Swiss Stories

Olympic torch, Glacier 3000

Lausanne 2020

Society
After St Moritz back in 1928 and 1948, Switzerland is now set to host an Olympic event for the third time. The sixth Youth Olympic Games (YOG) will get under way shortly in Lausanne. Former IOC President Jacques Rogge is the inspiration behind the youth event which was launched in 2008. The YOG, which take place this year from 9–22 January, bring together the world's best athletes in the 15–18 age group to compete in 8 sports, 16 disciplines and 81 medal events.
Christmas tree and cookies

Christmas and New Year traditions in Switzerland

Society
December is full of magic, festivities and light – although every now and then something other-worldly can emerge. It is a time of year well known for its particularly abundant end-of-year celebrations, especially Christian traditions such as Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus) and Christmas.
Barbara Piatti

by Barbara Piatti

Football field

Four Swiss coaches dazzling the world of football

Society
Three Bundesliga teams have Swiss coaches – Lucien Favre, Urs Fischer and Martin Schmidt – while Bernard Challandes is currently the manager of Kosovo, one of the standout teams during this year's Euro 2020 qualifiers. The Swiss touch is winning over football fans!

by Bertrand Monnard

Lotti Latrous © Jacques Kouao

Lotti Latrous

Society
Liselotte, or Lotti for short, chose to give up her life of ease and comfort and devote herself, body and soul, to AIDS patients. She has now spent two decades caring for women dying of AIDS-related illnesses and their children who are also infected with HIV. Her work has earned her the accolade 'Swiss woman of the year 2004'.
Cows

Switzerland's iconic cow

Society
Wherever you go in Switzerland, the ubiquitous cow can be seen grazing an idyllic pasture, as a wooden souvenir, or starring in an advertisement. Favourite animal and overseas ambassador, the cow is a symbol of Switzerland. Find out why.

by Lea Huszno

Ini Archibong

Ini Archibong

Society
The 35-year-old American has just completed the Ecole cantonale d'art de Lausanne (ECAL) and has already been hired by a famous French luxury goods maker to design a new watch collection. An achievement that is the result of a carefully planned strategy going back several years.
Monte Rosa Hut SAC

The Swiss mountain huts

Society
The mountain huts operated by the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) are unique in Switzerland and the world. Since the middle of the 19th century they have offered shelter and lodging in some of the most rugged mountain areas of the Swiss Alps. There are currently 153 SAC huts with a capacity for some 9,000 people in the Swiss Alps – from emergency bivouacs at altitudes above 4,000 metres, to self-catering huts, to mountain chalets that offer hikers ample creature comforts. SAC huts are open to all hikers and mountaineers.