Swiss Stories

ICRC headquarters in Geneva

70 years Geneva Conventions

History
The Geneva Conventions, which are universally ratified, represent a unique commitment to a common humanity and constitute the core of international humanitarian law. Over the past seven decades they have saved millions of lives in hundreds of conflicts around the world.
Aerial view of Davos today

The German doctor who created Davos

History
A German migrant and asylum seeker, Alexander Spengler, was the first to develop this mountain resort. 
Barbara Piatti

by Barbara Piatti

Matterhorn © Ivo Scholz/ Switzerland Tourism

Symbol of solidarity

Environment
Amid the COVID-19 crisis, images of the Matterhorn have been broadcast around the world. The legendary Swiss mountain has been beaming messages of solidarity and hope for the pandemic.
Andri Ragettli

Andri Ragettli: working out under lockdown

Society
Andri Ragettli, the Swiss freestyle skiing phenomenon, is almost more famous for his crazy parkour workout videos than for his World Cup wins. Now he has devised a 'stay at home' parkour workout for people under lockdown.
Centovalli Express, Intragna, Ticino. © Swiss Travel System AG

The hidden gems of Switzerland’s public transport

Environment
Gornergrat? Been there. Glacier Express? Done that. Fans of Switzerland already know and love the country’s public transport gems. But there are many trips and means of transport that are less well known. So, now’s the perfect time to discover some of these hidden treasures – and Switzerland has plenty.
Konzertsaal Tonhalle Maag, Zürich, Switzerland © Unsplash @gwundrig

Swiss choral singing: a tradition that unites

Society
Singing together is about meeting, communicating, sharing a part of yourself and connecting with like-minded people. The importance of Switzerland's choral singing tradition is reflected in the number of young people making up today's ensembles.
© Romande Energie

World's first high-altitude floating solar farm – in the Swiss Alps

Environment
The Swiss mountain village of Bourg-Saint-Pierre has a unique claim to fame: a floating solar power plant at 1,810 metres above sea level.

by Lea Huszno