Swiss Stories

Albert Hofmann with a model of the LSD molecule in the early 1950s © Novartis corporate archive

The Swiss beginnings of LSD

History
In a stroke of serendipity over 75 years ago, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann (1906–2008) discovered the effects of lysergic acid diethylamide – otherwise known as LSD. Initially this new hallucinogen was explored by Western scientists for its therapeutic potential. But LSD soon found its way out of the lab and into the world of recreational use by the counterculture movement. From the late 1960s it started to be banned, putting a halt to medical research in psychedelic substances. Since the 1990s, however, clinical studies of LSD have gradually resumed in some countries, including Switzerland.
Artist's impression of the space telescope © ESA/ATG medialab

Switzerland in space

History
Switzerland is leading the consortium of 11 European countries participating in the CHEOPS mission. The CHEOPS telescope was launched in 2019 to learn more about the little-known world of exoplanets. This is the first mission Switzerland has led within the European Space Agency (ESA), although it has been a member since the agency's inception. Other missions are in the pipeline – more on that below.
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 forerunners to both Credit Suisse and ETH Zurich, Alfred Escher had a profound and lasting influence on Switzerland's transition to the modern age.
Kevin Germanier © Le Temps

Eco-couturier Kevin Germanier

History
You won't find any jute dresses in this collection: meet designer Kevin Germanier, the Valais native taking sustainable fashion up a notch with his ultra-glamorous silhouettes made from textile cast-offs.
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.
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).
SapoCycle makes new bars of soap out of used hotel soaps.

The miracle of soap

History
Today more than ever, we are all too aware how important it is to have proper hand hygiene. Disinfectant has been sold out for weeks. The tried and trusted method of cleaning with soap is therefore making a comeback. Soap truly works miracles against viruses and bacteria. Washing your hands regularly and thoroughly can greatly slow down the spread of a virus, such as the novel coronavirus. SapoCycle is a Swiss non-profit organisation, which not only works to improve levels of hygiene, but also makes an important contribution to environmental protection and social integration.