Swiss Stories

© Claudio Bader

The forbidding side of Val Bavona, frozen in time

History
Val Bavona is one of the wildest valleys in the Swiss Alps. Bordering Ticino, it has remained frozen in the 16th century. The valley is only inhabited in summertime and has opted to remain true to its rustic roots, even shunning electricity.
The Eiffel Tower

Maurice Koechlin, the Swiss who designed the Eiffel Tower

History
The Eiffel Tower has Swiss roots! The statement might seem a little pretentious, but there really is a Swiss connection to the famous tower – the French-Swiss engineer Maurice Koechlin.
William Tell

William Tell, a symbol of Switzerland known throughout the world

History
The story of William Tell is one of the myths surrounding the creation of the Swiss Confederation. First mentioned in the White Book of Sarnen, a collection of manuscripts dating from 1470, he became a household name thanks to Friedrich von Schiller's play 'Wilhelm Tell'. This is the story of Switzerland's iconic hero who has been held up as the personification of bravery ever since.
Embroidery.

When Saint Gallen's famous embroidery conquered the world

History
What do Michelle Obama, Queen Elizabeth II and Amal Clooney have in common? All three have worn St Gallen embroidery, a renowned Swiss product that has adorned haute-couture garments and underwear the world over since the 19th century.

by Lea Huszno

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.
Swiss Army Knife Workshop

The 'Swiss' army knife – a patchwork product par excellence

History
While the Swiss army knife certainly is a genuine icon of Switzerland, the tale of the first pocket knife, which combined a German idea and a French tool with Swiss production and international distribution, must also be told. Timeless and indispensable, the Swiss army knife remains a cult object for young and old alike, for everyday adventurers and explorers in faraway lands.
swiss costumes

Swiss traditional dress – a patchwork of Switzerland's history

History
Switzerland's national costumes are a symbol of centuries-old tradition, their richness reflecting the country's geographical and social diversity as well as its interactions with neighbouring countries.