Michael Jucker24.09.2026In the past, many sports clubs encompassed more than one discipline. One example was FC Zurich, whose former rowing section had a particularly eventful and successful history.
Moisés Prieto22.09.2026In 1976, members of the association for Swiss veterans of the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) unveiled a commemorative plaque in Zurich for the fallen fighters. This was the first small step towards official recognition.
Thomas Weibel17.09.2026Hail poses an existential threat to agriculture. For decades, Swiss farmers tried to prevent damage to their crops using silver iodide rockets. In 1986, a report by ETH Zurich shattered the bold dreams of hail prevention.
Roberta Spano / Dorothe Zimmermann15.09.2026From airplanes to wings and skyscrapers: historic scientific discoveries were made in the wind and supersonic tunnels of ETH Zurich during the 1930s. Models used for teaching and research in the two tunnels serve as reminders of a pioneering spirit, military requirements and unrealised dreams.
Barbara Basting10.09.2026The Great St Bernard Pass has always been known as a major alpine crossing point. Napoleon Bonaparte made skilful use of it for propaganda purposes.
Matthias Wiesmann03.09.2026“Feed your savings now or starve in old age” and similarly blunt aphorisms were printed on cards issued to Swiss schoolchildren in 1946 in an attempt to motivate them to start saving. Adults were also encouraged, by various means, to set money aside for the future.
Maël Roumois01.09.2026Swiss mercenaries in foreign service, known by names such as Reisläufer (ones who go to war) or Cent-Suisse (‘Hundred Swiss’; soldiers who guarded the French king), were feared throughout Europe. They began bearing regimental flags with flame-like designs from the 17th century while in the service of France. These flags became synonymous with Switzerland’s illustrious military tradition.
