The forests of Switzerland have been managed since time immemorial – and for centuries, they were also cleared on a large scale. The complex relationship between humans and the forest is immortalised in the names of towns and localities.

From Basel and later from Birsfelden, Anne Frank’s father, Otto, worked to ensure that what is probably the most famous diary in history was read all over the world.

Up to the mid-19th century, the mineral hot baths in Baden im Aargau were known for their open-air thermal pools.

With the fall of the beer cartel, Switzerland’s breweries entered a new era. The way was clear for foreign corporations, alternative business models and smaller competitors. This phenomenon reflects the history of an entire national economy.

Gotthelf’s novel «The Black Spider» explores themes of greed, conflict and the power of the plague. But the author also voices his frustration over unchecked forest clearance in his home canton of Bern.

In 1969, the Federal Council had a little red booklet distributed to every household in Switzerland. It was the Zivilverteidigungsbuch, the Civil Defence book. The book caused red faces for years…

At the dawn of the 20th century, electric vehicles were enjoying a golden age. And Switzerland’s contributions to e-mobility received worldwide attention.

Smuggling activity at Switzerland’s southern border increased again in summer 1943. In addition to goods, more and more refugees were smuggled into Switzerland.