Swiss Stories

Funicular railway Stoos © Doppelmayr

The Garaventas: the Swiss cable car pioneers

Society
Like Nestlé and Maggi, Garaventa is another Swiss business success story that all began with immigration. The company founded by the Garaventa family is now the global leader in cable transport systems.
plastic startups

Swiss start-ups reinvent the plastics industry

Environment
As progress broadens the spectrum of technologies capable of reducing our plastic footprint, start-ups in Switzerland are making their presence felt in a bid to combine ecology with profitability.
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

© ETH Zürich / Nicola Pitaro

Technology that moves you

Society
Getting up off the sofa, climbing stairs, slicing bread or changing a light bulb: everyday tasks like these can be a real obstacle for people with disabilities. Assistive technologies are there to help with such day-to-day challenges, but that's not all. Some people are even taking it to championship level – like the ETH Zurich international 'cybathlon', a rather unique competition.
Florence Schelling

Florence Schelling, the woman at the top of a once male-dominated world

Society
SC Bern is Switzerland's largest ice hockey club, with a CHF 60 million budget and home crowds of up to 17,000 spectators. It has won the Swiss championships 16 times. And it has just appointed a woman as its new general manager and sports director, a first in the sport's history. The smart, self-assured 31-year-old from Zurich used to play in goal for the women's national team. Now she's ready for her next challenge, and it's a surprise choice that has created a stir around the world.

by Bertrand Monnard

Tavillon

The 'tavillon' or wooden shingle – ancestral craft and living tradition

History
The smooth covering of wooden scales that clothes the curves of many a roof are part of Switzerland's built heritage. A technique passed on orally from generation to generation
Some six million tonnes of goods are transhipped annually at the Port of Switzerland alone. © Patrik Walde

Full speed ahead thanks to Swiss batteries

Science & Education
ll aboard Ellen, the world's largest fully electric-powered ferry. As it makes its regular crossing, there is none of the noise or the fumes and smoke of a diesel engine. Without a single drop of heavy fuel oil, Ellen has paved the way for further advances in electric maritime mobility. The electrification of shipping is gaining ground, making an important contribution to emissions-free transport. Among the global leaders in innovative e-transport solutions are Swiss companies such as Leclanché.