Swiss Stories

The saffron flower is violet. It blossoms in the month of September in the fields of Upper Valais.

The red gold of Upper Valais

Society
Saffron has been cultivated in Mund, in Upper-Valais, since the 14th century. It is the only village in Switzerland where the spice still grows naturally. We examine a family tradition that has endured to this day.

by Lea Huszno

The book : 50 sensational Swiss women

3 sensational Swiss women

Society
Swiss history is replete with exceptional women. A book published this year profiles 50 of them: co-produced by five authors and one illustrator, it is aptly titled 50 Suissesses sensationnelles (50 sensational Swiss women). We have selected the portraits of three Swiss women who, through their convictions and experiences, contributed in their time and continue to do so to this day to advancing the cause of women and gender equality in our society. We hope that these portraits will encourage you to discover others !
"Planet earth first"

Sonia Seneviratne – Swiss expertise furthering the fight against climate change

Science & Education
Swiss researcher Sonia Seneviratne, a specialist in heat waves, droughts and other extreme events, combines scientific rigour with a commitment to fight global warming. Co-author of the latest IPCC report on the physical impacts of climate change, she is considered one of the world's most influential climate scientists.
Wow museum room

Four unusual Swiss museums you might not have heard of

Society
With over 1,110 different museums covering everything from art, science, or history, Switzerland’s museum landscape has much to offer. No wonder it has gained a reputation near and far. Yet, when asked about Swiss museum experiences most of us can only think of the usual suspects. With this Swiss Story, we want to take you on a journey to four unusual museums that you might not have heard of yet and that might just tell you something unexpected about Switzerland.
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.
asteroid

Outer space: the Swiss women looking to the stars

Science & Education
Women took an interest in space long before the space agencies undertook to diversify their teams of astronauts. Three Swiss women with their feet firmly on the ground and their faces turned to the stars share what attracted them to the space sector.

by Geneviève Comby

wheelchair athlete

Switzerland's hopes for the Paralympics

Society
The Olympic Games for athletes with a disability will start on 24 August in Tokyo. Marcel Hug, who won two gold medals in Rio, and two young athletes Sofia Gonzales and Nora Meister are among the Swiss competitors with the potential to reach the podium.

by Bertrand Monnard