Have you ever heard anything peculiar about Switzerland that you found interesting?

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A member of the Swiss Abroad editorial team, I mainly write about Switzerland's most peculiar features and stories. After completing my master's degree in Asian Studies in Geneva (with a detour at Tokyo University and Kyoto University), I worked on the newsdesk at RSI, occasionally collaborating with Presence Switzerland during the Expo in South Korea and Milan. I have been working for SWI swissinfo.ch since 2016.

Deutsch

Ist Ihnen auch schon mal etwas Merkwürdiges über die Schweiz zu Ohren gekommen, das Sie fasziniert hat?
Français

Avez-vous déjà entendu quelque chose d’«étrange» à propos de la Suisse qui vous a intrigué?
Italiano

Avete mai sentito dire qualcosa di “strano” a proposito della Svizzera che vi ha incuriosito? Original
Español

¿Ha oído alguna vez algo «extraño» sobre Suiza que le haya intrigado?
Português

Você já ouviu algo peculiar sobre a Suíça que tenha achado interessante?
العربية

هل سمعت يومًا شيئًا غريبًا عن سويسرا أثار اهتمامك؟
中文

瑞士有哪些“奇葩事”？你想知道吗？
Русский

Вы узнали что-то странное о Швейцарии? Расскажите нам!

Did you know that it is illegal to keep just one guinea pig in Switzerland? Have you ever heard of the Swiss sport of Hornussen? Is the story about the diplomat who was surprised to find the mummy of his great-grandfather in Egypt true?

Every Saturday we publish an article on quirky topics about Switzerland in our weekly briefing.

Is there anything peculiar related to Switzerland that has caught your interest? Share it with us, and we might feature it in an article!

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Anonymous 2026-06-22 08:40

The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

I’ve heard that the Swiss eat dog – is that true?

J'ai entendu dire que les Suisses mangeaient du chien ?__Est ce vrai

Beatriz Gerber 2026-06-17 13:22

The following contribution has been automatically translated from PT.

and from Shangnau to São Paulo: The Hidden Path of the Anabaptist Gerbers____I was born in São Paulo, my heart drawn to the Swiss roots that lived on in my surname: Gerber of Shangnau. For years, I believed that we had Jewish ancestry. With the innocence of youth, this conviction led me to visit the concentration camps, to study the Shoah with an open mind and, later, to live in Israel for eight months. I was searching for a connection. I felt the weight of history, but something didn’t quite fit. The thread that truly linked me to those ancestors was missing.__Nothing connected me fully to the context. Until a friend, Beatrice, was in São Paulo and, in a casual conversation, mentioned the persecution of the Anabaptists. It was as if a light had been switched on amidst the shadows of centuries. I did some research. I delved into archives, into stories of radical faith and peaceful resistance. I discovered that our name did not come from Sephardic or Ashkenazi lineages, but from the Emmental mountains, from Schangnau (Shangnau), where families like ours experienced the fervour of the Radical Reformation in the 16th and 17th centuries.____Between 1600 and 1700, the Swiss Anabaptists — those who dared to baptise only conscious adults, refuse to swear allegiance to the state, and live out the Gospel in simplicity and non-violence — were hunted down by Catholics and Protestants alike. Imprisonment, exile, galleys, drowning (the ‘third baptism’). Many converted outwardly to survive, keeping their faith in the silence of their homes or in the mountains. Our Gerbers from Shangnau were part of this saga of survival. Not out of cowardice, but through the shrewdness of a faith that hides itself in order to continue existing.__My father, now 100 years old, Swiss at heart but born in Rio de Janeiro, received the news with the cheerful light-heartedness that characterises our family: “Beata, nothing but good news!” He smiled. I, who have inherited a love of genealogy, wept with emotion as I recounted the details to him. There, across generations, a circle was closed. What had been confusion became clarity; what had been the pain of a fragmented identity turned into serene pride.____It is sad, however, to realise how religion — whatever form it takes — so often divides rather than unites. God’s love is immense, boundless, unconditional. The love of men, fragile, stumbles over dogmas, powers and fears. Anabaptists, Jews, Muslims, Catholics: all have paid the price of intolerance. Swiss history bears this wound, just as it bears the beauty of the mountains that sheltered the persecuted.____Today, from São Paulo, I look back with gratitude. This discovery does not erase what I experienced in Israel, nor my deep respect for Jewish suffering. On the contrary: it enriches it. It shows that our roots are more intertwined than we imagine, and that true heritage lies not in ethnic or religious labels, but in the ability to endure with dignity, to forgive, and to seek the truth even when it disrupts our previous narrative.____May this letter reach the Swiss in the diaspora and those who remain in the homeland: our personal stories are threads in the great Swiss tapestry. May they serve not to divide, but to remind us that, in the end, what remains is the humble quest for light — whether in the adult baptism of an Anabaptist, the prayer of a Jew in Jerusalem, or the contemplative silence of a Swiss person in Brazil.

e Shangnau a São Paulo: O caminho oculto dos Gerber Anabatistas____Nasci em São Paulo, com o coração voltado para as raízes suíças que pulsavam em meu sobrenome: Gerber de Shangnau. Durante anos, acreditei que carregávamos sangue judaico. Com a inocência da tenra idade, essa convicção me levou a conhecer os campos de concentração, a estudar a Shoah com a alma aberta e, mais tarde, a viver oito meses em Israel. Buscava conexão. Sentia o peso da história, mas algo não se encaixava. Faltava o fio que verdadeiramente me unia àqueles antepassados.__Nada me conectava plenamente ao contexto. Até que uma amiga, Beatrice, esteve em São Paulo e, em uma conversa casual, mencionou a perseguição dos Anabatistas. Foi como se uma luz se acendesse nas sombras de séculos. Pesquisei. Mergulhei em arquivos, em histórias de fé radical e resistência pacífica. Descobri que nosso nome não vinha de linhagens sefarditas ou asquenazes, mas das montanhas do Emmental, de Schangnau (Shangnau), onde famílias como a nossa viveram o fogo da Reforma Radical no século XVI e XVII.____Entre 1600 e 1700, os Anabatistas suíços — aqueles que ousavam batizar apenas adultos conscientes, recusar o juramento ao Estado e viver o Evangelho na simplicidade e na não-violência — foram caçados por católicos e protestantes alike. Prisões, exílios, galés, afogamentos (o “terceiro batismo”). Muitos converteram-se externamente para sobreviver, mantendo a fé no silêncio dos lares ou nas montanhas. Nossos Gerber de Shangnau foram parte dessa saga de sobrevivência. Não por covardia, mas por astúcia da fé que se esconde para continuar existindo.__Meu pai, com seus 100 anos, suíço de alma mas nascido no Rio de Janeiro, recebeu a notícia com a leveza alegre que caracteriza os nossos: “Beata, boas notícias apenas!”. Ele sorriu. Eu, que herdei o amor pela genealogia, chorei de emoção ao contar-lhe os detalhes. Ali, entre gerações, fechou-se um círculo. O que era confusão tornou-se clareza; o que era dor de identidade fragmentada virou orgulho sereno.____Triste, no entanto, constatar como a religião — qualquer que seja — tantas vezes divide em vez de unir. O amor de Deus é imenso, oceânico, incondicional. O amor dos homens, frágil, tropeça em dogmas, em poderes, em medos. Anabatistas, judeus, muçulmanos, católicos: todos pagaram o preço da intolerância. A história suíça carrega essa ferida, como carrega a beleza das montanhas que abrigaram os perseguidos.____Hoje, de São Paulo, olho para trás com gratidão. A descoberta não apaga o que vivi em Israel nem o respeito profundo pelos sofrimentos judaicos. Ao contrário: enriquece. Mostra que as raízes são mais entrelaçadas do que imaginamos e que a verdadeira herança não está em rótulos étnicos ou religiosos, mas na capacidade de resistir com dignidade, de perdoar e de buscar a verdade mesmo quando ela desarruma nossa narrativa anterior.____Que esta carta chegue aos suíços da diáspora e aos que permanecem na pátria: nossas histórias pessoais são fios da grande tapeçaria helvética. Que elas sirvam não para dividir, mas para lembrar que, no fim, o que resta é a busca humilde pela luz — seja no batismo adulto de um Anabatista, seja na oração de um judeu em Jerusalém, seja no silêncio contemplativo de um suíço no Brasil.

treerap@sprintmail.com 2026-06-10 10:01

As a practicing Urban Forester and Consulting Arborist, I have certain areas of expertise that do not exist here in Switzerland but are critical to the planning and management of the Urban Forest. Given that I am retired but still very active in my profession, I have frequently donated my expertise to colleagues who are working on projects that could benefit from my assistance.____It always interested me that there was a discomfort with my donating my expertise rather than wanting to be paid. A friend and colleague told me there is a saying here in Switzerland which he translated as "If it doesn't cost anything, it's worthless"____Coming from a culture where donating professional services is definitely something retirees as well as working professionals do and is always greatly appreciated and well recognized by the institution or organization beneficiaries, I find it extremely disappointing that donating expertise should be so dismissed and disrespected.

Ilda Pereira 2026-07-01 19:34

@treerap@sprintmail.com

Well done

Leopoldo 2026-06-08 06:02

The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

The Escher family owned a coffee plantation in Cuba ‘where slaves, watched over by dogs, worked 14 hours a day’; Alfred Escher is regarded as one of the architects of modern Switzerland. What is the difference between Escher’s past and Switzerland’s present?

La familia Escher fue propietaria de una plantación cafetera en Cuba «donde esclavos vigilados por perros trabajaban 14 horas al día», Alfred Escher está considerado como uno de los arquitectos de la Suiza moderna. Que diferencia hay entre èl ayer de Escher y el hoy de Suiza

christopherobin 2026-05-02 21:01

Dont forget..on top of sailing expertise, Swiss Rowers have completed and won the 3000km row across the Atlantic from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Nelsons Dockyard in the Carrabean and won it again this December 25 to feb 26.

Bimenes 2026-04-07 10:30

The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

Hi____I heard that, according to tradition, once a year a child was allowed to smoke in a certain district. Is that true?

Hola____Escuché que por tradición una vez al año un niño podía fumar en algún cantón. Es cierto

Zeno Zoccatelli SWI SWISSINFO.CH 2026-06-08 13:37

The following contribution has been automatically translated from IT.

@Bimenes

These are the "Viehscahu", the cattle festivals in Appenzell, which take place in late September and early October. My colleague Daniele Mariani has written an article on the subject: ____https://www.tvsvizzera.it/tvs/cultura-e-dintorni/le-feste-in-cui-anche-chi-ha-sei-anni-può-fumare-appenzello/47441210 ____In 2022, a series of photographs of smokers at the Viehschau came third in the Swiss Press Photo Awards.____https://swisspressaward.ch/de/member/c00030250/e4s

Si tratta delle "Viehscahu" le feste del bestiame in Appenzello, che si tengono verso fine settembre e inizio ottobre. Il mio collega Daniele Mariani ha scritto un articolo sul tema: ____https://www.tvsvizzera.it/tvs/cultura-e-dintorni/le-feste-in-cui-anche-chi-ha-sei-anni-può-fumare-appenzello/47441210 ____Nel 2022, una serie di fotografie sui fumatori delle Viehschau si è classificata terza agli Swiss press photos Awards.____https://swisspressaward.ch/de/member/c00030250/e4s

Megandaypb 2026-03-16 11:32

Hi I’m curious if you know why Swiss drivers do not signal direction turn off in roundabouts nearly causing accidents when they drive straight and then turn suddenly in front of you?!____Also - what’s going on w proposed commuter ferry from corsier across the lake? And what’s happening with the travail around streets around the gate cornavin, in eaux vives

Calmei 2026-02-26 07:44

I found it peculiar that in Switzerland, the speed limit signage shows what is NOT the limit when a limit exists. And there may be no other signage restating the limit, for miles, until the limit changes. I also found it peculiar that the signage for the right lane can be in the left lane, and that the driver is responsible for everything, including if a rear driver hits their car. Usually, you are responsible for what is happening in front of you, and the rear drivers are responsible for what happens in front of them.

Acara 2026-03-10 04:48

The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

@Calmei

Speed limit signs in Switzerland indicate the speed limit, as I believe is the case in all countries. ____Regarding accidents, if you brake suddenly and the car behind you crashes into you, it is normal for you to be held responsible. That seems logical.

Les panneaux de limitation de vitesse en Suisse indiquent la vitesse à ne pas dépasser, comme dans tous les pays me semble-t-il. ____Concernant les accidents, si vous freinez brusquement et que la voiture qui vous suit vous rentre dedans, c'est normal que ce soit vous le responsable. Ça semble logique.

judywa.nz@gmail.com 2026-06-22 21:10

@Acara

Is that logical? What if the driver behind is not paying attention and often it is necessary to brake suddenly . Shouldn't the driver behind be paying attention and not following too close. ____Down here in New Zealand we have the opposite law which makes the car behind responsible . Of course we do have more space and not so much traffic and lower speed limits. The difference is interesting . ____What do others think

Franco-suisse 2026-02-23 07:38

The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

Being French by birth, the most surprising thing about Switzerland for me was learning about the "secret" held by certain Swiss people, and discovering that even hospitals (public service, editor's note) can call on these people, particularly in cases of burns (fire cutters).__To this day, I don't know what to think: divine, or even satanic? A pact with supernatural entities?__It really intrigues me.

Étant française d'origine, la chose la plus surprenante concernant la Suisse a été pour moi de connaître l'existence du "secret" détenu par certaines personnes suisses, et d'apprendre que même les hôpitaux (service public ndlr) peuvent faire appel à ces personnes, en cas de brûlure notamment (coupeurs de feu).__Jusqu'à aujourd'hui je ne sais pas quoi en penser :don divin, voire satanique ? Pacte avec des entités surnaturelles?__Cela m'intrigue vraiment.

Acara 2026-03-10 04:54

The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

@Franco-suisse

These are rumours; not all hospitals share this kind of information. These are ancient beliefs, fire cutters, nothing satanic, they simply recite prayers. The results are similar to a placebo effect.

Ce sont des ont-dits, tous les hôpitaux ne partagent pas ce genre d'informations. Il s'agit d'anciennes croyances, les coupeurs de feu, rien de satanique, ils récitent simplement des prières. Les résultats sont similaires à un effet placebo.

Acara 2026-03-10 05:14

The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

@Franco-suisse

In fact, it's not just in Switzerland; in France, there are 6,000 fire cutters, and some hospitals, such as the one in Grenoble, also have a telephone list that they share with patients undergoing chemotherapy, for example. Of course, hospitals do not call on them directly. There is no scientific evidence that this has any effect, and it is only used as a complementary treatment. Placebo effect.

En fait il n'y a pas qu'en Suisse, en France vous avez 6000 coupeurs de feu, et certains hôpitaux comme celui de Grenoble a aussi une liste de téléphone qu'ils partagent avec les patients sous chimiothérapie par exemple. Les hôpitaux ne font pas appel à eux directement bien sûr. ____Aucune preuve scientifique que cela a un quelconque effet, et c'est uniquement en complément. Effet placebo.

Beatriz Gerber 2026-02-19 07:34

The following contribution has been automatically translated from PT.

I’d like to know whether my Gerber family from Shangnau were Anabaptists, and all I have is this family tree that I went there to fetch; but if I were to look through the books any further, I was afraid I might damage them as they were so carefully preserved, Here is what I know about my ____—I could only see records from 1827 onwards, as the other books were very old: __Gerber Jakob 1829/1904

Gostaria de saber se a origem da minha família Gerber de Shangnau eram Anabatistas e o que tenho seria essa arvore que fui lá buscar, mas se mexesse mais nos livros temia os mal tratar pois estavam delicadamente guardados, aqui segue o que sei da minha ____pude ver apenas desde 1827 pois, os outros livros estavam muito antigos sendo: __Gerber Jakob 1829/1904

KevinHafter 2026-02-13 13:37

As a dual national who drives a great deal in the UK and Switzerland, I found the article on the Swiss highway code interesting. In particular, my experience of enforcement is that its limited in CH, and that adherence to speed limits and the uphill priority for meeting other cars is poorly adhered to. The Swiss are very happy to tailgate on mountains and motorways , and in heavy fast moving traffic drive exceptionally close to other cars. Pedestrian crossings have nothing like the protection or status they do in the UK, where cars may not be parked within a defined distance to preserve sight lines. The Swiss obsession with road surface renewal is a joy to behold. You can feel the difference immediately you cross the border from France to Switzerland, and in the UK, road surface 'potholes' are a major and growing problem, and a constant political flash point. The ultimate measure of success is road injuries and deaths per 1,000,000 km. Looking at data is always a good thing!

Acara 2026-03-10 05:28

The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

@KevinHafter

In Switzerland, it is also prohibited to park near pedestrian crossings. You must leave a distance of 5 metres, which is more or less the same as in the United Kingdom, except that there are markings on the road.

En Suisse aussi il est interdit de se parquer près des passages piétons, il est obligatoire de laisser une distance de 5 mètres, ce qui est plus ou moins pareil qu'au Royaume-Uni sauf que vous avez des marquages au sol.

kappenberger 2026-02-10 21:08

Wonderful that you so augment consultation/conversation

TITI17 2026-02-10 06:31

The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

When we returned to Switzerland from Basel, we arrived on the motorway, and it was "strange" that motorists drive on the left, and even more so towards Zurich, which is a considerable nuisance for those who want to overtake.

quand ont rentre en Suisse depuis Bale,ont arrive sur l'autoroute ,et la chose "Bizarre?,et que les automobilistes roule a gauche ,et vers Zürich encore plus ,une gene conssiderable pour ceux qui veulent doubler

Lalla 2026-02-10 14:20

The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

@TITI17

I completely agree!!! I regularly drive on the Geneva-Lausanne motorway and I don't understand this terrible and annoying habit Swiss drivers have of driving at 100 km/h IN THE LEFT LANE!!! UNBEARABLE!!! It should be punished!!! INCOMPREHENSIBLE!!!

Je suis tout-à-fait d'accord!!! Je roule régulièrement sur l'autoroute Genève-Lausanne et je ne comprends pas cette terrible et énervante habitude des suisses à rouler à 100 km/h SUR LA GAUCHE!!! INSUPPORTABLE!!! Ce devrait être sanctionné !!! INCOMPRÉHENSIBLE !!!

Acara 2026-03-10 05:31

The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

@Lalla

Yes, it's annoying, and it's the same or even worse in France.

Oui c'est énervant, et c'est pareil voir encore pire en France.

Ze'ev 2026-03-16 12:41

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

@TITI17

Those annoying drivers in the left-hand lane are a hindrance to traffic and force you to overtake on the right.____I learnt long ago that the faster lane is usually the right-hand one. Only now and then do you have to switch to the left to overtake a lorry, but then immediately back to the right.____No law forces me to slow down in the right-hand lane if a car in the left-hand lane is driving slower than me.____The left-hand lane is intended for overtaking, not for driving there constantly.

Die nervigen Links-Fahrer sind ein Verkehrshindernis und zwingen einen zum Rechtsüberholen.____Ich habe schon lange gelernt, dass die schnellere Spur in aller Regel die rechte ist. Bloss hie und da muss man auf die linke wechseln, um einen LKW zu überholen, doch danach sofort wieder zurück nach rechts.____Kein Gesetz zwingt mich, auf der rechten Spur abzubremsen, wenn ein Auto auf der linken Spur langsamer fährt als ich.____Die linke Spur ist zum Überholen vorgesehen, nicht um konstant dort zu fahren.

Kiwichat 2026-02-07 22:34

The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

I read with interest the Swissinfo article entitled "Penalties and oddities of the Swiss Highway Code". One detail particularly intrigued me: in the first aerial photograph illustrating the article, a cyclist can be seen riding against the flow of traffic. However, further on in the text, there is mention of zero tolerance for traffic offences in Switzerland. Yet, from my own observations, I have never seen a cyclist being fined for breaking the Highway Code, even in cases of obvious offences.This perfectly illustrates the paradox mentioned in the article's title: in Switzerland, cyclists seem to escape punishment, while dog owners who do not keep their animals on a leash are fined 150 francs per dog. In my opinion, this disparity in treatment deserves to be questioned.

J'ai lu avec intérêt l'article de Swissinfo intitulé "Punitions et bizarreries du Code de la route en Suisse". Un détail m'a particulièrement intrige : sur la première photographie aérienne illustrant l'article, on aperçoit un cycliste circulant à contresens.____Or, plus loin dans le texte, on évoque la tolérance zéro appliquée aux infractions routières en Suisse. Pourtant, de mes propres observations, je n'ai jamais vu un cycliste être verbalisé pour non-respect du code de la route, même en cas d'infraction manifeste.____Voilà qui illustre parfaitement le paradoxe évoqué dans le titre de l'article : en Suisse, les cyclistes semblent échapper aux sanctions, alors qu'un propriétaire de chien dont l'animal n'est pas tenu en laisse écope d'une amende de 150 francs par chien.____Cette disparité de traitement mérite, à mon sens, d'être questionnée.

Calmei 2026-02-26 07:31

@Kiwichat

In that article, it is stated that drivers must cause “as little disturbance as possible”. So, this disparity of treatment fits that mentality, since dogs pose a threat and a nuisance (from biting to leaving an unpicked crap in an unsupervised moment) mostly to others, while bikes are mostly a threat to the cyclists themselves.

Grace Vontobel 2026-01-13 15:23

Back in high school, my friend showed me a Canadian history book her father had written. In it we were told that a significant number of Swiss men were some of the early settlers in Canada. __ One of the earliest settlers in Canada was Pierre Miville (d. 1669).[4] Laurenz Ermatinger (1736 to 1789), a fur trader and merchant, arrived in Montreal from Switzerland and together with his son Charles Oakes (1776 to 1833), and Sebastian Freyvogel have explored the large Huron tract.__Swiss mercenaries arrived in New France (Canada) with French forces in the 1700s (like the Karrer Regiment) and later as British soldiers (like Frederick Haldimand), with many Swiss, including former soldiers and Mennonite refugees, settling permanently from the late 18th century onward, particularly in Quebec and Ontario.__Swiss Mercenaries in New France

Ilze Ess 2026-01-12 06:52

When I lived in Zürich in 1972-3 I found it quaint to see this sign near the river: "Hier darfst Du" with a drawing of a dog. I never knew that Swiss dogs could read! I guess the picture was necessary so humans would not think it applied to them as well.____The other thing that caught my eye was the existence of a "Pferdemetzgerei" - in Australia, where I live, it's not customary to eat horsemeat. So I have never seen this meat as an option. We can eat kangaroo and crocodile, but not horses.

gbmwtr@bluewin.ch 2026-02-08 13:11

@Ilze Ess

Very cute, and tongue in cheek comment! No, Swiss dogs, like dogs around the world cannot read. The 'Hier darfst du' sign simply shows the dog owner that it's OK to let the dog do it's business, as long as you clean it up. You MUST have seen the very many signs stating; 'Hier darfst du NICHT' to warn you to not let your dog poop there.

ZuriMeitli 2026-03-08 00:17

@Ilze Ess

My Oma served my new American husband Horse steak one evening in Zurich to get a reaction. He's a Hunter so he didn't mind 🤣

Ze'ev 2026-03-16 12:46

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

@Ilze Ess

I like the "You may use this" sign, and it’s good to know if I’m desperate but there’s no public toilet to be seen for miles.____The fact that there’s a dog pictured on this sign doesn’t bother me. If I’m allowed to, then of course my dog is too.____But back to the serious side: the correct wording would, of course, be “Your dog is allowed here”.____But try telling a Zurich resident they’re wrong. That could easily be life-threatening!____LOL!

"Hier darfst du" gefällt mir und es ist gut zu wissen, wenn ich dringend müsste, weit und breit jedoch keine öffentliche Toilette zu sehen ist.____Dass auf diesem Schild auch ein Hund abgebildet ist, stört mich nicht. Wenn ICH das darf, dann darf mein Hund das natürlich auch.____Aber zurück zum Ernst: Korrekt wäre natürlich "Hie darf dein Hund".____Doch sag mal einem Zürcher, dass er falsch liegt. Das kann leicht lebensbedrohlich werden!____LOL!

skaylully@gmail.com 2026-01-03 19:33

The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

Following is a letter (in French) that I sent to our town administration last year. The answer was that there were no cantonal or federal laws on the subject.____We have a problem with domestic cats roaming around our garden. They come to hunt and kill birds and lizards,__but they also come to relieve themselves in our vegetable garden (and for__that reason we are obliged to always cover our flower beds__with a net). Of course we try to let the cats know, by__different__means, that they are not welcome, but with little__success, as our garden is large and difficult to keep an eye on. Soon the birds will be nesting, the lizards will begin to warm themselves in the sun, and we cannot always be at home to protect them. Dogs must be kept on a lead, their owners are obliged to pick up their droppings, and they are not allowed to roam the neighbourhood. We were told that with cats, it's different, because "it's nature. But, in nature, feral cats all have their own territory. It__has been estimated that the density of domestic cats is about 50% higher than in the wild. (Wildlife Research) "On the Swiss Plateau, there are about 50 to 60 cats per square kilometre. Cats therefore have a much higher density than all other predators taken together. Like all predators, cats avoid an area that is not suitable for them.

Following is a letter (in French) that I sent to our town administration last year. The answer was that there were no cantonal or federal laws on the subject.____Nous avons un problème avec des chats domestiques qui vagabondent dans__notre jardin. Ils viennent afin de chasser et tuer les oiseaux et les lèzards,__mais ils viennent aussi afin de faire leur besoin dans notre potager (et pour__cette raison nous sommes obligés de toujours couvrir nos plates bandes__avec un filet). Bien-sûr nous essayons de laisser savoir aux chats, par des__différents moyens, qu’ils ne sont pas les bienvenues, mais avec peu de__succès, car notre jardin est grand et difficil à surveiller. Ces jours, il y a un__troupe de trois chats qui viennent à plusieurs reprises pendant la journée.__Bientôt les oiseaux feront leur nids, les lèzards commencent à se chauffer__dans le soleil, et nous ne pouvons pas être toujours chez nous afin de leur__proteger.__Les chiens doivent être tenu en laisse, leur proprietaires sont obligés de__ramasser leur crottes, et il ne sont pas permis de vagabonder dans le__quartier. On nous a dit qu’avec les chats, c’est different, car « c’est la__nature. » Mais, dans la nature, les chats sauvages ont tous leur territoire. Il__a été estimé que la densité des chats domestiques est environ 50% plus haut__que dans la nature. (Wildlife Research) « Sur le Plateau suisse, on trouve__environ 50 à 60 chats par kilomètre carré. Les chats présentent donc une__densité beaucoup plus élevée que celle de tous les autres prédateurs pris__ensemble. Comme tous les prédateurs, les chats évitent un

ErSt 2025-12-22 11:49

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

It is not possible to speak of 'emigration' at that time, as there were no nation states such as France or Switzerland. The Helvetii were a Gallic tribe and wanted to move within Gaul in order to be safer from Germanic tribes and the expansionist desires of Roman tribes or power groups. As the Romans subjugated Gaul, today we know almost only their one-sided view; the actual culture and perspective of the Helvetii was largely suppressed.

Man kann damals nicht von ‚Auswandern‘ sprechen, da es keine Nationalstaaten wie Frankreich oder die Schweiz gab. Die Helvetier waren ein gallischer Stamm und wollten innerhalb Galliens umziehen, um mehr Sicherheit vor germanischen Stämmen und den Expansionsgelüsten römischer Stämme bzw. Machtgruppen zu haben. Da die Römer Gallien unterwarfen, kennen wir heute fast nur ihre einseitige Sichtweise; die eigentliche Kultur und Perspektive der Helvetier wurde dabei weitgehend verdrängt.

coolmum 2025-12-08 13:09

I presume it is still illegal to wash your car on a Sunday____I presume it is still illegal to hang your washing out on a Sunday.

ErSt 2025-12-22 12:01

The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

@coolmum

Most people now have a washing machine in their home, including a tumble dryer. It doesn't matter any more. Washing cars on a Sunday? That's a Christian day of rest. But the new self-service car washes can be used 24/7. Shouldn't bother anyone any more. As they are not in residential neighbourhoods, but in the industrial zone.

Die meisten haben heute die Waschmaschine in der Wohnung inkl. Tumbler. Das spielt es keine Rolle mehr. Autos waschen am Sonntag? Ist doch ein Christlicher Ruhetag. Aber die neuen Selbstbdienungswaschstrassen kann man 24h mal 7 bedienen. Sollte auch niemanden mehr stören. Da sie auch nicht in den Wohnquartieren stehen, sonden in der Industriezone.

Andrea Costa 2025-11-03 09:37

The following contribution has been automatically translated from IT.

When I was in Madeira on holiday, I found at the westernmost point of the island a metal plaque with the insignia of the Swiss Confederation explaining that the point of origin of the coordinates used for the maps of the Federal Office of Topography is off Madeira and no longer on Swiss soil.

Quando sono stato a Madeira in vacanza, ho trovato nel punto più a ovest dell'isola una placca di metallo con le insegne della Confederazione Svizzera che spiegava come il punto di origine delle coordinate usate per le mappe dell'Ufficio federale di topografia si trovi al largo di Madeira e non più sul suolo svizzero.