Jura Park Aargau,  the Staffeleg, the Fricktal and the Schenkenberg Valley

14 October 2026

Switzerland’s landscapes have evolved over time. The region comprises three major landscape zones: the Alps, the Mittelland and the Jura. Over millions of years, plate tectonics in Earth’s crust has repeatedly formed and erased seas and mountain ranges. Together with changes in weather and climate, these movements of the Earth’s crust have also shaped, characterised, … Read more » “Jura Park Aargau,  the Staffeleg, the Fricktal and the Schenkenberg Valley”

The Alps and the Poet Von Haller

28 August 2026

For centuries, mountains were a ‘no go area’ for townspeople or villagers. Only cattle farmers and traders climbed mountains to pasture their cattle in the summer or transport cattle, their meat and milk products. Jan Haeckert (1628-1690), around 1670. Collection: Rijksmuseum Amsterdam.  Nobody thought of climbing a mountain for pleasure. Although the Dutch and Flemish … Read more » “The Alps and the Poet Von Haller”

Roman archaeo-zoology in Augusta Raurica

18 August 2026

Equus asinus (donkey), Bos taurus (cow), Numida meleagris (guinea fowl), capra hircus (goat), columba domestica (pigeon), pavo cristatus (peacock), sus domesticus (pig), gallus gallus (hen), anser domesticus (goose), anas domesticus (duck) or columba domestica (pigeon) are just some of the animals found in the Roman archaeo-zoology (Archäozoologie) in Augusta Raurica in Augst (Canton of Basel-Landschaft). … Read more » “Roman archaeo-zoology in Augusta Raurica”

The Swiss National Park

31 July 2026

The canton of Graubünden is home to the Swiss National Park (Schweizer Nationalpark/parc national suisse), four regional nature parks (Parc Ela, the Beverin Nature Park, Parco Val Calanca, and Biosfera Val Müstair), and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tectonic Arena Sardona. The Swiss National Park, the Biosphere Reserve Val Müstair, and parts of the municipality of Scuol form the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Engiadina Val … Read more » “The Swiss National Park”

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”

The Celts, Romans, Storchs and nature of Möhlin

28 April 2026

The Ryburg salt mines are now part of Schweizer Salinen AG, a consortium comprising three mines in Bex, Pratteln and Ryburg. Ryburg is part of the municipality of Möhlin (Canton of Aargau), just a few kilometres from Rheinfelden. This site on the Rhine was already inhabited in Roman times. This is hardly surprising given its … Read more » “The Celts, Romans, Storchs and nature of Möhlin”

The Taubenloch Gorge, Petinesca, the Prince-Bishopric of Basel and Bern

12 April 2026

The history of the Taubenloch Gorge (Taubenlochschlucht) as a north-south link and gateway to the Jura dates back to Roman times. The main route from Marseille via Lake Geneva to the Rhine formed one way, whilst a second ran from Bern (Engehalbinsel) deep into the Jura. The Roman Era The two routes crossed at the … Read more » “The Taubenloch Gorge, Petinesca, the Prince-Bishopric of Basel and Bern”

Nature and Trees in Basel

10 March 2026

In the Middle Ages, the forest was a place of danger and mystery. Nobody went for a walk for pleasure. Today, on the other hand, the forest is a refuge for rest, fresh air and the experience of pure nature. The quality of life in the city is closely related to its size, particularly in … Read more » “Nature and Trees in Basel”

The Mountain Passes of the Jura

9 March 2026

Available in German and Dutch.  

Nature Park Doubs, St. Ursanne, Soubey’s Mill and the river Doubs

6 December 2025

From Lake Les Brenets (Swiss name; Lake Chaillexon is the French name), the River Doubs forms the border between France and Switzerland, passing through the beautiful medieval town of Saint-Ursanne (canton of Jura). This river is already a story in itself. Its name derives from the Latin dubius, “doubter”. With good reason, because from its source in … Read more » “Nature Park Doubs, St. Ursanne, Soubey’s Mill and the river Doubs”