Adrian Baschung09.06.2026The arms factory Waffenfabrik Solothurn AG not only found itself on the Allies’ blacklist after the Second World War, it was also embroiled in a lengthy liquidation process. And what would happen to the arms stored there? A tempting offer came unexpectedly from Hollywood in 1951.
Kathrin Utz Tremp02.06.2026The diary kept by Fribourg state archivist Tobie de Raemy during the early years of the First World War provides a unique insight into the tensions that existed between German- and French-speaking Switzerland at that time. A prime example of this is the riots that took place at Fribourg station when trains travelled through carrying the injured from Germany and France.
Noëmi Crain Merz28.05.2026Two Italian anti-fascists scattered leaflets over Milan in the summer of 1930. They had taken off in a small propeller aircraft from Ticino where the pilot returned to make a crash landing shortly afterwards. This audacious escapade placed neutral Switzerland in a political dilemma.
Helmut Stalder07.05.2026Eighty years ago, the residents of two Swiss mountain valleys managed to avert two huge reservoir projects. In Rheinwald, an early citizen movement took hold, while in the Urseren valley, it took a full-blown riot. It was the first time the people really stood up and reined in technology.
François Wisard05.05.2026Harald Feller was kidnapped by the Soviets in Budapest in 1945. While he languished in Stalin's prisons for a year, Swiss authorities placed him under investigation. After his return, Feller was cleared of all charges. But nobody was interested anymore.
René Roca30.04.2026Glarus holds its People’s Assembly every first Sunday in May. This tradition goes back to the early days of democracy in the Middle Ages.
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’.
Christophe Vuilleumier09.04.2026Following Geneva’s cantonal government elections in 1864, violent clashes took place in the streets of the city. The Confederation ultimately had to intervene and occupy Geneva militarily for several months.
