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The Story of the Swiss Flag

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A White Cross on Red Reading Time:        4 Min. Publication:             January 27, 2026, Jonathan Schönholzer The Swiss flag is one of the most instantly recognizable national symbols in the world. Simple, bold, and unmistakable, its white cross set against a red background conveys ideas of neutrality, unity, and tradition. Unlike most national flags, Switzerland’s is square, not rectangular, a distinction it shares with only one other country. Behind this striking design lies a history shaped by medieval warfare, regional alliances, and the gradual formation of the Swiss Confederation. Medieval Roots and the Birth of a Symbol The origins of the Swiss flag can be traced back to the late Middle Ages, when the early Swiss Confederates fought to defend their independence against powerful neighbors. During battles in the 13th and 14th centuries, soldiers from the original cantons wore white crosses sewn onto their clothing as a fiel...

Rare jobs and unusual services in Switzerland

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Professions that are out of the ordinary: what makes the Swiss working world so unique Reading Time:      5 Min. Publication:           January 22, 2026, Jessy Thür Switzerland is considered a country with a high quality of life, a stable economy, and diverse job opportunities. In addition to traditional professions such as doctor, engineer, or bank employee, this Alpine country also offers a surprising number of unusual, rare, or even bizarre jobs—some deeply rooted in tradition, others modern and unique. In this article, we present some of the most fascinating jobs and services that exist in Switzerland – and show how diverse and surprising the Swiss job market really is. 1. The traditional umbrella repairer – craftsmanship with passion In an age where many things have become consumer-oriented and disposable, traditional craftsmanship is experiencing a rare resurgence. One example of this is the umbrella repairer , such as Erich Baumann, wh...

Swiss peculiarities and local business models in Switzerland

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Local business models that only work here Reading Time:      5 Min. Publication:           January 20, 2026, Jessy Thür Local culinary culture: Confiserie Sprüngli & Villars Chocolatier Confiserie Sprüngli in Zermatt  is a prime example of a Swiss specialty that is closely intertwined with the local market. The traditional Zurich-based confectionery is known for traditional Swiss sweets such as Luxemburgerli and has been an integral part of Swiss food culture for decades, with numerous branches across the country and a strong local following. The brand's history encompasses not only economic success, but also local customs and social rituals, such as the Sprüngli coffee house as a meeting place in Zurich. Villars Maître Chocolatier , a chocolate manufacturer based in Fribourg, also has strong local ties. Since 1901, the company has been producing chocolate with a high proportion of regional raw materials and attracts many visitors fr...

The Tradition of Swiss Farming and Agriculture

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Farming Rooted in the Alps Reading Time:        4 Min. Publication:             January 15, 2026, Jonathan Schönholzer Agriculture has shaped the Swiss landscape, economy, and culture for centuries. From alpine pastures dotted with grazing cows to meticulously tended vineyards and family-run farms on the Swiss Plateau, farming in Switzerland is defined not by scale, but by quality, sustainability, and a deep connection to the land. Farming in a Challenging Landscape Only about a third of Switzerland’s land area is suitable for agriculture, and much of that lies in hilly or mountainous terrain. Large industrial farms are rare; instead, Swiss agriculture is dominated by small and medium-sized family farms, many of which have been passed down through generations. These farms have adapted to steep slopes, short growing seasons, and variable weather by focusing on livestock, grassland management, and specialized crops. Dairy farming...

Skiing in Switzerland

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Powder, Peaks, and Precision Reading Time:        4 Min. Publication:             January 13, 2026, Jonathan Schönholzer Skiing in Switzerland is more than a winter sport, it is a cultural tradition woven into the fabric of alpine life. With dramatic mountain scenery, meticulously maintained resorts, and a history that helped shape modern skiing itself, Switzerland occupies a special place in the global ski world. From glamorous international destinations to quiet village slopes, the Swiss Alps offer an experience that blends natural beauty, engineering excellence, and a distinctly refined approach to mountain sports. The Birthplace of Alpine Ski Culture Switzerland played a central role in the development of skiing as both recreation and competitive sport. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, British winter tourists flocked to alpine towns such as St. Moritz , Davos, and Mürren, transforming them into early ski resorts. Lo...

Local services in Switzerland: The invisible helpers of everyday life

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The most important local services in Switzerland that you only miss when they are gone Reading Time:      5 Min. Publication:           January 08, 2026, Jessy Thür Switzerland is one of the countries with the highest quality of life worldwide. However, this prosperity is based on a network of local services and public infrastructure that are taken for granted in everyday life. Many people only realize how important they are when they are disrupted or unavailable.  Basic services: water, energy, and waste disposal What happens if clean water suddenly stops coming out of the tap or the power goes out? In Switzerland, clean drinking water, reliable electricity, and functioning waste disposal are part of the basic services provided by municipalities and local utility companies. Waterworks supply drinking water that is considered among the purest in Europe, and electricity is provided via a dense network of power plants and distributors. The...

Everyday Life in Switzerland: Winter Edition

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How Life Changes During the Swiss Winter Reading Time:      5 Min. Publication:           January 06, 2025, Jessy Thür Winter in Switzerland is more than just a season; it has a profound impact on our everyday lives. From commuting to work and energy issues to leisure and health, when temperatures drop and days get shorter, life in Switzerland adapts. But climate change and social developments are also bringing about long-term changes. Weather and climate – less snow, more rain Traditionally, Swiss winters are characterized by snow and frost. However, in recent years, Swiss climate data clearly shows that this is changing: The zero-degree line is shifting upwards, and milder winters are becoming more common. Snow is increasingly falling at higher altitudes, while precipitation in lower regions is increasingly coming in the form of rain. Climate change has already led to significant glacier shrinkage – with impacts on water resources, landsca...