Swiss Stories

Amaury Guichon

Amaury Guichon's chocolate creations go viral

Society
Despite being told by his teachers that he would never amount to anything, Amaury Guichon refused to give up on his dreams. Today, at the young age of 32, he has become the world's most famous chocolatier, boasting 50 million followers on social media. He has also founded his own pastry academy. Portrait of a resilient entrepreneur.

by Lea Huszno

Panneaux solaires

Swiss technology tackles the climate crisis

Environment
Swiss start-ups and Swiss-based multinational companies are developing promising and often little-known solutions to address global warming. We visited several Swiss companies that are working to tackle the climate crisis.
earth from space

A Swiss astronaut on the launching pad!

Science & Education
Fulfilling a childhood dream is the stuff of a story worth telling. As a child, Marco Sieber was fascinated by space travel, reading many a book on the subject, and even building a model rocket with his brother. He could never have imagined that one day he might actually have the chance to experience space travel!

by John Durham

Rorschach test

The Rorschach test, invented by a Swiss psychiatrist, turns 100

Science & Education
The world's best-known psychological personality test – the Rorschach inkblot – was created in Switzerland 100 years ago. Despite its somewhat mysterious nature, the test continues to be a mainstay of present-day culture and is still used in diagnosis.
Jona PGT, Personal Gallery studio in Lugano

'Swiss Tattoo': Swiss quality under the skin

Society
With 'Swiss made', you know what you're getting: perfect execution, a five-star finish and impeccable quality. This know-how also applies to the Swiss tattoo scene; the country can boast a generation of tattoo artists whose unique talent has earned them international renown.
Petra

The Swiss discoverer of Petra

History
Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, the scion of a wealthy Basel family, converted to Islam to facilitate his work as an explorer. In 1812, travelling almost alone, he discovered the lost red sandstone city of Petra in the Jordanian desert.
Ambulance jet Bombardier Challenger 650

Rega: the Swiss saviour

History
Rega, also known as Swiss Air-Rescue, carries out helicopter and ambulance jet missions in Switzerland and abroad for those in need. The non-profit foundation celebrated its 70th anniversary this year and is supported by the financial contributions of more than 3.6 million patrons.

by Olivia Chang