Swiss Stories

Michael Weber, head of VariCom, and Danilo Christen, creater of the variety © Sedrik Nemeth

The Fred® pear – the fruit of perseverance and expertise

Environment
The perfect pear does exist. It's Swiss and it's called Fred®. Launched at the beginning of 2018, the fruit is the culmination of an 18-year breeding programme carried out by researchers at Agroscope, Switzerland's centre of excellence for agricultural research. And at the heart of the process: the desire to produce the ideal pear to satisfy growers, sellers and buyers alike.
Lugernsee

Swiss public transport: a masterpiece of innovation

Environment
Travelling by public transport in Switzerland is easy and convenient. Trains, buses, boats and mountain railways whisk passengers to their destination swiftly, on time and in style. Switzerland's public transport system has literally blazed a trail marked by improvements and innovations and is now among the best in the world.
Protection forest above Ritzingen. © Flurin Bertschinger

Switzerland's forests

Environment
Colourful, autumnal forests and pinewoods covered in snow are just as typical of the Swiss landscape as its famous mountains. And they have a variety of functions – providing protection from natural hazards, a supply of raw materials, a habitat for animals and a recreational area for people to enjoy. Let's take a closer look.
The Ocean Mapping Expedition_ Swiss sailing boat Fleur de Passion

Tracing Magellan's route

Environment
In April 2015, the Fleur de Passion, a 33-metre ketch, embarked on a four-year circumnavigation of the globe, following the route taken by famous Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.
epis ble

Climate change: A challenge for Swiss agronomic research

Environment
Confronted with a changing climate, Swiss agronomic research is working to ensure food security.
swiss medicinal plants

Medicinal plants: working with nature for our health

Environment
Industrialisation has somewhat eclipsed the valuable properties of medicinal plants. Recently, however, these noble plants are being rediscovered in Switzerland and are experiencing a renaissance.

by Lea Huszno

The Hérens – queen of the cows

Queen of the Cows

Environment
The Hérens breed of cattle has a special place in Swiss hearts.

by Lea Huszno