Swiss Stories

Justine Mettraux aboard Teamwork during the Solitaire du Figaro in 2016

The Swiss who shine at sea

Society
This November, Geneva-born Alan Roura is setting sail for his second Vendée Globe – the hardest solo sailing race in the world, and a veritable Swiss tradition for getting your sea legs. Despite not having their own sea, Switzerland's sailors have been taking part in the most prestigious events over the last forty years. We've talked to journalist and sailing photographer Jean-Guy Python who recently published a book on this epic Swiss tale.

by Bertrand Monnard

Mujinga Kambundji

How high will Switzerland climb up Tokyo’s Mount Olympus?

Society

On 31 July 1996, 25 years ago, Pascal Richard from Vaud won the holy grail of medals, becoming the Olympic cycling champion in Atlanta.

by Bertrand Monnard

Parc Ela

Switzerland on Instagram

Society
We have put a few questions to the charming Martina, better known as kitkat_ch, a photographer that pays tribute to Switzerland and its mountains.
Tigerfinkli

9 Nostalgic Memories of Growing up in Switzerland

Society
There was a time when Swiss children went to school on Saturdays. Yet they had enough free time to build cardboard houses, play the game of Gummitwist and amuse themselves with toys that were mostly made out of wood.
Dimitri Burkhard

by Dimitri Burkhard

Hackbrett © Verband Hackbrett Schweiz

Swiss folk music: 5 traditional instruments

Society
Yodelling, the iconic style of song that echoes through the Swiss mountains, is well known, as is the accordion and the alphorn. However, there are other original instruments in the Swiss folk tradition. Here is a non-exhaustive inventory.

by Tatiana Tissot

Jacques Dubochet

Jacques Dubochet, Nobel Laureate

Science & Education
Swiss biophysicist Jacques Dubochet, 75, has being doing volunteer work since he retired. He intends to take advantage of his sudden fame to raise awareness of issues he cares deeply about, like migration and climate change.
Alphorn Milano

8 surprising Swiss records

Society
The next time someone asks you what Switzerland could possibly be good at, show off with one of these Swiss world records!
Dimitri Burkhard

by Dimitri Burkhard