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Winter adventures away from the slopes: peace and nature in Switzerland

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The most beautiful winter experiences away from the slopes Reading Time:    4 Min. Publication:           January 02, 2025, Jessy Thür Winter in Switzerland is more than just skiing and après-ski. Those seeking peace and quiet away from the slopes will discover a tranquil, almost magical side to the Alps. Winter hiking and snowshoe tours offer unforgettable experiences for nature lovers, families, or anyone looking to consciously disconnect from the stress of everyday life. Winter hiking and snowshoe tours: pure nature Winter hiking is a gentle way to experience the snow-covered landscape. Well-marked winter hiking trails lead through snow-covered forests, along frozen lakes, or over gentle slopes. Snowshoe tours go one step further: with special snowshoes, you can explore unprepared terrain, far away from the hustle and bustle. Switzerland has around 6,000 kilometers, according to tourism estimates, of marked winter hiking and snowshoe trails tha...
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Understanding Swiss bureaucracy – simply, clearly, and without stress

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Swiss bureaucracy explained simply: From registration to taxes Reading Time:     5 Min. Publication:           December 31, 2025, Jessy Thür Switzerland is considered one of the best-organized countries in the world. At the same time, its bureaucracy can sometimes seem complicated to newcomers and even to locals. Anyone who is new to Switzerland or has to deal with administrative matters for the first time is quickly confronted with numerous forms, deadlines, and responsibilities. 1. Arrival and registration: The first mandatory step Anyone who moves within Switzerland or moves to Switzerland from abroad must register. This is required by law. You must register with the residents' registration office or municipal office within 14 days of moving in. You will usually need an identity card or passport, a rental agreement and, for foreign nationals, an employment contract and, if applicable, a visa. When you register, your place of residence is also o...
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Location: Thurgauerstrasse 40, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland
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The Story of Switzerland’s Railways

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From Mountain Paths to Iron Rails Reading Time:        4 Min. Publication:             December 23, 2025, Jonathan Schönholzer Switzerland’s rail network is widely regarded as one of the most efficient, scenic, and reliable in the world. Trains glide through deep valleys, spiral inside mountains, and connect even the smallest alpine villages with clockwork precision. This remarkable system did not appear overnight. It is the result of nearly two centuries of engineering ambition, political compromise, and a national commitment to public transport that continues to shape Swiss life today. Laying the Foundations in the 19th Century The history of Swiss railways began in 1847 with the opening of the Spanisch-Brötli-Bahn , a short line connecting Zurich and Baden. Like much of Europe, Switzerland initially relied on private companies to build railways, resulting in rapid expansion but uneven coordination. By the late 19th century, tr...
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Location: Zurich HB, Bahnhofplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
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The Colorful World of Swiss Dialects

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Swiss Dialects: Curious, Charming, and Sometimes Incomprehensible Reading Time:      4 Min. Publication:           December 18, 2025, Jessy Thür If you travel through Switzerland, you quickly notice something: Swiss German isn’t uniform. From Basel to Bern , Zurich to Zermatt, it can feel like every valley speaks a slightly different language. The diversity is as charming as it is puzzling. Why are there so many dialects? How do they differ? And why are they often hard to understand for German learners or even Germans themselves? Why Are There So Many Dialects? Swiss German is not a single language but a collection of Alemannic dialects that developed regionally over centuries. Switzerland’s mountainous terrain historically led to isolated communities. Each valley, region, and even village evolved its own linguistic identity. This is why we have Basel German by the Rhine, Bernese German in the central plateau, or Valais German in the Alpin...
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Location: Thurgauerstrasse 40, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland
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The History and Significance of the Gotthard Pass and Tunnel

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A Gateway Through the Alps Reading Time:        4 Min. Publication:             December 16, 2025, Jonathan Schönholzer For centuries, the Gotthard region has been one of Europe’s most important north–south corridors, a dramatic and often treacherous gateway carved through the spine of the Alps. Long before high-speed trains and modern engineering transformed the route into a smooth passage, the Gotthard Pass was a rugged mountain track that shaped trade, politics, and cultural exchange across the continent. Today, its legacy lives on through a triad of extraordinary tunnels that have redefined what it means to cross the Alps. A Medieval Lifeline Through the Mountains The story of the Gotthard begins in the Middle Ages, when merchants and pilgrims sought a faster route between northern Europe and the Mediterranean world. Although steep, narrow, and prone to avalanches, the Gotthard Pass offered a surprisingly direct path over the...
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Location: Schöllenen Gorge, 6487 Göschenen, Switzerland
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Swiss traditions in the digital age: How customs live on online

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Switzerland between tradition and innovation Reading Time:      4 Min. Publication:           December 12, 2025, Jessy Thür Switzerland is known for its deeply rooted customs – from yodeling and flag throwing to alpine cattle drives. These rituals shape not only regional identities but also the national self-image. But in the digital age, the question arises: How can such analog traditions be transferred to an increasingly digital world? According to Switzerland Tourism , local customs are at the heart of Swiss culture. Generations have passed on knowledge, crafts, and rituals through personal exchange. Today, this transmission is increasingly accompanied - and sometimes even supported - by digital media. Digitization as a tool for preservation A prime example is provided by the Federal Office of Culture (FOC) with its “List of Living Traditions in Switzerland.” This collection, which is accessible online at unesco.ch , documents customs usi...
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Location: Thurgauerstrasse 40, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland
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Switzerland’s Hidden Traditions

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Swiss Cultural Treasures Beyond the Usual Clichés Reading Time:      4 Min. Publication:          December 09, 2025, Jessy Thür When you think of Swiss traditions, many people immediately think of alphorn players, yodeling, and cheese fondue. But Switzerland has many more cultural treasures, many of which are little known outside their regions. These traditions tell stories about rural communities, ancient customs, and the diversity of Switzerland. Chalandamarz – Driving out winter ( Grisons ) Every year on March 1, a particularly lively tradition is celebrated in the Romansh-speaking part of Graubünden: Chalandamarz . Young men – and nowadays often girls too – parade through the villages in traditional costumes, symbolically driving out winter with loud cowbells, whips, and songs. The aim is to drive away evil spirits and the cold to make way for spring. The custom is closely linked to the lives of farmers, who depend on good weather and a succes...
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Location: Thurgauerstrasse 40, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland
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