General Information about the House of Switzerland

What is the House of Switzerland?

The House of Switzerland is Switzerland’s official hospitality centre, which is set up and furnished on the occasion of the Olympic Games and operated throughout the duration of the games.

The history of the House of Switzerland began with the 1998 Winter Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan, where the Swiss athletes, the official delegations and fans met in the Swiss House and celebrated the spirit of sport together. Since then, the House of Switzerland has developed from a sort of “local pub” into an extensive platform for Switzerland’s communication abroad.

Switzerland’s hospitality centre is one of only a few nation houses at the Olympics to be open to the general public and is an example of a successful public/private partnership.

What is the purpose of the House of Switzerland?

The official Swiss nation house acts not only as a platform for Switzerland’s communication abroad but also as a central meeting place for decision makers from business, government, tourism, academia and sport. The House of Switzerland is the official meeting point of the Swiss Olympic team and venue for the official medal celebrations of Swiss medal winners.

Who are the organisers of the House of Switzerland?

The project management of the House of Switzerland is in the hands of Presence Switzerland within the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA. As part of the FDFA, Presence Switzerland promotes the visibility of Switzerland abroad. Presence Switzerland fulfils this mandate amongst others by ensuring a comprehensive Swiss presence at major international events such as the Olympic Games.
Presence Switzerland manages the House of Switzerland on the basis of a remit from the Swiss Confederation and within the framework of the strategy pursued by Switzerland’s communication abroad under the umbrella of Brand Switzerland. For more information about Presence Switzerland, please consult www.image-switzerland.ch.

Who are the partners supporting the House of Switzerland?

The House of Switzerland is an example of a successful public/private partnership supported by institutional partners and Swiss businesses from the private sector of the economy.

The following are the partners who have pledged their support for the House of Switzerland at the 2012 Olympic Games in London:

Destination Partner: Bernese Oberland – Jungfrau

Official Partners: Swiss Olympic Association, Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, Switzerland Tourism, Embassy of Switzerland in the United Kingdom, Swiss Federal Office of Police

Catering Partner: Mosimann’s

Silver Partners: Lindt, Zurich

Bronze Partners: Habegger, SWISS International Airlines, Victorinox

Cultural Partner: International Radio Festival, Pro Helvetia

Suppliers: Securitas, Switcher

How much does the House of Switzerland cost and how is it funded?

The project budget for the House of Switzerland amounts to 4.5 million Swiss francs.

The House of Switzerland is being paid for a maximum of 2/3 by the Swiss Confederation and for a minimum of 1/3 by private Swiss organisations and businesses.

Who is the House of Switzerland’s target group?

British, Swiss and international visitors to the Olympic Games
The Swiss Olympic team, Swiss athletes and fans
Local, national and international authorities as well as opinion leaders in the fields of business, culture, tourism, sport and the environment
British and Swiss media
Social media and networks
International, national and Swiss tourists
Tour operators

Is the House of Switzerland also going to be open during the Paralympic Games from 29 August to 09 September 2012?

The "Red Zone" spirit will stay on in Southwark during the Paralympics. We will host a dedicated "Swiss Fan Zone" at La Cave restaurant for the duration of the Games, featuring public viewings, music and a chance for athletes and fans to mingle in a welcoming environment. The Fan Zone will be officially opened by the President of the Swiss Confederation, Federal Councillor Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, who will also attend the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympics on 29 August. Follow the Embassy’s Facebook and Twitter account for more information in the weeks ahead.

I would like to play a part in the House of Switzerland project. How can I apply for a job there?

There are no vacancies at the moment.