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Showing posts from October, 2025

Zero-Waste movement in Switzerland

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Small shops with a big impact Reading Time:      5 Min. Publication:           October 30, 2025, Jessy Thür The principle of “zero waste” – living without waste or with as little waste as possible – has become noticeably more important in Switzerland recently. The association Unverpackt Schweiz , which was founded in 2019, sees its task as raising awareness of sustainable shopping options and connecting stores that offer products without single-use packaging. Why unpackaged? Our everyday consumption habits generate enormous amounts of waste. According to the Federal Office for the Environment , each person in Switzerland produces around 700 kilograms of household waste per year—one of the highest figures in Europe. Packaging, especially plastic packaging, accounts for a large proportion of this. This is where zero-waste stores come in: they offer food, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies that customers fill into containers they bring with...

Local art and culture in Switzerland

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These studios and galleries are worth a visit Reading Time:      5 Min. Publication:           October 28, 2025, Jessy Thür In many cities, and especially in an art metropolis like Zurich, culture is not only found in the big venues, but above all in hidden studios, off-spaces, and small galleries. Those who want to experience art away from the mainstream often enter spaces where experimentation, local networks, and direct encounters take center stage. Below, I would like to introduce a few places that are worth visiting, with portraits of artists and event tips. Gallery hotspots around the Kunsthaus Zürich The Kunsthaus Zürich acts as a magnet for galleries and creative spaces in its vicinity. A dense gallery mile has developed around Heimplatz, where established and young galleries together form a lively environment. The association “Die Zürcher Galerien” (DZG) represents over 40 active galleries in the city and organizes gallery tours and...

Discover Switzerland in Miniature

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Exploring Switzerland’s Enchanting Miniature Parks - Swissminiatur and Swiss Vapeur Parc Reading Time:        4 Min. Publication:             October 23, 2025, Jonathan Schönholzer Did you know you can explore Switzerland in just a few hours? Hidden among the mountain valleys and lakesides are two unique attractions that bring Switzerland’s landscapes and landmarks to life on a small scale: Swissminiatur in Melide and Swiss Vapeur Parc in Le Bouveret. These miniature parks offer a delightful way to experience the essence of Switzerland, especially for families, train enthusiasts, and travelers looking for something a little different. Swissminiatur: Switzerland in One Afternoon Nestled on the shores of Lake Lugano in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, Swissminiatur has been wowing visitors since 1959. Covering more than 14,000 square meters, it is Switzerland’s largest open-air miniature park, showcasing over 120 meticulou...

Top local language schools in Switzerland

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Where learning a language is really worthwhile Reading Time:      5 Min. Publication:           October 21, 2025, Jessy Thür Switzerland is a multilingual country—German, French, Italian, and Romansh are official national languages. So it's no wonder that interest in language courses is particularly high here – whether for work, everyday life, or integration. In this article, we present some of the best local language schools in Switzerland that impress with their quality, commitment, and diversity. 1. Migros Club School – Language courses in almost every city The Migros Club School is represented throughout Switzerland – from Zurich to Lausanne to Lugano. It offers language courses in over 30 languages, including integration courses and business language training. The German courses for migrants and the practical evening courses for working people are particularly popular. Thanks to flexible course formats (in-person, online, or hybrid), th...

Switzerland’s Iconic Mountain Peaks

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Where Majesty Meets Adventure – The Spirit of the Swiss Alps Reading Time:        4 Min. Publication:             October 16, 2025, Jonathan Schönholzer Few countries capture the imagination of travelers quite like Switzerland. With its pristine lakes, storybook villages, and chocolate-box scenery, the nation is defined by one element above all, its mountains. The Swiss Alps have long been a symbol of natural grandeur, drawing climbers, skiers, and dreamers from around the world. From the instantly recognizable Matterhorn to the lesser-known yet equally striking Jungfrau, each peak tells a story of history, culture, and awe-inspiring beauty. The Matterhorn: The Pyramid of the Alps No mountain in Switzerland, or perhaps the world, is more famous than the Matterhorn . Rising to 4,478 meters, its near-perfect pyramid shape dominates the skyline above Zermatt. The first successful ascent in 1865 ended tragically, with four climbers f...

Switzerland’s Most Scenic Castles

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Timeless Majesty - Discover Switzerland's Most Beautiful Castles Reading Time:        4 Min. Publication:             October 09, 2025, Jonathan Schönholzer Switzerland’s landscape of soaring Alps and glacial lakes is dotted with more than a thousand castles, fortresses, and stately homes, silent witnesses to centuries of European history. Each one tells a story of power, defense, romance, or art. For travelers, these castles are not just architectural treasures but also windows into the country’s medieval soul. Château de Chillon – The Jewel of Lake Geneva Few castles capture the imagination like Château de Chillon , perched dramatically on the shores of Lake Geneva near Montreux. Dating back to the 12th century, this fortress was once the residence of the Counts of Savoy and later a prison immortalized by Lord Byron in his poem The Prisoner of Chillon . Visitors can explore its dungeons, grand halls, and lake-view towers, while...

Essential local services for newcomers to Switzerland

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From registration to cell phone contracts - your compact guide to a stress-free start in Switzerland Reading Time:      5 Min. Publication:           October 8, 2025, Jessy Thür Moving to a new country is always a challenge, especially to a country as well-organized but also bureaucratic as Switzerland. Between dealing with the authorities, looking for an apartment, and organizing your daily life, it's easy to lose track of things. To help you settle into your new life in Switzerland during your first 20 days, here is a handy overview of the most important local services you will definitely need - and why. 1. Register with the residents' registration office (within the first 14 days!) The first and most important step: register with the residents' registration office in your municipality. Without registering, you cannot take out health insurance, open a bank account, or obtain a residence permit. The deadline is 14 days from the date of entry...

Moving in Switzerland – checklist and local helpers at a glance

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How to plan your move stress-free: tips, schedule, and reliable moving companies in your region Reading Time:      5 Min. Publication:           October 3, 2025, Jessy Thür Moving is always a big step, both emotionally and organizationally. Whether you are moving within Switzerland or moving to Switzerland from abroad, good preparation is essential. Here you will find a structured overview of the most important phases of a move and learn how and where to find reliable moving helpers in your region, including links to the most important Swiss business directories. Planning starts early – the preparation phase A successful move starts months in advance. As soon as it is clear that a change of residence is imminent, the first step is to check the rental agreement for the current apartment and, if necessary, terminate it in due time. Often, it is also necessary to find a new tenant to avoid additional costs. At the same time, the search for a new...