Swiss Stories | House of Switzerland

Albert Hofmann with a model of the LSD molecule in the early 1950s © Novartis corporate archive — The Swiss beginnings of LSD
History

In a stroke of serendipity 80 years ago, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann (1906–2008) discovered the effects of lysergic acid diethylamide – otherwise known as LSD. Initially this new hallucinogen was explored by Western scientists for its therapeutic potential. But LSD soon found its way out of the lab and into the world of recreational use by the counterculture movement. From the late 1960s it started to be banned, putting a halt to medical research in psychedelic substances. Since the 1990s, however, clinical studies of LSD have gradually resumed in some countries, including Switzerland.

Swiss Tech Convention Center © Alain Herzog / EPFL — The EPFL – at the heart of Health Valley
Science & Education

What do the first Swiss satellite sent into space, the first balloon to travel around the world without stopping and the Human Brain Proj

Chasselas — Grape varieties – Swiss made
Environment

You may be surprised to hear that Switzerland has more than 200 indigenous grape varieties. For hundreds of years now, many of these have been imported and bred by winegrowers all over the world. Among the most widespread varieties worldwide are Merlot for red wine and Chardonnay for white.

Hugo Koblet — Swiss cycling pros
Society

Switzerland is not just a nation of tennis players and skiers. The competitive cycling scene has also often seen Swiss pros in the lead in the world's most important races. Five powerful pedallers: introducing Switzerland's leading cyclists.

ACE expedition — When Switzerland enhances polar research
Science & Education

The Swiss Polar Institute (SPI) typifies the Swiss grass-roots approach to research. It is the result of an initiative by passionate and dedicated individuals who work with Swiss research institutions. The Swiss government is delighted to be able to support such initiatives.

portrait sarah marquis — Sarah Marquis, always on the move
Environment

Books, lectures, and of course expeditions: Swiss explorer Sarah Marquis never stops. We caught up with her before she hit the road again.

The Swiss football brand

After advancing from the qualifiers to the final stages of the World Cup in 1994 (for the first time since 1966), Swiss football changed forever. Nowadays Switzerland sends its footballers off to play for England, Germany and Italy.

by Julien Gremaud