Jean-Luc Rickenbacher18.09.2025Falling travel costs and diminishing distances led to an increase in tourism in the 19th century. The Swiss mountains held a special fascination for many travellers, and innovative solutions were needed to transport tourists to the more inaccessible mountain areas in comfort.
Jean-Luc Rickenbacher03.04.2024The Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway crosses 83 bridges and goes through 31 tunnels. It connects Switzerland to Italy and is the most direct route between the Gotthard and Simplon lines. The legendary narrow gauge railway in southern Switzerland celebrates its centenary in 2023/24.
Jean-Luc Rickenbacher27.10.2023The first attempts to harness the power of water date far back. Water used to provide the energy to run flour mills and looms. However, the resource only realised its full potential when hydropower began supplying the country with electricity.
Jean-Luc Rickenbacher17.06.2022At the dawn of the 20th century, electric vehicles were enjoying a golden age. And Switzerland’s contributions to e-mobility received worldwide attention.
Jean-Luc Rickenbacher17.12.2021While there have been huge strides forward in exploring the universe, most of the underwater world is still a dark, closed book. The Piccard family has done significant pioneering work in exploring the bodies of water on our planet. The Mésoscaphe submarine descended into the depths of Lake Geneva and was deployed in the world’s oceans. This icon of engineering skill was one of the star attractions at the 1964 National Exhibition in Lausanne.
Jean-Luc Rickenbacher05.05.2021From the 1950s onwards, Lake Lucerne served as the testing ground for a new type of technology. Over a period of more than 20 years, hydrofoils glided over the surface of the water. From Lake Lucerne, the futuristic-looking craft went on to make their mark on the world.
Jean-Luc Rickenbacher19.08.2020A visit to a grotto is a highlight of any stay in Ticino. Enjoying local products and regional dishes under the spreading shade of the trees is an experience not to be missed. What stories could these celebrated stone structures tell?
