Salt is much more than just a seasoning. Salt is essential to life, and therefore a valuable commodity. For centuries Switzerland was dependent on salt imports. In 1836, a determined German drilling specialist and ‘salinist’ changed that for good.

Even today, people rhapsodise about the ‘Golden’ Twenties. But how glittering were those years, really? And how strong are the parallels to the current ’20s?

In the 18th century, a pirate was up to mischief on Lake Geneva. He scored his biggest coup when he carried off the French King’s war chest.

What do you do when counterfeiters or a hostile power flood the country with counterfeit money? The contingency plan formulated by the Swiss National Bank: reserve notes.

How the Swiss Othmar H. Ammann (1879–1965) built the most important bridges in New York, but remained unsuccessful in his home country.

Ferdinand Sigg’s aluminium bottles conquered the world. But the Swiss innovator produced much more than trendy drink containers at his plant in Frauenfeld.

From 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.

These days, you can do courses on game design right here in Switzerland. Before the turn of the millennium, however, Swiss game developers led a shadowy existence. But individual productions from our country still created a buzz.