The Basler Fasnacht, its lanterns and sujets

2 March 2025

On Monday, March 10, at 04:00, the Martinskirche will herald the Basler Fasnacht with the Morgenstreich (Morgenstraich). This UNESCO World Heritage site (since 2017) has undergone numerous changes over the centuries and continues to evolve. Collection: Museum der Kulturen Basel The Museum der Kulturen in Basel, the Fasnachtcomité (and its annual publication Rädäbäng), and various other publications provide … Read more » “The Basler Fasnacht, its lanterns and sujets”

The Peasants War, Reformation, Anabaptism and the Swiss and German Constitutions in 1525

13 February 2025

The previous war was less than a generation old, and new acts of violence continued to occur on both banks along the High and Upper Rhine. The Peace of Basel (1499) occurred during a period of significant changes. Although historical comparisons are mostly anachronistic (as are current criticisms of our ancient ancestors), it is nevertheless … Read more » “The Peasants War, Reformation, Anabaptism and the Swiss and German Constitutions in 1525”

The Swabian, Tyroler, Engadiner or Swiss War in the Heart of Europe

3 February 2025

Four names for the same conflict symbolise Switzerland’s complex history. The war in 1499, or rather a series of battles along the Bodensee, Alpine, High, and Upper Rhine, in Tyrol, Graubünden, Vorarlberg, the Rhine Valley (Rheintal), and the Sundgau and Jura, ushered in a new phase of the relationship between the Confederation (Eidgenossenschaft), Habsburg, Outer … Read more » “The Swabian, Tyroler, Engadiner or Swiss War in the Heart of Europe”

Grindelwald, its Bergschaften, Jungfraujoch and Eigergletscher

18 January 2025

Grindelwald (canton of Bern) is well known for its location at the foot of the Jungfrau and the Jungfraujoch. Today, the municipality of Grindelwald is divided into seven Bergschaften (Bussalp, Holzmatten, Bach, Grindel, Scheidegg, Wärgistal, and Itramen). This situation was different in the 12th century. Barons (Freiherren) ruled the area in the 12th century. However, … Read more » “Grindelwald, its Bergschaften, Jungfraujoch and Eigergletscher”

The Holy Roman Empire, Habsburg, Vorderösterreich and the Confederation

10 January 2025

This article looks at the relationship between Vorderösterreich (Outer Austria/Anterior Austria) and the Confederation. Additionally, it serves as preparation for a more differentiated follow-up article on the Swabian War of 1499 (also known as the Swiss War or Engadine War, depending on one’s perspective). The circumstances, actions and conflicts of that time can only be understood … Read more » “The Holy Roman Empire, Habsburg, Vorderösterreich and the Confederation”

Switzerland, Churchill, Bowring, Toblerones and the European Union

5 January 2025

British aristocrats were the first mountaineers in Switzerland and introduced winter sports (through a bet with the founder of the Kulm Hotel in St Moritz). Such was the enthusiasm that the world’s first Alpine Club was founded in London in 1857, followed in 1863 by the Schweizer Alpen Club (SAC)/Club alpine suisse (CAS). Churchill and … Read more » “Switzerland, Churchill, Bowring, Toblerones and the European Union”

The Rhaetian Railway Company as Grand Hotel

10 December 2024

Which railway company has a slide for children in the carriages and games on and in the tables? Which railway company is (almost) always on time, in all seasons and all weather conditions? Which company has built hundreds of kilometres of rail network over hundreds of viaducts, valleys, mountain passes, rivers, and through mountains and … Read more » “The Rhaetian Railway Company as Grand Hotel”

Sheikh Ibrahim ibn Abdallah from Basel

21 November 2024

Basel hosts one of Europe’s first ethnographic museums. The city also had the first public building, which is now known as a museum. Not surprisingly, many researchers and art collectors of the old Confederation (Eidgenossenschaft) of 13 cantons were active on five continents. For instance, the most extensive European collection on Afghan literature and culture … Read more » “Sheikh Ibrahim ibn Abdallah from Basel”

Rötteln Castle and Markgräflerland as Symbol of centuries-old relationships between both Banks of the Rhine

5 November 2024

Today, Rötteln is part of Lörrach (Baden-Württemberg), just across the border near Basel. However, the former village of Rötteln, not to be confused with the hamlet of Röttelnweiler a few hundred metres away, was one of this region’s most important political centres until 1503. Rötteln The Margraves of Baden, namesakes of the Markgräflerland, and their … Read more » “Rötteln Castle and Markgräflerland as Symbol of centuries-old relationships between both Banks of the Rhine”

The Eiserne Hand and the Memorial 1933-1945 in Riehen

18 October 2024

The jagged border of today’s Switzerland, with its numerous twists and turns and even some foreign enclaves, is the result of a complex interplay between nature, politics, and sometimes chance. The borders of the 26 cantons mostly follow the same pattern. Within several cantons, there are even enclaves of other cantons, and sometimes, the border looks more like … Read more » “The Eiserne Hand and the Memorial 1933-1945 in Riehen”