Reto Bleuer23.04.2026In the spring of 1972, a 45-metre high drilling rig was erected at the foot of the Kurzenberg hill, amid cows grazing in green pastures. Its drill head penetrated kilometres deep into the layers of rock – in search of ‘black gold’.
Noemi Steuerwald21.04.2026The Scout and Guide Movement is one of Switzerland’s biggest youth associations. It is open to both boys and girls who mix freely as members of one organisation, but it wasn’t always like that.
Géraldine Lysser16.04.2026For a long time, beer was a seasonal product of varying quality. The invention of mechanical refrigeration changed all that, freeing breweries from their reliance on natural ice.
Felix Frey02.04.2026Between 1888 and 1952, the Federal Office of Topography produced secret, large-scale maps of Switzerland’s fortified areas. Based on work carried out under the most challenging conditions, these provide a fascinating insight into a hidden mountain world.
William Favre24.03.2026After Japan was forced to open its economy, Switzerland was keen to establish a commercial foothold in the East Asian country. Yokohama, one of the ports opened to international trade, became the centre of the Swiss diaspora in Japan.
Franziska Rogger12.03.2026A landlady from Bern asked for Albert Einstein’s help in taking action against an ex-tenant who had not paid rent. The prominent scientist did not rest until justice was done.
Andrej Abplanalp10.03.2026In March 1945, Karl Wolff negotiated with the Allies in Ascona over a German surrender in northern Italy. After the war, the SS General was shielded from prosecution for war crimes by Switzerland and the United States.
