Local Swiss Guide by Yellow Pages Switzerland

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The History and Mythology of Helvetia

February 17, 2026

The Woman Who Became Switzerland Reading Time: 4 Min. Publication: February 17, 2026, Jonathan Schönholzer Switzerland is often represented not by a king, a warrior, or a mythical beast, but by a woman named Helvetia. She appears on coins, stamps, monuments, buildings , and official artwork, usually holding a shield with a white cross and a spear or flag. More than a decorative figure, Helvetia is the personification of the Swiss nation, an embodiment of its history, values, and self-image. Her story blends ancient tribal roots, classical mythology, and modern nation-building into a uniquely Swiss symbol. From the Helvetii to a National Name The name Helvetia originates with the Helvetii, a Celtic tribe that inhabited the Swiss Plateau in the centuries before Roman conquest. In 58 BCE, the Helvetii famously attempted a mass migration, only to be defeated by Julius Caesar, an event recorded in his Commentarii de B...

Why Swiss Cheese Is a National Icon

February 11, 2026

Cheese - More Than Holes Reading Time: 4 Min. Publication: February 11, 2026, Jonathan Schönholzer Few foods are as closely associated with a country as cheese is with Switzerland . From alpine huts high above the tree line to supermarket shelves around the world, Swiss cheese has become a symbol of craftsmanship, tradition, and quality. While many people think first of pale yellow wheels with neat round holes, Switzerland’s cheese culture is far richer and more diverse. Its iconic status is rooted in geography, history, and an uncompromising approach to production that continues to define Swiss identity. Geography, Cows, and Craft Switzerland’s mountainous landscape plays a decisive role in its cheese-making heritage. Much of the country is unsuitable for large-scale crop farming , but its alpine meadows are ideal for grazing. For centuries, farmers moved their cows to high pastures during the summer months, wher...

Overview of booming industries in Switzerland

February 10, 2026

Where the economy is growing – and which industries are currently in high demand Reading Time: 5 Min. Publication: February 10, 2026, Jessy Thür The Swiss economy is one of the most competitive in the world – stable, innovative, and diversified. But not all industries are developing at the same pace; while traditional sectors such as mechanical engineering and classic industry are facing challenges, there are dynamic growth areas that are currently particularly strong. In this article, I will show you which industries are currently booming, why they are growing, and where the greatest opportunities lie for companies, workers, and investors. 1. Pharmaceuticals and life sciences - still a flagship industry The pharmaceutical and chemical sectors are among the biggest drivers of growth in the Swiss economy. These two industries have recently recorded significant increases in production and exports and have contributed significantl...

Regional business cultures in Switzerland

February 04, 2026

What distinguishes companies in Zurich, Geneva, and Ticino Reading Time: 4 Min. Publication: February 04, 2026, Jessy Thür Switzerland is small but extremely diverse in economic and cultural terms. This becomes particularly clear when comparing the three regions of Zurich, Geneva, and Ticino. Although they are located in the same country and share the same legal framework, companies in these regions differ considerably in terms of their language, culture, management style, and international orientation. Anyone doing business in Switzerland or looking to expand should be aware of these differences and take them into account. Zurich: Efficiency, innovation, and performance Zurich is considered the economic center of Switzerland. The city is home to numerous banks, insurance companies, technology companies, and start-ups. Accordingly, the business culture is strongly performance- and efficiency-oriented. Processes are clearly def...

The Story of the Swiss Flag

January 27, 2026

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

January 22, 2026

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...

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