Every 31 December and 13 January, bizarre and fantastical figures rove the hinterland of the Canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden. Some wear ornate headdresses, others grotesque animal faces. These are the «Silvesterkläuse» that usher out the old year and ring in the new.

An elevator to the 3,700-metre summit of the Wetterhorn. At the beginning of the 20th century, this was one engineer’s dream. His dream did eventually come true, even if not in its entirety: in 1908 Switzerland welcomed its first aerial cableway for passenger transport.

In 1961, SBB brought the electric Trans-Europe Express train into operation. The TEE is still regarded as a symbol of luxury travel and technological advancement.

Renowned for its beauty and ranking among the best-preserved of medieval European castles, Chillon Castle is a medieval fortress on the shores of Lake Geneva. It was the seat of the powerful Counts of Savoy until 1536, when Bernese troops seized it. Later, the castle was a source of inspiration for writers and poets.

On 29 August 1935, Queen Astrid of Belgium dies in a car accident on Lake Lucerne. Just one day later, the whole world knows. Thanks to a resourceful Swiss photographer and the help of a well-known aviation pioneer.

Stereoscopics, the three-dimensional depiction of two-dimensional images, captivated viewers across the globe in the 19th century. And the phenomenon helped to cement Switzerland’s status as a highly desirable tourist destination.

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.

In 1988, Prince Charles was caught in an avalanche in Klosters. While he got away with a shock, his friend died in the snow. The accident had drastic consequences.