In the spotlight
The Simplon Pass, Napoleon, Coaches and the Postauto
Available in German and Dutch
In the spotlight
The Alps in Natural Perspective
Disasters in the Alpine region and Switzerland are in the news almost daily. Avalanches, landslides, melting glaciers and permafrost alternate with periods that are too dry and too wet. The climate is changing, and this has repercussions for humanity in many areas. The causes and consequences are not discussed here; the emphasis is on a … Read more » “The Alps in Natural Perspective”
Events
The Basel Tattoo 2025
After the Eurovision Song Contest and the European Youth Choir Festival, it is now the turn of the annual Basel Tattoo. From July 11 to 19, the Basel Tattoo again unites the international music and entertainment scene in the courtyard of the Kaserne (Kasernehof) in Basel. For the first time, the show will incorporate all the … Read more » “The Basel Tattoo 2025”
Commemorations
Graubünden Car Free 1900-1925
Switzerland boasts numerous historical, political, and cultural peculiarities, in addition to its stunning natural landscapes. One very special one, though, is the former car ban in Graubünden from 1900 to 1925. In 1925, there were 136 passenger cars; by 1967, this number had increased to 24,000. In 2020, there were approximately 150,000 cars for the … Read more » “Graubünden Car Free 1900-1925”
Monuments
The Mills of St. Luc and Switzerland’s Industrial Past
The industrial revolution, commercial networks, the textile industry, financial services, watchmaking, machine construction, the food sector, publishing and printing companies, and other sectors have characterised Switzerland for centuries. Even in today’s small villages, there is sometimes a small industrial park. An example is St. Luc (canton of Valais). St. Luc is located at an altitude … Read more » “The Mills of St. Luc and Switzerland’s Industrial Past”
Latest news
Barryland reopened on June 26
29 June 2025
How proud, trim and shaven they looked after their manicures, brushed teeth and brushed hair on June 26 at their new home, Barryland in Martigny (canton Valais)! It was, after all, their party because of the opening of the new Barryland complex. The Bernadiners are known for their empathetic and friendly nature, so they invited … Read more » “Barryland reopened on June 26”
Agenda
Van Gogh and Rembrandt at the Fondation Gianadda
3 July 2025
Bringing together nearly 40 works from the prestigious Hammer Museum (UCLA, Los Angeles), the exhibition (De Rembrandt à Van Gogh. Collection Armand Hammer, Los Angeles) takes visitors on a journey through European and American painting, from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. European masters (Rembrandt to Van Gogh, Fragonard to Monet) and American artists … Read more » “Van Gogh and Rembrandt at the Fondation Gianadda”
Constitution, Democracy, cantons
The Swiss franc, The Latin Monetary Union and the Euro
14 May 2025
The Swiss franc (CHF) is 175 years old. It was officially introduced on 7 May 1850. Before the introduction of the franc, there was a huge confusion about currencies. Since the Middle Ages, every canton, city, and diocese minted its own money. People paid with batzen, rappen, taler, oertli, assis, gulden or dicken. There were … Read more » “The Swiss franc, The Latin Monetary Union and the Euro”
Local history
The ancient centre and nature of the Episcopal town of Sitten
23 June 2025
Sion (Sitten in German) in the canton of Valais (Wallis) is one of Europe’s most important prehistoric archaeological sites. The basin of the Sionne, the Rhone, the Valeria and the Tourbillon hills have been continuously inhabited since prehistoric times. At the end of the 1st century BC, Sion became the capital of the Sedunes, one … Read more » “The ancient centre and nature of the Episcopal town of Sitten”
Nature and Tourism
The Imperial Crown of the Val d’Anniviers, le Petit Prince, Ella Maillart and Adeline Favre
1 July 2025
The name Valais is derived from the Latin word “Vallis.” During the Roman occupation, four Celtic tribes inhabited this region: the Nantuates, the Veragri, the Seduni, and the Uberi. The Rhône River originates in this region and follows the valley until it bends north near Martigny, a sort of copy of the “bend” at Basel … Read more » “The Imperial Crown of the Val d’Anniviers, le Petit Prince, Ella Maillart and Adeline Favre”