Swiss Identity

“Micro-tube” offers hope for glaucoma sufferers

This content was published on Jan 21, 2004 It involves inserting a microscopic tube into the eye to drain away excess fluid and relieve pressure on the optic nerve, preventing loss of sight. The technique was developed by André Mermoud from the Jules Gonin eye hospital and trials on ten patients have successfully stabilised the pressure inside the eye. The operation simplifies and…

Demographics

Bobsleigh speeds through first 100 years

This content was published on Jan 21, 2004 The St Moritz Olympia Bob Run is an anomaly in an era of hi-tech sport, as the track has changed little over the decades. A bone-chilling winter wind pushed temperatures down to well below freezing on the opening day of the new season in St Moritz, located 1,800 metres above sea level. The constant wintry…

Demographics

Dip into Baden’s historical spas

This content was published on Jan 21, 2004 The country is awash with natural springs and, as elsewhere in Europe, it was the Romans who first tapped into the thermal waters. It’s been a while since a Swiss politician took his clothes off to sign a treaty with a foreign country. News of such dealings in a thermal bath would make a real…

Culture

Frozen ghosts haunt Gemmi Pass

This content was published on Jan 21, 2004 The local authorities now keep the pass open at this time of year, which enabled swissinfo to follow in the footsteps of many a literary giant. The Gemmi Pass, which links the Bernese Oberland with canton Valais, was one of the most frequented north-south mountain routes for writers, artists and scientists exploring the Alps. Many…

Culture

N. Paganini: Concerto for Violin No 1. Parviz Mahmoud: Concertino for Violin and Orchestra. Julius Aria Sabhai, violin. Bulgarian State Philharmonic. Dir. Manuchehr Sahbai.

This content was published on Jan 21, 2004

History

Unique bells ring in the season

This content was published on Jan 21, 2004 swissinfo presents a guide to a few of the places where the bells are definitely worth hearing. The “poor sinners’ bell” announces the hour. It is 7pm in Bern and the Minster bell is a signal for merchants at the Christmas market in the square below to close up for the evening. Switzerland is particularly…

Demographics

Backpackers live like kings of the castle

This content was published on Jan 21, 2004 The country has a network of low-cost hostels and backpacker hotels, many of which are found in wonderful old buildings – even medieval castles. The current lord of Rotberg Castle, Thomas Krämer, stirs a creamy tomato sauce while keeping a watchful eye on a small pot of pesto. “I’m king of the castle, king of…

Demographics

Guides explore flower power in the Alps

This content was published on Jan 21, 2004 The goal of these guides, called “mountain leaders”, is to explain the rich alpine flora and fauna. Armin Christen, one of the managers of the mountain leader school, picks and eats the leaf of a humble plant usually trampled on by hikers as they walk along mountain trails. “Locals here in the Val d’Anniviers still…

Demographics

Gimmelwald is as Swiss as apple pie

This content was published on Jan 21, 2004 American travellers started a quiet invasion of the sleepy alpine hamlet years ago followed by other English-speaking tourists. But Gimmelwald has remained unspoilt, and the locals want to keep it that way. Strolling along Gimmelwald’s main road, which is closed to motorised traffic, Olle Eggimann steps into a shed housing a few goats and calves.…

Demographics

Summer heats up for Adelboden

This content was published on Jan 21, 2004 The French-language “Bilan” magazine put Adelboden at the top of a list of 25 Swiss resorts, saying it offers holidaymakers the best value for money and lauding it for its charm. Bilan described Adelboden as having the right mix of leisure activities suitable for both adrenalin-seekers and holidaymakers wanting a more relaxed vacation, and all…

Swiss Identity

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Swiss Identity

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“Micro-tube” offers hope for glaucoma sufferers

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Bobsleigh speeds through first 100 years

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Dip into Baden’s historical spas

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Frozen ghosts haunt Gemmi Pass

More

N. Paganini: Concerto for Violin No 1. Parviz Mahmoud: Concertino for Violin and Orchestra. Julius Aria Sabhai, violin. Bulgarian State Philharmonic. Dir. Manuchehr Sahbai.

More

Unique bells ring in the season

More

Backpackers live like kings of the castle

More

Guides explore flower power in the Alps

More

Gimmelwald is as Swiss as apple pie

More

Summer heats up for Adelboden

Popular Stories

Most Discussed