Swiss Stories

Salt

Salt – the raw material from the Swiss Alps

History
Switzerland is famous for its mountains. Its mountain salt mines are less well known. The history of Swiss Saltworks goes back over 450 years. Salt mining played a major role in Switzerland's development and laid the foundation for today's global chemical and pharmaceutical companies and the country's wellness tourism industry. Salt embodies typical Swiss characteristics such as innovation, tradition, reliability and quality. Read on for a brief history of Switzerland's white gold.
Avengers © Keystone

Five Swiss super talents in the Marvel Universe

History
Where would Stan Lee's superheroes be without Switzerland? The 2019 blockbuster 'Avengers: Endgame' called for no end of Swiss prowess. Indeed, even the heroes in tights seem drawn to our country...
capsules

Éric Favre - the Swiss inventor who put coffee into capsules

Economics
An aerodynamics engineer from the French-speaking Swiss canton of Vaud is the father of capsule coffee. His innovation completely changed the way we drink coffee and made Nespresso a planetary success.
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

A young woman throws her ballot paper into the ballot box. Committee for Bern, 1 March 1970.

Swiss women at the polls!

History
It wasn't until 123 years after the Federal Constitution of 1848 and three years after the social movements in Europe in 1968 that Switzerland granted voting rights at federal level to all its citizens. Surprising for a prosperous and peaceful country like ours? Maybe not, when you consider the Swiss political system and the realities of those times. Let's take a look back at the history of gender equality in Switzerland with Sylvie Durrer, head of the Swiss Federal Office for Gender Equality.
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

Le Rhône

Enchanted Swiss waters

History
Lakes are deeply mysterious and provide the setting for an array of ancient tales. Lakes are steeped in myth, symbolising unknown realms. They are said to have purifying or life-giving powers.