In the spotlight
From the stars to atoms and the history of timekeeping and precision watchmaking
The Observatory of Neuchâtel (l’Observatoire cantonal de Neuchâtel) has long been at the heart of watchmaking certification and chronometry competitions. Today, the Cantonal Observatory of Neuchâtel is a cultural and scientific heritage, dedicated to its role in the history of timekeeping and precision watchmaking. Pavillon Hirsch The Observatory of Neuchâtel For a long time, only … Read more » “From the stars to atoms and the history of timekeeping and precision watchmaking”
In the spotlight
Pyramides, Ossona, Evolène, Triton Alpestre and Marie Métrailler in Val d’Hérens
The name Valais (French) or Wallis (German) is derived from the Latin word valles (valley). During the conquest of what is now Switzerland between 15 and 13 BC (Geneva, inhabited by the Celtic Allobroges under the name Genava, had already been conquered in 120 BC), four Celtic tribes lived in Wallis: the Nantuates, Veragri, Seduni, … Read more » “Pyramides, Ossona, Evolène, Triton Alpestre and Marie Métrailler in Val d’Hérens”
Events
HAP Grieshaber and the Basel Dance of Death in Arlesheim
The medieval Dance of Death was a familiar theme in Switzerland, southern Germany and France during the 14th and 15th centuries. Its emergence was influenced not only by the plague epidemics of the time but also by the orders of the Dominicans and Franciscans. The Dance of Death combined three medieval motifs: the dance motif, … Read more » “HAP Grieshaber and the Basel Dance of Death in Arlesheim”
Commemorations
The Swimming Pool Weggis – from a Disgrace to the Lido-Hallenbad
Following World War I (1914-1918), Switzerland underwent significant changes in its politics, art, and society. For example, the Kurverein of Weggis opened the Weggis Lido open-air swimming pool in 1919. It was the first facility in Switzerland where men and women bathed together on the open beach, i.e., not segregated in their separate areas. The … Read more » “The Swimming Pool Weggis – from a Disgrace to the Lido-Hallenbad”
Monuments
The Prince-Bishopric of Basel, Bern, Jura and Saint-Ursanne
Saint-Ursanne (canton of Jura), named after the saint, is located on the River Doubs. The (Irish) monk Ursicinus (after the Latin word urs or bear) died here around the year 620. Ursicinus and his bear The town and its Benedictine abbey still have their medieval character. The monastery appeared in documents in 830. The (presumed) … Read more » “The Prince-Bishopric of Basel, Bern, Jura and Saint-Ursanne”
Latest news
The Swiss Yodelling Festival Unites Nations and Continents.
29 June 2026
It is not easy to describe a music festival in words, but words combined with illustrations can speak for themselves. This is particularly true of vocal (yodelling) and instrumental (Alphorn) music, which form part of Switzerland’s and UNESCO’s cultural heritage. Moreover, the Eidgenössische Jodlerfestival, recently held in Basel (26–28 June), also features a non-musical element: … Read more » “The Swiss Yodelling Festival Unites Nations and Continents.”
Agenda
Pierre Jaquet-Droz’s journey to Spain (1758-1759)
2 June 2026
On the advice and encouragement of George Keith (1686–1778), also known as Milord Maréchal, the governor of the Principality of Neuchâtel, Pierre Jaquet-Droz (1721–1790) – a watchmaker from La Chaux-de-Fonds, who had already built up a reputation in Switzerland and beyond – decided to travel to Madrid in 1758 to present some of his finest … Read more » “Pierre Jaquet-Droz’s journey to Spain (1758-1759)”
Constitution, Democracy, cantons
The Dufour map and the European Union
14 July 2026
The topographical map of Switzerland at a scale of 1:100,000, better known as the Dufour map, still provides numerous historical, cultural and political points of reference today. The map’s creator, Guillaume-Henri Dufour (1787–1875), served as a general during the Sonderbund War (1847) and was a member of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) … Read more » “The Dufour map and the European Union”
Local history
Schöntal Monastery, the Tüfelsschlucht and the Furnaces in the Dürsteltal
22 May 2026
Love and hate, good and evil, the devil and the angel, the canton of Basel-Landschaft and the canton of Solothurn sometimes merge seamlessly. This is also true of the former Schöntal Monastery near Langenbruck (canton of Basel-Landschaft) and, a few kilometres further on, the Tüfelsschlucht (Devil’s Gorge) in the canton of Solothurn. The Tüfelsschlucht near … Read more » “Schöntal Monastery, the Tüfelsschlucht and the Furnaces in the Dürsteltal”
Nature and Tourism
Elgg Castle, the Hauenstein Ruins and the Guhwilmühle
22 May 2026
It is only a few kilometres from Elgg Castle to the thousand-year-old Hauenstein Castle on the summit of the Hauenberg. What both castles have in common is that they can no longer be seen in their original form. Elgg Elgg Castle, Kyburg Castle and the Hauenstein ruins Elgg Castle, however, is still inhabited, whereas Hauenstein … Read more » “Elgg Castle, the Hauenstein Ruins and the Guhwilmühle”