Swiss Stories

© Ticino Tourism, photo by Enrico Pescantini

Italian-speaking Switzerland, a land of literary inspiration

Society
Did you know that Italian-speaking Switzerland, with its lakes and mountains, features in the works of three giants of world literature? Join us on a literary tour of Italian-speaking Switzerland, stopping in three of the region's most iconic places: Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano and the Gotthard Pass.
© Succession Alberto Giacometti / 2022, ProLitteris, Zurich

In Paris, (Swiss) Italian is also the language of art

Society
For Italian Language Week 2022, the Swiss embassy in Paris went in search of works left behind by Swiss Italians past and present. At the top of a long list is an artist from the canton of Graubünden, who, from an atelier of just 24 square metres in the Montparnasse district, became famous the world over for his artistic creations. We are of course talking about Alberto Giacometti, who is not the only Swiss Italian to have left his mark in France. An alternative tour in the City of Light – in which you will also discover a bit about Italian-speaking Switzerland.
© Swiss Travel System AG / Tobias Ryser

Swiss Public Transport - Sustainable by Design

Environment
Swiss public transport is the preferred way for residents and tourists to travel around Switzerland. Not only because of its unparalleled comfort and convenience but also because the Swiss Travel System is one of the most climate-friendly ways to tour the country. And with growing customer demand for more environmentally friendly forms of mobility, train travel and public transport are witnessing a renaissance across Europe and beyond – a positive development backed up by a study suggesting that travellers are willing to pay a premium in exchange for more sustainable travel options (Booking: 2022). 
©️ Eawag, Tobias Ryser

Eawag – managing a precious resource

Science & Education
The Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) works tirelessly to harmonise ecological, economic and social interests in relation to water usage. The organisation thus serves as a bridge between the scientific world and the 'real world'.

by John Durham

Antoine Preziuso

The Swiss – Artisans of Time

Society
Watches are often associated with Switzerland – a cliché that reflects reality. Swiss watchmaking expertise has been famous and recognised internationally since the 17th century. Here is the story of a tradition that has overcome its share of crises, and is still very much alive. 

by Lea Huszno

CSEM

Switzerland’s key role in space exploration

Science & Education
The applied research company CSEM – the Swiss Centre for Electronics and Microtechnology – has become an important player in the space exploration community by providing highly precise scientific instrumentation for satellites and telescopes.

by John Durham

Perfume in the making

How Geneva became the Silicon Valley of fragrances and flavours

Society
Around the world, Geneva is regarded as a magnet for diplomacy and watchmaking savoir-faire. But the French-speaking canton is also a global hub for scents and tastes, and home of the world’s two leading players. We trace this success back to its origins.

by Olivia Chang