Christophe Droesch13.08.2026In 1456, a pot of millet porridge was transported by boat from Zurich to Strasbourg in a single day. It was still warm on arrival. The trip was repeated in 1576 and feted as a great achievement, but it mainly served to solidify the alliance between the two cities in a politically and religiously charged period.
Thomas Bochet30.07.2026Few items of military equipment are as renowned for their longevity as the ‘Ordonnanzrad 05’ bicycle. It was a staple of military and civilian life for almost a century. In fact, its extensive use within and outside the military plus its legendary indestructibility have made it part of the country’s DNA.
Christian Koller21.07.2026The Olimpiada Popular, or People’s Olympiad, was scheduled to take place in Barcelona in July 1936 as a form of protest against the Olympic Games in Berlin. But on the day of the opening ceremony, the Catalan metropolis became the scene of fierce fighting as the Spanish Civil War broke out. Numerous athletes joined the ranks of those battling to defend the Republic.
Simon Engel11.06.2026Throughout history, rulers have used sport as a stage to present themselves and their ideals in a certain light. The practice began in Roman amphitheatres and continues to this day. Even in Switzerland.
Michael Jucker19.02.2026Biathlon sounds like a sport tailormade for Switzerland. Shooting at targets while on cross-country skis fits perfectly with the definition of the country’s self-image as a nation of skiers ready to rise in defence of their land. However, it has never really taken off in Switzerland, unlike in Germany or Scandinavia. Why is that?
Nils Widmer13.11.2025Elsa Roth from Bern was a ski racer, ski instructor and winter sports official. She co-founded the Swiss women’s ski club and helped run the Swiss national skiing association for almost 35 years from 1939. Today, very few people have heard of Roth.
Michael Jucker02.07.2025The Swiss women’s football team has improved beyond all recognition since 1970. Their football has become more physical, dynamic and tactically refined. However, their greatest challenge possibly lay in gaining acceptance.
Michael van Orsouw03.06.2025Prince Philip, the Queen’s consort and father of the current British monarch, visited Switzerland many times ‒ far more often than his wife. On one such occasion, he took part in the 1981 European Four-in-Hand Carriage Driving Championship held in Zug, where his actions placed the jury in a delicate situation.
