Swiss Stories

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

Five laughing girls in Guatemala

The global heritage of Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi – the father of modern education

Society
Few people have had as much influence on education as the Swiss Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi. His energy, persistence and courage, sometimes during periods of political upheaval and war, provided a foundation and inspiration for later educationalists such as Maria Montessori. Today, schools all over the world implement his philosophy.

by John Durham

Electric trucks

Electric trucks herald breakthrough in electromobility

Environment
Environment-friendly electromobility solutions with increased battery capacity from Switzerland are sending a clear signal to the logistics industry.

by John Durham

© CarPostal

PostBus: a Swiss icon

Society
With its distinctive yellow colour and trademark horn, PostBus is part and parcel of everyday life in Switzerland. Discover the history and unique features of the PostBus company as it criss-crosses through the country.
Federal Palace

Everything you need to know about the Swiss presidency

Society
If you have never lived in Switzerland, you may not be familiar with the intricacies of our political system. Our system, which is federal in nature and based on semi-direct democracy, is often described as unique. Switzerland is a federal state with three political levels: the federal government, the 26 cantons and almost 2,000 communes across the country.
Around thirty Zincarlin dala Vall da Mücc are delivered to the maturing cellar in Salorino each week.

The heritage cheese from Muggio Valley

Society
The art of making Zincarlin dala Vall da Mücc is an ancient one. In Ticino's Muggio Valley, the recipe for the heritage cheese has been handed down from one farming generation to the next. But it nearly disappeared overnight. Here is the story of its revival.

by Lea Huszno

Contra Dam

Swiss dams – second to none

Environment
Switzerland has more dams than any other country: the federal government is responsible for 220 major dams and the cantons for roughly 1,000 small-scale ones. This is not particularly surprising. Switzerland, with its abundance of rivers and mountains, is ideally suited to generating hydroelectricity.