Swiss Stories

freddy nock tightrope walk near Pontresina

Swiss extreme athletes

Society
Mountains, valleys, lakes and rivers give Switzerland its pleasing landscape. Some people go for a stroll or a quick swim. But for some, grilling a 'cervelas' over the campfire just isn't enough.

by Karine Lamon

Cylinder music box at CIMA © T. Tissot

The captivating delights of Swiss mechanical engineering

Science & Education
Though closely related to watchmaking, Swiss music boxes and automated dolls are still less well known than Switzerland's famous watches. And yet their inner workings are just as complex - sometimes even more so…

by Tatiana Tissot

Zanziba

Swiss drones for mapping Tanzania

Science & Education
With one of the highest rates of population growth in the world, this east African country has acquired dozens of minidrones produced by the Swiss company SenseFly to map its territory.
François Giovanola

The sound of Switzerland

Society
You may have already heard bells reverberating through Swiss pastures, in the mountains or maybe on a farm. Unless there is a church nearby, the sound of bells in Switzerland signals the presence of animals grazing. Bells, as symbols of traditional folklore, serve as shorthand for Swissness.

by Lea Huszno

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

© Paolo De Caro ("Junge Macherinnen", Édition De Caro)

Apps, wine and literature – the young generation of Swiss women creators

Society
They are young, female and are making a name for themselves as the vision behind some innovative new projects and start-ups. More and more young women in Switzerland are breaking out of traditional roles and rejecting the limitations imposed by existing structures to give shape to their ideas.
Photo

Drug checking – the Swiss response to the risks of drug use

Society
People have a fundamental responsibility for their own lifestyle and behaviour. The Swiss National Strategy on Addiction is based on this principle. So is the innovative Swiss approach known as 'drug checking'. Its aim is to promote health literacy among drug users by providing them with information on the composition of the drug(s) they take and increasing their awareness of the risks and consequences of their consumption of illegal substances. Although not all drug use can be prevented and many people choose to consume drugs despite the risks, Swiss drug-checking services strive to minimise risks and prevent harmful consequences such as overdosing.

by Infodrog - Swiss Office for the Coordination of Addiction Facilities