Saint John Nepomuk and tramway 10 of Basel

20 November 2025

The world’s most international and inter-cantonal tramway is number 10, which runs from Dornach (canton of Solothurn) via Arlesheim, Münchenstein (canton of Basel-Landschaft ), Basel (canton of Basel-Stadt), Binningen, Bottmingen, Oberwil and Therwil, Ettingen, Witterswil, Bättwil (kanton Basel-Landschaft), Flüh (canton of Solothurn), the village of Leymen in Alsace (France) to Rodersdorf (canton of Solothurn). The … Read more » “Saint John Nepomuk and tramway 10 of Basel”

The Highest Mountain in the Canton of Zurich and Direct Democracy

6 October 2025

The Schnebelhorn (1,292 m) is the highest peak in the canton of Zurich. The mountain is located in the Töss Valley. The Schnebelhorn The Töss, with a length of 60 kilometres, not only gives the valley its name, but also has a special characteristic that, this time, has nothing to do with climate change: it … Read more » “The Highest Mountain in the Canton of Zurich and Direct Democracy”

The Muotatal, the Monastery St. Josef and the Hölloch Caves

1 September 2025

The Muotatal in the canton of Schwyz is as large in area as the canton of Zug. The area not only has various natural pearls but also a beautiful monastery. Most inhabitants live in the village of Muota. The Monastery The monastery chronicle reports that in 1224, Beguines and Beghards already had housing and a … Read more » “The Muotatal, the Monastery St. Josef and the Hölloch Caves”

Tujetsch, the Tomasee, the source of the Rhine and Andermatt

28 August 2025

Tujetsch (Tavetsch in German) is a region in Surselva (canton of Graubünden). In this area lies the cradle of the Rhine: the Tomasee. The Oberalp Pass connects the Val Tujetsch with the Urseren Valley,  Andermatt and the Romanesque St. Kolumban Church. Andermatt Tujetsch is the name for both the entire valley and the corresponding political … Read more » “Tujetsch, the Tomasee, the source of the Rhine and Andermatt”

A short History of the Avers Valley

20 August 2025

The lower valley section (Campsut, Campsur, Cröt, and Platta) was inhabited in Roman times, whereas the upper part, between Cresta and Juf, served only as pastureland. An indication of this habitation is the persistence of Roman names in use today. The first written mention of Avers (Canton Graubünden) can be found in the statute book … Read more » “A short History of the Avers Valley”

A Swiss story in the Roffla Gorge

29 July 2025

For centuries, the Swiss have built bridges in the most challenging locations, tamed rivers, and constructed tunnels and railways through the heart of the mountains. One of the most remarkable initiatives, however, is the construction of a rock gallery under the Rhine, the Hinterrhein, at the beginning of the 20th century. It resembles, to a … Read more » “A Swiss story in the Roffla Gorge”

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”

The Suonen of the Valais

22 June 2025

The region around Visp (Viège), Raron (Raronge), the Lötschberg (Steg-Hohtenn and Niedergestein), and the Baltschiedertal in the canton of Valais is a dry area in the Rhone basin. Its dry and mild climate promotes viticulture, agriculture, and cattle breeding. Suonen (bisses in French) irrigated the land. Suonen are wooden or stone irrigation systems that lead … Read more » “The Suonen of the Valais”

The underground lake of St-Léonard

11 June 2025

Humans are not the only ones who build tunnels. Nature, too, has a reputation in this field, for example, in Saint-Léonard (Canton of Valais), Vallorbe (Canton of Vaud), and Baar (Canton of Zug). St Léonard is even home to the largest navigable underground lake in Europe, the Lac Souterrain de St Léonard. This 300-metre-long, 20 to 30-metre-wide, and several-metre-deep … Read more » “The underground lake of St-Léonard”

Switzerland is the Herb Garden of Europe

1 May 2025

The medicinal, psychological, and sometimes miraculous (and poisonous!) effects of herbs and plants are as old as humankind on all continents. Native Americans in the Amazon, Indians in America, Chinese, Japanese, Aborigines, Persians, Greeks, Celts, or Romans, every community knew its herbalists and plant experts. The monks on the European continent preserved this knowledge of … Read more » “Switzerland is the Herb Garden of Europe”