of artistic creations on offer. Let’s take a look at our – inevitably subjective – choice of seven Swiss works that have left their mark on the history of art.

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

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